MSM

Features & Benefits

• Pure MSM (100%)
• Dietary source of Sulfur

Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly known as MSM, is a metabolite of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) found in nature. Conversion to MSM from DMSO is accomplished enzymatically.

Found extensively in nature, DMSO has been used as a carrier for various compounds. The major drawback to DMSO is the associated strong order, along with the resultant foul breath and skin irritations that result from even mild exposure to DMSO.

Methylsulfonylmethane, a stable metabolite of DMSO, presents a different scenario. MSM is an odorless, virtually tasteless, white crystalline substance. The key portion of MSM is the sulfur component. Sulfur is necessary for the proper formation of proteins. One of the essential components in all life forms, sulfur is involved in amino acid production, connective tissue, hair, hide and hooves, enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. For example, though present in measurable quantities in alfalfa, a legume forage, it is almost non-detectable in dried hay₁.

Sulfur supplied by MSM has been found in several body tissues.

The systemic concentration of MSM decreases with age, possibly due to changes in dietary habits. In bovine milk, concentrations range from 2-6 ppm, while concentrations in other foods range from 0.6 ppm in tomatoes to 0.11 ppm in corn1. This is compared to DMSO which is resident for only five days post-administration, illustrating one the primary differences in the spectrum of activity between the two compounds2. In man, percutaneous application results in evidence of MSM for up to three weeks, and one week after intravenous administration2.

LD-50 has been determined in rats, and is in excess of 20 b/kg BW3. This is in comparison to NaCl, or common salt (generally given in ad lib amounts ) which has an LD-50 of 2.5 g/kg BW/d. No toxicity was reported in dogs receiving 3 g/gk BW/d over a period of 30 days, both orally and intravenously, though there was a drop in hematocrit during the later stages of IV study4. This drop returned to normal in the post-treatment period.

There has been no definitive dosages determined for horses, but maintenance estimates are calculated based on 500 kg (1,100 lb.) horse eating fresh forage. Daily intake in this situation is estimated at 1.2 mg/kg BW/d for maintenance, or 0.15% to 0.17% of the total ration¹.

MSM is a dietary source of sulfur.

MSM is a unique substance with properties that have yet to be fully identified. Its position as a dietary supplement is comparable to that of identified vitamins. What is needed is the further study of the effects of MSM in a qualified and quantifiable manner. There are a number of beneficial research trials that are possible, with the major areas of identification being immune and respiratory applications.

Sources

1.) Pearson, T.W., H.J. Dawson, H.B. Lackey. 1981. Natural occurring levels of dimethvl sulfoxide in selected fruits, vegetables, grains and beverages. J. Agric. Food Chem. 29:1089-1901
2.) Hanson, R.R., DVM, DACVS. 1996. Will medicine keep your horse sound? The Horse, April Issue, pgs. 38-40
3.) Kocsis, J.J., S. Harkaway,R., Snyder. 1975 Biological effects of the metabolites of dimethvl sulfoxide. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 243:104-109
4.) Metcalf, J. I. 1986. MSM status report. Eq. Vet. Data 7:332-33

MSM is a dietary source of sulfur.

Directions:
Full-strength dose: one level scoop (10 grams) twice per day for one week, then continue feeding one maintenance dose.

Maintenance dose: One level scoop once per day.

Note: One scoop (enclosed) = 10 grams

Ingredients: Methylsulfonylmethane