MSM, A Report and Testimonial from Alfred J. Rinenke, Ph.D

The important thing to be certain about is that the MSM you take comes from a completely reliable source. With the phenomenal popularity of MSM, I have seen and heard about an incredible amount of impure MSM.

Pure MSM is extremely bitter, but the bitterness disappears immediately after swallowing. There is no lingering after taste. Pure MSM dissolves in warm water with no residue after 3 minutes.

Although some people disagree with me, I believe people should not use veterinary grade MSM. MSM for horses is not manufactured with the same standards of cleanliness as MSM made for human use. Don't use it!

Also, since MSM stimulates activity of the liver, a person with a history of liver disease, should consult their physician before using MSM.

The only way to be assured that you are taking pure MSM is to get it from a 100% reliable source.

EDITOR'S NOTE: SupplementSpot's MSM has been manufactured in the USA at a FDA licensed facility. We have had our MSM tested by an independent lab for purity. They have said it is the purest, cleanest MSM they have ever examined.

Some people prefer MSM tablets; while others prefer the crystals. The advantage of the crystals is that you can regulate the amount you take very easily. Tablets can be carried in your pocket or purse. Some people object to the taste of MSM, and that is another reason to take the tablets.

Dosages: Ideally, MSM should be taken in equal dosages in the morning and late afternoon (preferably with breakfast and dinner). 1000 mg per day of Vitamin C should be taken along with the MSM, because they work together. I recommend that people begin taking MSM in small dosages (800 - 1600 mg per day) and increase it gradually up to 3000 - 8000 mg per day over a period of about 2 - 3 weeks. The reason for this is that MSM has a detoxifying effect. This means that any toxins stored in the body can be released by the MSM. This can cause temporary headaches, minor skin problems, and minor digestive problems for a small percentage of people. But,this is good! It means that they are eliminating poisons which could harm them.

After 3 weeks, the daily dosage should be determined by experimentation. You do not need to be concerned about overdosing (see report below). Daily dosages normally fall within the range of 3000 - 8000 mg per day. I take 6000 mg per day - and a little extra at times when I feel my energy lagging.

I personally order all my MSM (as well as other products) from SupplementSpot Nutrients. To visit their online store, go to www.supplementspot.com. Once you arrive at their home page, you can go to the products index and then to the page on MSM.

A bottle of Nature's Purest MSM Plus with 180 capsules (of 800 mg each) is less than $30.

I might add my personal story. MSM taken in combination with vitamin C and Proanthenols has given me the first genuine relief that I have ever experienced from my severe allergies, sinusitis, and asthma. For the first time in 54 years, I am 100% allergy free with no more shots, antihistamines, decongestants, or inhalers! MSM has also given me noticeably increased energy and stamina - both physical and mental. People have commented that my complexion looks healthier too. I can tell you that I feel absolutely SUPER!

To your health,
Jim

MSM Technical Information [Educational Information Only] compiled from various sources.

Note: This is a lengthy report, but it is thorough.

MSM is a naturally occurring, vital nutrient which is lost through the processing of our food. MSM is not a drug, herb, or stimulant. It is completely safe, odorless, and non-toxic. It has been tested and proven to provide relief from many ailments. It is intended as a food supplement only. It is not a medicine or drug. MSM is necessary for collagen synthesis: skin, hair and nails. MSM keeps cells from becoming rigid. MSM softens tissue (the beauty mineral), relieves stress, asthma, arthritis, inflammation, constipation, candida, detoxifies the body and increases blood circulation, reduces muscle cramps, and back pain, removes inflammation, permits muscles to heal, increases energy, alertness, mental calmness, and the ability to concentrate.

MSM scavenges free radicals, relieves allergies to food and pollens, helps the liver produce choline, controls acidity in stomach and ulcers, coats intestinal tract so parasites lose ability to hang on, helps with hypersensitivity to drugs, increases body's ability to produce insulin, is important for carbohydrate metabolism, and speeds wound healing.

MSM or DMSO2 is short for Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, has been found in primitive plants such as Equisetum arvense and in the adrenal cortex of cattle. MSM is found naturally in food when food is fresh. It is driven out of all foods, even with moderate processing.

The "S" in DMSO2 stands for sulfur. This is organic sulfur which is a necessary nutrient for all life. It is NOT a sulfite or sulfide that many people are allergic to (see "SOME FACTS ABOUT ORGANIC SULFUR" below).

