What is the difference between MSM and Sulfur?
- M.S.M. stands for Methyl Sulfonyl Methane. The S in the ingredient is Sulfonyl, an Organic compound.
- To discuss the difference between Sulfur and Sulfonyl as they pertain to the human body, we need to understand Sulfur, its characteristics and origin. It is found in many different ways, and is a mineral created by years of compression in the ground. It is often dug up and processed. Although partially water-soluble, Sulfur is toxic and the body can be sensitive to large amounts of it (Liver).
- On the other hand, Sulfonyl is a naturally growing component of nature found in plants, animals and in the soil. Its largest concentrations are actually found in pine trees. It is also commonly referred to as Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, or " MSM ". Unlike Sulfur, MSM is completely water-soluble and non-toxic. Large concentrations have not been found to do any harm to the human body.
An illustration of the difference between Sulfur and Sulfonyl
Illustration of this difference can be provided by an obvious analogy: A wolf is in the dog family. The dog we might keep at home, but likely not the wolf. One is slightly unpredictable, while the other is usually extremely unpredictable. Though they are related, they are functionally a world apart.
Further, take Sulfur Hot mineral springs as an example. They are a result of volcanic activity, from deep underground. Though we haven’t investigated the terminology, it is reasonable to assume that the name “Sulfur Hot” is reference to trace minerals/sulfur, brought to surface through the mineral springs. With this in mind, if Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) were to be placed in a hot mineral spring, the heat would literally kill or evaporate the Methyl Sulfonyl Methane. Thus, the mineral springs are without the organic Sulfur.
Interestingly, the human body can absorb small amounts of Sulfur through the epidermis of your skin. This explains the small concentrations found in our bodies, and is why the body receives healing affects from hot mineral springs--without the overdosing side affects.
What is the difference between Glucosamine HCI and Chondroitin Sulfate?
The theory behind Chondroitin is that if you have bad cartilage, eating good cartilage can be very beneficial. The ingredients in the good should repair and rebuild the bad cartilage.
There are three main sources of cartilage, other than the human body. One is from sharks called shark cartilage, or Chondroitin. Another is from shrimp shells called Glucosamine. The third is from horse hooves, called gelatin. Any of these three will do the same. But the products we buy in the health food store, called Glucosamine Sulfate or Chondroitin Sulfate, may not work, as many people are allergic to sulfates.
To elaborate, our tendons, ligaments and the collagen between the joints do not have many blood vessels. In developing Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate, scientists knew that they needed a sulfur to make it leak into the joints to allow toxins to exit while allowing nutrition to enter.
The foundation of their mistake, however, can be found at least in part in the results of their study on sulfur. In these studies they found our foods to contain a lot of sulfa, sulfites, and sulfates. But these things are not good for us. As a matter of fact, here are a few illustrations to support this:
In the Army they’ve opened packages of sulfa powder and dumped it on wounds to burn and cauterize them.
Manufacturers put sulfites in Corn Flakes. This poisons them so that you can leave them out for months, and nothing will eat them, except people of course.
They put sulfates into sausages. The result is that sausages can be left out until they petrify, and nothing green will grow on them. This also keeps sausage from molding.
The reality is that the body is allergic to sulfa, sulfites and sulfates. These three fight the body.
What our bodies really need is Sulfonyl "MSM", which is the natural sulfur and third-largest solid component of all living things. This is why we need to remember that every time our food is washed, dried, or steamed, the Sulfonyl (MSM) is gone—it goes with the moisture.
What about animals with hip dysplasia or arthritis?
As far as animals with hip dysplasia or arthritis are concerned, the two most helpful ingredients are vitamin C / MSM. Here’s a real life example of the benefits vitamin C / MSM can provide in these circumstances:
We have a customer in Portland, OR that makes canine carriages. He would get into a carriage, which was hooked to his dog and say giddy up. His dog, a German shepherd, pulled him all around. Unfortunately the dog developed hip dysphasia, and the pain grew so bad that he was going to put her to sleep. But then he finally heard about MSM / vitamin C. One year later the miniature horse club challenged them to a race. The stable uses a sulky to attach to the horse. His German shepherd won three out of three races. His German shepherd is not ready to be put down yet.
