Methyl M

Dietary Sulfur Formula

Methyl M provides an excellent source of naturally-occuring sulfur along with vitamin C, and calcium and magnesium ascorbates for enhanced assimilation and effectiveness, and for assisting specifically with connective tissue repair and maintenance. Sulfur is a crucial component of the amino acids that form cellular proteins, necessary to assist the liver with choline production, control acidity in the stomach, and prevent parasitic infections from adhering to the intestinal tract.

Methyl M is indicated for symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, soft tissue pain and inflammation due to trauma, muscle cramps, buccal and dental abscesses; for skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and boils; and for accelerating wound healing.The capsules are 100% pure vegetable-sourced. Product ideal for vegans.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size : 1 Capsule

Each Capsule Contains:

• Vitamin C (from magnesium and calcium ascorbates) 160 mg
• Calcium (from calcium ascorbate) 10 mg
• Magnesium (from magnesium ascorbate) 6 mg
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 300 mg

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium silicate, silica, magnesium stearate

Recommended Adult Dose: Take one capsule three times daily with meals, or as recommended by your health care practitioner.

Guaranteed to contain no added wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, sugar, artificial coloring or flavoring, preservatives, dairy or animal products. The capsules are made from 100% pure vegetable sources, free of preservatives and additives. Ideal for vegans.

Quality Assurance Tamper-resistant package. Do not use if outer seal is missing or broken. Store in a cool, dry place.

What is MSM?
MSM is an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment and in the human body. Sulfur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. And because the body utilizes and expends it on a daily basis, sulfur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health.

Birth of a Supplement
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, has been present in the oceans, soil, and atmosphere of Earth for eons. It has been collected by plants and eaten by animals for nearly as long. It is part of nature's great sulfur cycle, upon which all life depends. Although the technology to produce MSM has been known for many years, the nutritional benefits were unknown until discovered by chemical researcher Robert J. Herschler in the early 1980s.

Where Does MSM Come From?
MSM originates in the oceans where microscopic plankton release sulfur compounds into seawater, which is quickly converted to DMS, a volatile sulfur compound that escapes into the atmosphere. In this suspended, gaseous state, the DMS reacts with ozone and ultraviolet sunlight to create DMSO and DMSO2, known as MSM. MSM then falls to the earth with the rain, where it is collected and concentrated in plants. Although MSM is abundant in nature, even the richest natural sources only provide MSM in the level of several parts per million. Commercial extraction of MSM from trees is not possible. MSM is produced by oxidizing DMSO. This process parallels the natural oxidation of DMSO to MSM that occurs in the marine atmosphere and produces MSM that is chemically identical to that found in nature.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is gaining a strong following among the public for its ability to relieve pain and promote wellness. Many physicians are finding that patients' need for pain medication can be greatly reduced when MSM supplements are taken at the same time. For many, MSM has allowed them to live pain-free for the first time in years. The research on MSM and its pain relieving properties is still in its infancy. The good news, however, is that MSM is an innocuous natural substance that can be used safely along with a host of pain medications.

Safety is an important point when it comes to pain relief, because many of the medications used to treat pain are toxic. NSAID pain medications alone are responsible for over 20,000 deaths and over 100,000 hospitalizations per year in the U.S. By contrast, MSM is completely safe, even in large doses. This is because MSM is a naturally occurring substance found in small amounts in produce, meat, milk, and seafood. MSM has always been a nutrient in our diet, and is a natural component of our plasma. Unfortunately, however, heat and processing destroys or greatly reduces the MSM content of food, leaving many with a suboptimal intake of this important nutrient.

MSM provides most of its benefits by supplying the body with sulfur. Sulfur is responsible for the health promoting and pain-relieving properties of MSM. Approximately half of the sulfur in the body is found in the muscles, skin and bones. Sulfur is necessary for making collagen, the primary constituent of cartilage, skin and connective tissue.

What happens when I take MSM?
The sulfur in MSM will help take certain chemicals and make them water soluble. This allows them to then be excreted by the kidneys. Some of the sulfur will be used to make cysteine which will be used to make glutathione which will rid toxic metals, protect cells from oxidation, and do other important health promoting activities.6 MSM will also go to any injured cells and reduce inflammation, increase flow of nutrients to the site and promote tissue repair. It may also help prevent scarring. If you are an allergic person, it will help control your histamine response. MSM has also been found to raise energy.

