Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) is an excellent source of useable organic sulfur, one of the most important raw materials for building healthy new cells. Since sulfur is a component of all cells, it is essential that the body have a plentiful supply of this mineral in its usable form. When MSM is taken in combination with vitamin C, new cells are more pliable and permeable. Fluids pass through the tissues more easily.⁽¹⁾ These pliable, permeable new cells can have a positive effect on a number of conditions including:

• Acne

• Aging Skin

• Allergies

• Skin Damage

• Arthritis

• Fragile Hair and Nails

• Constipation

• Muscle Pain and Cramps

• Diabetes

• Digestive Disorders

• Parasites

• Toxic Buildup

The body is continuously at work replacing old, worn out cells with new ones. When all the raw materials needed for cell-building are available, it is a very efficient process. When there are deficiencies, the new cells may be weak, rigid or deformed.

One of the most significant uses of MSM as a supplement is its demonstrated ability to relieve pain and inflammation. When rigid fibrous tissue cells swell and become inflamed, pressure and pain result.  Since MSM can restore flexibility and permeability to cell walls, fluids pass through the tissues more easily which helps to equalize pressure and reduce or eliminate the cause of pain. Harmful substances such as lactic acid and toxins are allowed to flow out while nutrients are permitted to flow in. This prevents the pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation.⁽¹⁾

Arthritis patients report substantial, long-lasting relief with MSM supplements. Taken along with glucosamine, a key substance in rebuilding cartilage, MSM can relieve pain and help repair worn or damaged cartilage in joints, ligaments and tendons with healthy, flexible new cells.⁽¹⁾

MSM has shown a remarkable ability to reduce or eliminate muscle soreness and cramps both in geriatric patients and in athletes. It is even given to race horses before a race to prevent muscle soreness and afterward to reduce the risk of cramping.⁽¹⁾

A body made up of healthy, flexible cells will not only feel better, it will look better. Sulfur has been called "natures beauty mineral" because it is needed to keep the hair glossy and smooth , the complexion clear and youthful. It is necessary for synthesis of collagen and is prevalent in keratin, a tough protein substance that is essential to health and maintenance of the skin, nails and hair.^(1-5) MSM is licensed under nine U.S. patents and various foreign patents for both nutritional and cosmetic use.⁽²⁾

Sulfur is responsible for the flexible disulfide bonds between cells, including those that make up the skin. It blocks undesirable chemical and physical cross-linking or bonding of collagen which is associated with tough, aging skin. Consequently, MSM enhances tissue pliability and encourages repair of damaged skin. If there is insufficient sulfur in the body when new cells are being manufactured, the new cells will be rigid. This rigidity can contribute to cracking, wrinkling and unsightly scar tissue. When sufficient sulfur is present for new cells, the skin is softer, smoother and more flexible.⁽¹⁾

Acne, including the severe acne rosacea, responds favorably to MSM supplements. Adequate sulfur and vitamin C are also needed for healing. When the body is deficient in these nutrients, the new tissue produced will be elevated leaving an unattractive, raised scar. Because MSM makes the skin more permeable and pliant, it can also help prevent blistering and promote faster healing of sunburn or wind damage.⁽¹⁾

With MSM supplements, nails show not only an increase in growth rate, but also increased toughness and resistance to chipping and cracking. This effect has been seen both in human nails and horses hoofs.⁽²⁾

Flexible, permeable cells also allow toxins, allergens and foreign substances to be flushed out of the body more easily. When skin cells are soft and permeable, many toxins can be eliminated through the sweat glands, which takes some of the load off the liver and kidneys. While MSM is no cure for allergies, supplementation may reduce symptoms by allowing allergens to be removed from the body more quickly. Even reactions to insect bites, poison ivy and poison oak are less severe when the diet is supplemented with MSM. Vitamin C is also synergistic in this application in that it can lower histamine levels.⁽¹⁾

MSM has also shown amazing antiparasitic action against Giardia, Trichomonas, roundworms, nematodes, Enterobius and other intestinal worms. When parasites attach themselves to the intestinal lining, they can live, reproduce and rob the body of nutrients indefinitely. MSM blocks parasites by competing for receptor sites on the mucous membrane. When parasites can not attach themselves, they are simply flushed out of the system.⁽¹⁾

The same is true with food allergens. MSM coats mucosal surfaces and occupies binding sites that could otherwise be used by challenging food allergens.  It can also bind with offending agents to produce harmless substances which are then excreted from the body. This facilitates normal digestion and assimilation and allows the body to get maximum nutritional value from foods that would otherwise cause a reaction. Individuals who experience an allergic response to certain foods have reported improved or complete tolerance to those foods when they take MSM supplements. Healthy flexible colon tissues along with improved digestion, can also relieve constipation.⁽¹⁾

Sulfur is also a component of insulin, the hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism and insufficient sulfur may result in decreased insulin production. It is also possible that a lack of bioavailable sulfur would make the cells so rigid and impermeable that they become unable to absorb sugar from the blood efficiently, leaving blood sugar levels elevated. Studies indicate that regular MSM supplements which cause the cell to become permeable, could help balance blood sugar and allow the overworked pancreas to return to normal.⁽¹⁾

This nonmetallic element is so essential to life that it is found in every cell of every plant and every animal. Sulfur makes up 0.25% of the human body weight. While sulfur is required by both plants and animals, neither can use elemental sulfur directly. In its inorganic form sulfur is not readily bioavailable to living things.⁽¹⁾ Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products are the main sources of dietary sulfur, but we have been advised to restrict or remove many of those foods from our diets. Vegetarians, especially those who do not eat eggs, are at particular risk for sulfur deficiency. Plants cells contain sulfur but not in abundant quantities and much of the MSM present in unprocessed foods is lost in washing, cooking or steaming. MSM levels decline noticeably with age. So, the older you get, the more important it becomes to maintain adequate sulfur levels in the body.

Due to its positive effects, particularly in maintaining healthy cell formation, 3 to 6 capsules daily are recommended. Optimum daily dosage depends largely on body size, age and the nature and severity of deficiency symptoms.⁽¹⁾

MSM ranks in the extremely low toxicity category with a toxicity profile similar to that of water. When oral supplements are taken, the body will distribute MSM where it is needed. Any excess amounts will be flushed out of the body.^(1-3) MSM, a member of the sulfur family, should never be confused with sulfa drugs to which some people are allergic.

MSM, a derivative of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), is a pure, stable, white crystalline powder without the unpleasant smell or taste of DMSO.^(1-3) Also, MSM does not cause a strong body odor like DMSO.

WARNING:   This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

Each Capsule Contains: % Daily Value
Vitamin C (from magnesium ascorbate) 100 mg. 167%
Magnesium (from magnesium ascorbate) 7 mg. 2%
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)† 800 mg. *
Other ingredients: magnesium stearate, gelatin.

*Daily Value not established.

†This ingredient is licensed under the following U.S. patents: 5,017,878; 4,973,065; 4,863,748; 4,616,039; 4,568,547; 4,559,329; 4,514,421; 4.477,469; 4,296,130.

Recommended Use: 3-6 capsules daily.