For more information on this topic, please ask for the cassettes or CD’s titled, "An evening with Bill Rich", "A lecture on MSM" and "Bill Rich on ionic minerals".
What do you charge for shipping?
You are charged the shipping rates that we have listed on our shipping / policies. Additionally, we deal with a large volume of shipping, and do have special rates that are lower than most would get for the same shipping.
Other Related Details:
- Our usual shipping time is within 1 business day.
- Our usual delivery time is within 7 working days.
- We ship by FedEX or U.S. mail.
Customer service actually means something here at All Natural MSM! You pay for what you get, and we try to give a little more.
What is a general description of MSM’s value to our bodies?
First, the body wants to heal itself, if it can get the proper nourishment. Remember that the body also uses up to 1/8 teaspoon of MSM each day. So a little extra MSM on a daily basis can be extremely beneficial.
We have been told that the Creator made our bodies so that they make new cells every day of our lives. Additionally, we have been told that it is very important for our glands to put out the right enzymes and hormones to help regulate and keep our bodies healthy. But without the proper amount of nutritional Sulfonyl, or MSM, in our system, the body cannot regulate itself to produce healthy cells.
Ironically, we could get this essential nutritional Sulfonyl from some of our foods such as milk, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, but we lose most of this important nutrient by heating, drying and processing our food. The result is that when our system is deficient in “MSM”, our bodies cannot make enough healthy cells to overcome the affects of the unhealthy cells. We are then subject to various illnesses, aches, pains and allergies until we correct the problem with good healthy cells.
Can I take MSM if I am pregnant?
There are no known adverse side effects from use of MSM immediately prior to and during pregnancy or during breast-feeding, however use of MSM among this group is highly discouraged. Women of childbearing age who intend to become pregnant or who are pregnant or breast-feeding should always consult with their physician before taking any supplement or medication.
I am allergic to sulfur. Can I take MSM?
Strictly speaking, the concept of a “sulfur allergy” is a misconception: sulfur is an element, the third most abundant mineral in the human body. It's not possible to be allergic to sulfur because it has no protein component. When people say they are "allergic to sulfur", what they really mean is that they are allergic or sensitive to certain sulfur-containing substances, most notably to sulfa antibiotics (sulfonamides) or to sulfites (preservatives used in wines and some foods), or to foods with a high sulfur content (broccoli or cauliflower). Many individuals with allergies to sulfa drugs or to sulfites do not experience problems taking MSM, because apart from sulfur, MSM bears no relation to these substances. However, people who are allergic to one drug are more likely to be allergic to another, regardless of its chemical structure. So if you have a known allergy to sulfonamides or to sulfites, consult with your physician before taking MSM.
Does MSM have any proven effects on insulin, blood sugar, blood pressure, or peptic ulcer?
No. Sulfur is a component of many amino acids and hormones, and is required for the production of many more. But just because sulfur is required to produce insulin, it is not correct to believe that taking sulfur as a supplement (e.g., in MSM) would have any effect on the body's production or secretion of insulin. The regulatory pathways for blood sugar metabolism are far more complex than that.
How much MSM can I take? Are there any side effects?
Clinical trials have investigated doses ranging from 1,500 mg per day up to 6,000 mg per day. Stanley Jacob, MD reports using MSM in his patients at doses of up to 100 grams per day with no ill effects under highly controlled medical treatment regimens in a hospital clinic (MSM: The Definitive Guide). MSM toxicity studies indicate that these large doses do not present safety issues, however it is possible that they could result in occasional loose stools or other minor effects.
Is MSM depleted from foods by food processing?
