MSM: Why sulfur is important for health

Have you ever heard of MSM ? This organic sulfur compound, whose full name is methylsulfonylmethane , is a real insider tip when it comes to supplying your body with essential sulfur. MSM is becoming increasingly popular in the world of dietary supplements, and for good reason: It's a natural, easily absorbable source of sulfur that supports numerous biochemical processes in your body.

The most important things in brief

Essential source of sulfur: MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) provides bioavailable sulfur, which is important for many processes in the body, such as the formation of amino acids.

Sulfur as a major element: Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the body after calcium and phosphorus and is important for enzymes, hormones and cell communication.

Useful dietary supplement: MSM is a practical, well-tolerated supplement to meet sulfur requirements, especially in modern diets with few sulfur-rich foods.

What is MSM?

Methylsulfonylmethane sounds complicated at first, but it's actually quite simple: MSM is a stable sulfur compound that occurs naturally – for example, in plants, rainwater, and even fresh foods. Sulfur itself, a so-called "macroelement," is the third most abundant mineral in your body after calcium and phosphorus, and a true all-rounder:

It is essential for the formation of amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, which are needed to build proteins.
Sulfur helps in the production of antioxidants such as glutathione, which protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
It plays an important role in the formation of enzymes and hormones that regulate your metabolism and cell communication.
MSM therefore offers a stable and odorless way to supply your body with sulfur in a particularly easily digestible form.

What makes MSM so special?

MSM is characterized by several special properties that set it apart from other sulfur compounds. First, it has high bioavailability, which means the sulfur from MSM is easily absorbed and efficiently utilized by the body. Furthermore, MSM is extremely stable and does not decompose at room temperature or under normal storage conditions. This stability makes it a reliable source of sulfur. Another advantage is its ease of use, as MSM dissolves extremely well in water. This makes it ideal for both dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

Why is sulfur so important for the body?

The sulfur in MSM is a building block for two particularly important amino acids: methionine and cysteine. Methionine is an essential amino acid that you must consume through your diet because your body cannot produce it on its own. Cysteine, on the other hand, can be synthesized from methionine. Both amino acids are crucial for the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from oxidative stress.

With MSM, you provide your body with the sulfur it needs to maintain important processes such as cell protection and metabolism.

Which foods contain MSM?

MSM occurs naturally in small amounts in various foods, including:

Raw milk and eggs
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage
Fruits such as apples and oranges
Fresh garlic and onions

But there's a catch: The natural MSM content in these foods is relatively low. To achieve the amounts found in supplements, you would have to eat these foods in large quantities and very regularly.

MSM capsules with >99.9% methylsulfonylmethane (= organic sulfur). 1,600 mg MSM per daily dose (2 capsules) as an ultrafine powder with a mesh factor of 40-60 for particularly effective absorption . 120 capsules per jar - a 2-month supply.

Why is MSM useful as a dietary supplement?

Modern diets often contain less sulfur than in the past, due to several factors. Frequently consumed processed foods contain few natural nutrients. At the same time, many people are eating fewer and fewer fresh, sulfur-rich foods such as onions, garlic, or broccoli. In addition, industrial farming methods and long storage times are causing the sulfur content in foods to continue to decline. Adequate sulfur intake is particularly challenging for vegetarians and vegans, who lack natural sources such as eggs and milk in their diets. In all of these cases, MSM as a dietary supplement can offer a practical solution to meet the body's sulfur needs.

Did you know?

Bromelain dosage is expressed in GDU (Gelatin-digesting Units) or FIP (Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique). These values indicate how active the enzyme is. Make sure you follow the recommended dosage on the packaging—it often ranges from 500 to 2,000 GDU per day.

What should you look for when buying MSM?

To benefit from MSM, you should pay attention to a few things when choosing a product:

Purity: High-quality products are 99% pure and free from impurities.
Mesh factor: A mesh factor of 40–80 ensures particularly fine powder.
Dosage: 1,600 mg of MSM per day is considered optimal to provide your body with sufficient nutrients.
No additives: Make sure there are no unnecessary fillers such as magnesium stearate.
Certifications: Seals such as GMP or ISO standards give you additional security.

Conclusion: MSM – the sulfur booster for your everyday life

MSM is more than just a dietary supplement—it's a simple, effective way to provide your body with essential sulfur. Especially at a time when many people are eating fewer fresh, sulfur-rich foods, MSM can help compensate for deficiencies and promote your overall health.

If you value purity and quality, MSM is an optimal addition to a balanced diet – whether you want to support your cellular health, your metabolism, or your antioxidant balance.

Our expert

Robert Appuhn

Alternative practitioner, nutritionist

Focus:
Micronutrients | Orthomolecular Therapy