Most people have heard of DMSO, and how people have been helped by using DMSO. A few years ago, the world's leading DMSO researcher, the eminent Dr. Stanley Jacob of the Oregon Health Sciences University, discovered and was able to isolate an extremely important and beneficial part of DMSO. It is referred to as Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, and is simply known as MSM.

Most people are sulfur deficient unless they eat their fish and meat raw and their vegetables uncooked. MSM is present in most green plant food stuffs and certain algae, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains in small amounts and is destroyed with dehydration and heat.

MSM is the transport molecule for elemental sulfur or assimilable source of essential sulfur which is required for proper assimilation of the alpha amino acids methionine and cysteine. In addition, the peptide hormone - insulin requires sulfur in its molecular structure and numerous other proteins, catalysts, and enzymes incorporate sulfur into their molecular framework. Proteins are essential for proper cellular metabolism and soft tissue synthesis. Proper protein synthesis can only be achieved with MSM monomers which maintain the correct molecular framework for soft and connective tissue throughout the human body.

At higher levels MSM functions as a pharmaceutically active agent which can be used safely and effectively for a variety of purposes. MSM unlike DMSO is a dietary factor and is free of unpleasant odors and neutralizes the toxicity of anticholinesterase, thereby providing protection against insecticide exposure or ingestion. When administered orally it is effective in ameliorating symptoms of physiological response to stress including gastrointestinal upset, inflammation of the mucous membranes, pain associated with musculoskeletal system disorders, and infectant allergens and appears to augment immunological competence through a natural vitamin like moderating or normalizing activity for various body functions and is noted for its exceptionally non-toxic nature for both children and adults, including geriatric patients. MSM is also effective in ameliorating gastrointestinal upsets such as that produced by the ingestion of aspirin and other pharmaceuticals or parasitic infections. Individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, chronic constipation, nausea, hyperacidity and/or epigastric pain, or inflammation of mucous membranes also will experience dramatic relief.

Individuals presenting symptoms of pain and inflammation associated with various musculoskeletal system disorders, including arthritis, reported substantial and long-lasting relief. A combination of MSM and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) reported a greater benefit, this combination was especially useful in correcting leg cramps, as in athletes who experience severe leg cramps during sports activity. Migraine sufferers also have obtained substantial relief while arthritic patients report relief from pain and stiffness as well as reduced swelling and inflammation.

In vitro and in vivo tests suggest that MSM has ameliorating or curing activity against a variety of medically important parasitic, microbial, fungal problems of the intestinal and urogenital tracts. MSM is active against Giardia lamblia (traveler's diarrhea), trichomonas Vaginalis, Nematodes, Enterodbius and other intestinal worms, systemic infections by Histoplasma Capsulation, Coccidioides Toxoplasma and other in vitro susceptible organisms. MSM may affect such infection by competing for binding or receptor sites at the mucous membrane surface presenting a blocking interface between host and parasite. MSM appears to augment immunological competence which may also partly explain its effectiveness in treating parasitic infections.

Less than 20% of the population may experience negative detoxification symptoms in the first 1-10 days during which toxins are flushed from the system. Symptoms may include diarrhea, skin rash and/or possible headache along with several days of fatigue. In general, the more intense the symptoms the more toxins there are in the body and the more MSM is needed for detoxification. To reduce toxic symptoms (if you suspect Candida or metals) start with a lower dose of 750 mg twice a day and build up to 3,000 mg twice a day. Otherwise for a maximum benefit, it's recommended to use an initial "load" dose of 3,000 mg twice a day (Note* this dose can be safely continued indefinitely for maximum results). After initial treatment, physical energy levels should increase.

A single dose of MSM is usually not effective in ameliorating symptoms. Noticeable results are usually seen within 2 to 21 days. The amount of MSM in each dose is not critical. The minimum individual dose is about 750-1,000 mg. However, total daily dosages of 1,500 to 8,000 mg are recommended. The benefit of MSM will further be enhanced when 1,000 mg or more of Vitamin C is consumed. There is no need to take more than 8000 mg. per day. 6000 mg. seems to be the amount most often recommended by doctors who prescribe MSM for health problems. For the person who is supplementing purely for prevention and has no specific health problem, 1000-3000 mg daily seems realistic.

