Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural compound found in plant-based and animal foods, such as meat, dairy, and vegetables. It provides a rich source of sulfur, which plays a role in several bodily processes, such as building and repairing DNA and protecting your cells against damage.
MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it is commonly taken as a supplement to help treat inflammatory conditions, such as joint pain, and arthritis and to support muscle recovery.
Many people like to take supplements in the evening as part of their daily ritual. But have you found taking MSM before bed keeps you up at night? Well, you're not wrong! MSM has stimulatory effects on the body shortly after consumption.
Keep reading to find out about the benefits of MSM supplements, when it is best to take them, and potential side effects.
Benefits of MSM for Joint Health
One of the most frequent uses of MSM is to treat joint pain and inflammatory joint problems such as osteoarthritis, a common joint disease that affects roughly 32.5 million people in the US.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, a tough, flexible tissue that covers the surface of joints, acting as a shock absorber and allowing joints to move smoothly. A loss of cartilage in this way can lead to pain, swelling of joints, stiffness, and ultimately loss of mobility.
MSM is heralded for its anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting the production of certain proteins, such as cytokines, that are involved in the inflammatory response1. It also increases the release of glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants that helps reduce cell damage caused by oxidative stress.
This occurs when there is an excess of free radicals in the body, which are released during normal metabolic processes, aging, and in response to toxins.
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that cause damage to other cells in the body and can contribute to aging and the development of joint diseases, like arthritis. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful free radicals and help protect the body from damage.
Studies show that MSM can help stop the breakdown of cartilage and reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects2. It is found to be particularly effective when combined with other supplements that help improve joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin3.
MSM Side Effects
MSM supplements are considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration. According to toxicity studies, most people can safely tolerate doses up to 4g a day without experiencing any unwanted side effects4.
However, some people who are more sensitive to MSM may experience mild side effects at lower doses, including nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and skin and eye irritation when MSM is applied to the skin. Taking too much MSM can also have harmful effects on the body, so never exceed recommended doses.
MSM improves the permeability of your body’s cell membranes, allowing toxins and metabolic waste products to be removed more easily while increasing the uptake of nutrients and water. This makes the process of digestion more efficient and provides a natural small boost of energy as a result.
Therefore, it is advised not to take MSM supplements before bedtime, as they may keep you awake at night. For best results, take them in the morning.
Conclusion
MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. People commonly take MSM as a supplement to help treat joint pain and joint disorders, like osteoarthritis.
MSM supplements are safe and have very few side effects when taken at the correct dosage. It is advised to always take them in the morning, to avoid MSM’s stimulatory effects interfering with sleep.
If you are thinking about trying MSM, it's always important to buy from a reputable manufacturer of high-quality supplements.
Performance Lab Flex combines MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin into one tablet to help support better joint health and relieve aches and pains.
References
- Ahn, Huijeong, et al. "Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation." Cytokine 71.2 (2015): 223-231.
- Xu, Gang, et al. "Evaluation of the Effect of Mega MSM on Improving Joint Function in Populations Experiencing Joint Degeneration." International Journal of Biomedical Science: IJBS 11.2 (2015): 54.
- Lubis, Andri MT, et al. "Comparison of glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate with and without methylsulfonylmethane in grade I-II knee osteoarthritis: a double blind randomized controlled trial." Acta Med Indones 49.2 (2017): 105-111.
- Butawan, Matthew, Rodney L. Benjamin, and Richard J. Bloomer. "Methylsulfonylmethane: applications and safety of a novel dietary supplement." Nutrients 9.3 (2017): 290.
