Sulfur is an essential element required for the human body to function.
MSM is one of many dietary supplements promoted as being beneficial to your health. According to research biochemist Robert M. Herschler, Ph.D., MSM provides relief for a host of conditions from digestive problems to osteoarthritis due to its sulfur content. Sulfur is an essential element required by the body, and while it is true that MSM can be source of sulfur, your body already gets all of the sulfur it needs from the amino acid methionine.
Methionine
Methionine an essential amino acid required by the body for protein synthesis. The body cannot produce methionine itself; instead it is absorbed from high-protein foods like fish, meat and dairy products. Methionine's most important function is as a source of sulfur, an element essential to many metabolic processes. According to Dr. Micheal Lam, M.D., methionine is used to synthesize cysteine and taurine within the body. These sulfur-containing proteins help the body eliminate toxins, build muscle and tissues, reduce inflammation and support the cardiovascular system.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is also known as methylsulfonylmethane, methyl sulfone or dimethylsulfone. The MSM Guide states that MSM is synthesized chemically using dimethyl sulfoxide and hydrogen peroxide and contains 34 percent sulfur by weight. Though touted as a source of dietary sulfur, Quackwatch states that most of the sulfur in MSM is not absorbed by the body at all. They also note that while there is no RDA for sulfur, due to the high-protein diet of many Americans, it would not be possible to be sulfur deficient without being very malnourished.
Differences
Methionine and MSM have different chemical structures and work differently within the body. The biochemical mechanisms of MSM are poorly understood. Methionine is broken down into many essential compunds, including the metabolite SAM (s-adenosyl methionine), which is important in the function of the liver. MSM has been clinically proven to alleviate the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, but data regarding its other health effects is largely anecdotal. MSM is not essential to the function of the body, though it may have some use as an anti-inflammatory supplement.
Further Considerations
For people who eat low-protein diets, Dr. Micheal Lam, M.D., recommends methionine supplements with a dose of between 500 and 4,000 mg per day. The MSM Guide notes that doses of MSM between 1,500 and 6,000 mg have been studied in clinical trials, and that patients have been given up to 100 g per day with no ill effects, but it does not provide a standard recommended dosage. Web MD states that there is not enough scientific research to support the use of MSM for most of the conditions it is recommended for.
Tags: states that, amino acid, element required, essential element, essential element required