Because MSM stimulates the activity of the liver, people who have liver disease should consult a physician before supplementing with MSM and should limit their intake to no more than 3000 mg per day.

Subjects with chronic to sever allergies to environmental materials such as house dust, pollen, wool animal hair, feathers, and other diverse allergens report substantial to complete relief of their allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms ranged from respiratory congestion to inflammation, itching, mucoid discharges, and general discomfort.

MSM has been known to do the following:

• Relieve stress and constipation.
• Help heal candida, asthma, emphysema, arthritis and tendonitis.
• Reduce muscle cramps and back pain.
• Increase stamina and relieve lactic acid build-up during workouts.
• Detoxify and energize the body.
• Increase blood circulation.
• Strengthen capillary walls, healing varicose veins.
• Help keep hormones in balance.
• Relieve allergies to foods, drugs and environmental irritants.
• Aid the liver in bile secretion and choline production.
• Control stomach acidity while maintaining body's normal pH balance.
• Coat and help heal intestinal walls.
• Increase body's ability to produce insulin.
• Aid carbohydrate metabolism.
• Boost vitamin, mineral, amino acid, & antioxidant utilization.
• Speed wound healing.
• Help keep hair, skin and nails healthy and beautiful.

MSM provides the health-giving benefits without any nuisance side effects.

It is estimated that the human body uses up at least 1/8 teaspoon of MSM each day! It needs to be replaced every day!

MSM is a natural form or organic sulfur found in all living organisms, and is present in low concentrations in our body fluids and tissues. It is found in a variety of fresh foods, including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and milk. Unless your diet is composed primarily of raw foods, it is unlikely that you are receiving enough MSM for proper health management. When we process our foods with heat or drying, we lose most of the MSM that is vital to our well-being. MSM helps our bodies utilize the vitamins that we take, providing the means to derive the maximum benefit from those vitamins.

MSM is part of the Amino Acid Chain. Without the proper amount of MSM in our bodies, the amino acids will continue to build the glands, but fail to produce the correct enzymes, making us prone to unnecessary illness. MSM is the flexible bond between proteins.

When a cell dies, a new cell takes its place. Without the needed amount of MSM, it attaches but becomes rigid. When tissues lose their flexibility, problems develop with the lungs and other parts of the body.

MSM detoxifies the body and increases blood circulation. Because there are few nerves in the bones, our pain comes from the soft tissue. Aspirin shuts off the nerves, but the muscles are still damaged. MSM takes out the inflammation, permits the muscles to heal and prevents them from becoming sore. If you play sports or work-out in a gym and normally get sore muscles the next day, take 1/2 teaspoon (4 capsules) of MSM before exercise and you will notice a difference. If taken after exercise, the soreness will go away faster.

MSM is a free radical scavenger, so allergies to food and pollens will go away. MSM also prevents overreaction to other medicines, so it does not work against any medications. MSM controls acidity in the stomach, so it can help ulcers. MSM coats the intestinal tract so parasites lose their ability to hang on. They are then flushed away. This could prevent colon problems.

MSM is no more toxic than water. It can never hurt anyone. If you overdose, the extra MSM becomes inert and just passes through your system. MSM has one side effect... your fingernails and hair will grow faster and become stronger. This is because there is more MSM in hair and nail cells than in any other part of the body.

SOME FACTS ABOUT ORGANIC SULFUR

Sulfur is a mineral found in rather high concentrations in our body tissues. About half of the body's total sulfur is concentrated in the muscles, while the other half is found in the brain, hair, skin and bones. Sulfur comprises a significant percentage of our body weight.

Sulfur has a vital relationship with protein, since sulfur is found in the amino acids methionine, cystine, and cysteine. Thus, these amino acids are known as the sulfur bearing amino acids which are considered the building blocks of protein.

The sulfur-bearing amino acid methionine is absolutely essential to health! This means is must be supplied by live food, or the food supplement MSM. A lack of proper protein in our diet, therefore means a lack of the vital organic sulfur necessary for good health. Proteins contain sulfur, while carbohydrates and fats do not.

Sulfur is necessary for collagen synthesis. Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein found in vertebrates. It is the dominant component of connective tissue fibrils and bones. Sulfur operates as a synthesizer and activator with the B vitamins, thiamin, Vitamin C, biotin, and pantothenic acid, all of which are needed for metabolism and healthy nerves.

