Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (MSM)

[Bob]

This is the modern name for Brimstone, a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur found in all living organisms. It is a white odourless, slightly bitter tasting crystalline substance containing 34% elemental sulphur.

MSM is found in blood and certain organs, unpasturised milk, eggs, raw fish, grains and fresh vegetables such as red peppers, onion, garlic, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and cabbage. But it is volatile and is easily lost during cooking, processing and refining.

MSM was originally discovered by a Russian scientist working in Germany over a century ago. The formula was rediscovered by an American chemist, Dr. Robert Herschler, who now owns the patent on this compound. MSM is classified as a food supplement but also falls into the category of substances called neutraceuticals.

Sulphur is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body of humans and animals, it is known to some scientists as the sleeping giant. While it is present in large quantities many of it roles are poorly understood.

Sulphur is required for the formation and function of cell membranes and connective tissue, so has an important role in repair and healing of damaged tissues.

Sulphur is responsible for the exchange of ions within the sodium-potassium pump in the cell membrane and so is needed to maintain cell membrane permeability. This ensures that nutrients are delivered to cells and that toxins can be eliminated.

Sulphur promotes joint flexibility, reduces stiffness, swelling and joint pain. Arthritic joint cartilage contains about a third of the level of sulphur found in healthy cartilage.

Sulphur has a role in the modulation of allergy as it can reduce histamine release.

The human body requires 850mg of dietary organic sulphur daily, little is known about the exact amounts that animals require in their diet but it is practically impossible to give an overdose of sulphur. Most humans are started on a dose of 1000mg MSM daily building up to 2000mg daily for as long as the condition being treated requires. After ingestion MSM stays in the blood for much longer than other organic sulphur molecules.

MSM aids the repair of damaged cell membranes by donating sulphur to the cellular repair mechanisms. This action is especially useful in the repair of diseased or damages joint cartilage and ligaments but also tendons and muscle. Thus MSM finds it greatest use in speeding the resolution of inflammation and pain associated with any musculoskeletal injury or disease. For this reason it is sometimes found combined in products with glucosamine and chondroitin.

MSM supplements are produced from wood fibre from carefully managed forests and is a vegan product

Bob
Administrator
Petswarehouse.com

[mom of three again]

Great info! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Leslie-Ann,
Moderator,
Cats,
Feral Cats &
Herbal Remedies.

[natwimbly]

MSM is a new "trendy" thing to use- but in fact is readily available in meats- if you are feeding kibble or cooking then you can add it- but if you are feeding raw foods then there is really no use in adding it- plus it is better absorbed in it's natural form.

Nat
Moderator- dog forums