Methylsulphonylmethane, more commonly known as MSM, is a supplement with a variety of uses—for us and our animals—and it’s most known for its ability to fight inflammation. Derived from DMSO or dimethylsulfoxide, MSM is an organic sulfur compound naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, as well as fresh forage. MSM is also naturally occurring in the bodies of all vertebrates, where it helps create methionine, an important amino acid for forming connective tissue, metabolizing foods, and absorbing nutrients.
Sulfur levels in the body often drop as we or our animals age, during times of stress, or when consuming a low-nutrient diet. Supplementing with MSM during these times can be helpful. Likewise, here are some other instances when MSM can be beneficial.
Osteoarthritis
One of the most common uses for MSM is for reducing symptoms of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Sulfur plays an important role in making collagen and glucosamine, both vital for healthy bones and joints. Sulfur also needs to be present for our cells to release many byproducts and excess fluids that can accumulate and cause swelling and tenderness.
Allergies
Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, MSM can also help to alleviate symptoms of lung or skin allergies in our pets and ourselves. MSM decreases the release of cytokines and prostaglandins, which are present in allergic reactions.
Muscle Recovery
With hard training sessions, athletes can experience oxidative stress and muscle damage. The good news is that, if taken regularly, MSM can help to reduce muscle pain after strenuous exercise. MSM acts like a natural analgesic, helping to prevent and treat muscle aches, pain, and swelling. MSM also helps to counteract certain byproducts such as lactic acid that contribute to muscle soreness after exercise.
Skin and Coat Benefits
MSM also has benefits for skin and hair since it helps to produce new collagen and keratin—two nutrients needed for strong, healthy hair, nails (or hooves), and skin.
For people, MSM comes in a variety of forms, including:
- Powder
- Cream/lotion
- Gel
- Pill/tablet
- Liquid eye drops
- Crystals
For animals, it’s easiest to feed the powder form of MSM. The Holistic Horse offers several MSM products for animals and people:
MSM Cream
Our MSM Cream is an all natural pain relief and skin care cream. Containing MSM from natural sources, five essential oils in a goat milk skin care cream base, this cream is both nourishing and healing. It can be used on you or your animals (except cats due to the essential oils).
MSM Ultra Pure Powder
This product is 99.9% ultra pure powder with no additives. It can be easily be top-dressed on food for dogs, cats, or horses.
Su-Per® MSM Blend
This product can help provide dramatic improvement and relief for many joint conditions. The blend contains MSM in a rice hull and stabilized Flaxseed base with natural flavoring and comes in formulations for horses, dogs, cats, goats, sheep, cattle, and llamas and alpacas.
Our Su-Per® Sound Plus Powder for horses also contains MSM, along with Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid for complete joint support.
Sources:
https://draxe.com/nutrition/msm-supplement/