Sulfur plays an important part in tissue breathing, the process whereby oxygen and other substances are used to build cells and release energy.

Sulfur also helps to maintain overall body balance between acidity and alkalinity, and works importantly with the liver to excrete bile.

Research indicates that perhaps sulfur's most important health role is in carbohydrate metabolism, which is significant for hypoglycemics and diabetics. Sulfur is a significant component of insulin, the protein hormone secreted by the pancreas that is essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates. A lack of nutritional sulfur in the diet can result in low insulin production. On the other hand, a diet that contains adequate amounts of sulfur might increase the body's ability to produce insulin to the point where insulin injections can be reduced.

Because nutritional sulfur helps keep skin, hair and nails healthy, it has been referred to as "Nature's Beauty Mineral".

MSM, an odorless essentially tasteless, white crystalline chemical demonstrates usefulness as a dietary supplement in men and lower animals. Our research suggests that a minimum concentration in the body may be critical to both normal function and structure. Limited studies suggest that the systemic concentration of MSM drops in mammals with increasing age. This may be due to dietary habits where one ingests foods with lower MSM potential with maturity or possibly there is a change in the renal threshold.

Healthy juvenile rabbits maintain a level at or above 1 PPM body weight, with milk being the dominant food and source. Cow's milk normally contains between 2 and 6 ppm MSM, dependent on source and freshness. In an adult man, the circulating concentration varies but may average about 0.2 -0.25 ppm. We have no estimate of total body concentration as yet, but suspect that MSM is banked in some of the organs, other than the adrenals. Based on radiolabel (35 S) studies, the residence time of a single challenge in mammals may be several weeks with gradual dumping via the renal system. Daily output of urine contains several milligrams of MSM. This possibly is not the dominant excretory route. The following abnormal conditions seen in the clinic have responded to oral MSM generally administered at dosage levels of 250-270 mg/day.

Response to allergy: Oral MSM moderates diverse allergic responses as to pollen and foods. Antiallergy medication and dissemination methods may be sharply reduced.

Control of hyperacidity: Subjects that are chronic users of various antacids and histamine H 2 receptor antagonists prefer MSM by reason of relief obtained coupled with freedom from serious, untoward effects.

Hypersensitivity to drugs: Subjects demonstrating drug hypersensitivity to aspirin, several nonsterioid antiarthritic agents (Naprosy, Indocin, Motria), and oral antibiotics, were drug tolerant when MSM was given within an hour before or concurrent with the sensitizing drug.

Control of constipation: Particularly in the older population, chronic constipation can be a medical problem of concern. To date, numerous subjects presenting chronic constipation have gained prompt and continuing relief by supplementing the diet with 100 to 500 mg of MSM per day.

We have seen some individuals with severely restricted lung function. Of these, only a few cooperated in vital function assessments. All cooperated in endurance measurements. Limited objective and strong subjective evidence suggests that MSM is a useful dietary supplement to reduce lung dysfunction.

Anti-parasitic action: In vitro and in vivo tests suggest MSM has an activity against a variety of medically important parasitic tracts, MSM, for example, is active against Giardia, Trichomondads, and round worms. MSM may affect such infections by competing for binding or receptor sites at the mucous membrane surface, presenting a blocking interface between host and parasite. We are at present evaluating the action of MSM with a variety of abnormal or medical problems to determine whether any are responsive to a diet supplemented by MSM.

We are intrigued by the fact that MSM is a constant factor in all normal diets of vertebrates and somewhat mystified by the seeming need of the body of adults for a concentration level above that available from a diet presumed as normal.

We hope soon to have data defining any specific interacting role that MSM may have with the water-soluble vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which like MSM is reportedly banked in the adrenals. It is not possible to directly compare DMSO and derivative MSM, though of the same chemical family. Each is unique unto itself.

MSM is a dietary factor derivable from most natural food. It is conveniently taken alone or in foods. Taken by mouth, there is no after-breath. DMSO has certain unpleasant attributes not possessed by MSM. While MSM is a dietary factor, DMSO is not. DMSO readily penetrates the dermas and less complicated membrane systems while MSM does not. Each contribution to the well-being of mankind, but in differing ways. Both have important implications.

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