MSM is widely distributed in nature, but the amount in any given food is very small (just a few parts per million at most). Because of these low levels, any depletion from foods is insignificant.
The reason to supplement with MSM is that it has beneficial effects on the structure and function of the human body, when taken in amounts exceeding dietary intake levels. MSM dietary supplements, if manufactured correctly, are extremely stable over time, even under conditions of extreme heat. Stability studies have demonstrated that some brands of distilled MSM have a shelf life exceeding thirteen years.
Are people sulfur-deficient? Can MSM help?
The idea that people should take MSM because of sulfur deficiencies has not been proven scientifically. Outright sulfur deficiency is uncommon in humans because protein foods usually contain cysteine and methionine, which are sulfur-containing amino acids. Nevertheless, scientists have shown that the sulfur content of cartilage decreases as we age, and that this decrease parallels degeneration in the joints. They have also shown that certain arthritis drugs deplete the body's sulfur reserves. Separately, MSM has been shown to be a sulfur donor, and to alleviate the pain of knee osteoarthritis. Taken together, these results suggest that the sulfur in MSM is possibly being used to replenish depleted sulfur in the joints.
Does the body produce MSM naturally? What functions does it serve in the body?
Yes. MSM does occur naturally in the body in small amounts. It is probably synthesized by gut bacteria, and appears to have a function in the liver’s processing of toxic agents that enter the body from outside.
What effect will MSM have on my skin, hair, and nails?
Extensive anecdotal reports suggest that MSM supplementation improves the suppleness of skin and the shininess of hair and nails, which also become less prone to cracking and splitting.
Where does MSM come from? Does MSM come from pine trees?
All commercially available MSM is manufactured by reacting dimethyl sulfoxide with hydrogen peroxide. The raw materials used to synthesize MSM have many sources, including plants or other organically-based material. The source of these raw materials has no relationship to the end product of MSM.
A synthesis process produces MSM that is chemically identical to that which occurs in nature. There is no commercially viable way to "extract" MSM in quantity from any organic or plant source. Methyl groups may originate from plant sources, such as the processed pulp of Southern Pine, but the sulfur does not. Although MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound, the microscopic amounts occurring naturally in food are too small to permit "extraction" sufficient for commercial production of dietary supplements. The most "natural" MSM would be that which is closest to what is found in nature (i.e., the purest MSM). Purity of MSM is achieved by distillation or crystallization. Distillation is universally accepted as the superior purification method.
How does MSM work?
The exact mechanisms of how MSM works are still being identified in ongoing scientific research. However, scientific studies have now confirmed that MSM is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent. It may also contribute to the integrity of joint cartilage and other connective tissue.
In recent animal research conducted in Japan, MSM was found to act as an immunomodulator, preventing the immune system from mounting dangerous autoimmune responses to noxious stimuli. See study . It also prevented local inflammation to a significant enough degree as to halt an autoimmune reaction at the genetic stage of induction. It appears to affect autoimmune responses, such as the immune system's development of antibodies against its own tissues.
MSM has been shown to inhibit the development of abnormal antibodies to collagen, and to prevent production of rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies (ANA).
Though the pain relieving properties of MSM are well known, mechanisms by which it accomplishes this are still under investigation. MSM most likely inhibits inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, hormone-like substances that create inflammatory cascades in the body associated with pain production.
MSM's effects on connective tissue are also well known. It is presumed, though not proven, that the beneficial clinical effects noted in humans on skin, hair, nails, and joint cartilage (as well as on hooves and coats in animals) has to do with MSM's sulfur content. Sulfur is abundant in connective tissue, and sulfur depletion in connective tissue is known to lead to problems. Because MSM is 34% sulfur, it is likely that the integrity of connective tissue is enhanced with MSM supplementation.
MSM's benefits are those of a dietary supplement. It should not be used to treat serious diseases unless under the supervision of a medical doctor.
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