If I am allergic to sulfa drugs, will I be allergic to MSM?
Doctors usually answer this question with a YES. However, it is very rare to be allergic to nutritional sulfur. Most people allergic to sulfa drugs tolerate MSM very well. However, if you are concerned about the possible sensitivity to sulfur, start with a small amount of MSM and build up your intake slowly under the guidance of your health care practitioner. Taking 100mcg of molybdenum along with MSM will also help you to metabolize MSM more effectively.

When I started taking MSM I got a headache. Can MSM be to blame?
This is not common, but can occur. First of all, the sulfur in MSM increases detoxification, the body?s process of removing cellular and metabolic waste. This ?spring cleaning? initiated by MSM is a health enhancing process, but if you start to release toxins too quickly, this could cause a headache. The solution? Stop taking MSM for a few days, and begin to take it again in reduced doses so your body can cleanse itself more slowly. This will allow you to detoxify without headaches.

Should I be taking other nutrients with MSM?
Taking a supplement of 100 mcg per day or more of molybdenum helps MSM work more effectively. Also, taking a high quality multivitamin and a potent antioxidant formula is also recommended to maximize the benefits of MSM.

How does MSM stop pain?
MSM has many of the actions of DMSO. In a 1993 study conducted at Southern Illinois Univ., researchers concluded that conduction of pain impulses is slowed down with even low concentrations of DMSO. DMSO inhibits pain impulses along a major nervous system network called C fibers. C fibers carry pain messages from the site of damaged tissue to the brain. Other studies have shown that DMSO can even produce a blockage of central pain response in the brain where pain is received.

How does MSM relieve constipation?
It dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow. More impressively, MSM appears to be a cholinesterase inhibitor so it stops excessive passage of nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another. It is capable of restoring peristalsis and stops muscle spasms in the bowel.

How does MSM relieve inflammation?
MSM increases the effectiveness of the body's natural anti- inflammatory hormone, cortisol. MSM also inhibits proliferation of fibroblasts.7 Excessive amounts of fibroblasts are produced in the swelling process and lead to scar tissue. MSM also binds to fluid in swollen tissue and aids in its removal.

How can MSM help with allergies and/or respiratory problems?
MSM blocks histamine receptors. It acts like a bodyguard outside the cell membrane deciding how much histamine will be allowed in to cause inflammation, swelling and fluid build-up.

Why can't I just eat more sulfur-rich foods and not take MSM?
Eating more of these foods will give your body more sulfur, but not duplicate the effects of MSM. MSM has many actions in and of itself that only occur when optimizing MSM intake directly.

MSM gave me a rash. Should I stop taking it?
The MSM is probably helping you to rid excess copper and/or toxic metals such as mercury. Both of these metals can cause a skin rash. You do not need to stop taking the MSM. It would be helpful to add Vitamin C to help the process along and minimize symptoms. You could also reduce the dosage of MSM and detoxify at a slower pace.

Acid Lowering/Heartburn Relieving Effects
Pilot studies have suggested that MSM can provide extremely effective and immediate relief from excess acidity, and with out side effects, unlike the prescription antacids or acid blockers. MSM can be taken every day without disturbing any of the body?s normal functions, including acid/alkaline balance.

Allergies
MSM has strong anti-inflammatory activity on the body which can greatly assist in reducing inflammation that is common in allergic reactions.2 Both environmental and food allergies can be reduced with MSM. Asthma and hay fever sufferers also have reported significant relief with MSM.

Arthritis
MSM has shown excellent potential in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Studies have shown MSM to be as effective as medication for pain relief in osteoarthritis, and without any of the toxicity of drug treatments. MSM has been found helpful in rheumatoid arthritis.

Preventing Breast Cancer
Research in animal studies has shown that oral MSM can protect against the onset of breast cancer.5 In both breast and colon cancer studies, MSM significantly prolonged the time of appearance of both tumors and cancers.

How to Take MSM
MSM should be taken daily. It is best to start with 1,500 mg of MSM for the first week in order to prevent the body from detoxifying too quickly, which can occur in some taking too much MSM initially. After the first week, the dose can be increased to 3-10 grams per day (3,000 to 10,000 mg). This dose can be taken as long as needed. When taking larger doses, the powdered form of MSM is more convenient and economical. To improve the taste of MSM powder, dissolve it in lemon juice and water, or in cranberry juice. Taking MSM at the same time as other supplements is also a good idea, as MSM works synergistically with all nutrients. For the best results, spread your MSM dosage equally throughout the day. MSM is safe in high doses and to date has yet to be found to interfere or interact with any medications. Many also find that adding MSM powder to their bath water helps relieve pain and aid detoxification.