Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing organic compound found naturally in some fruits, vegetables, and grains. It can be an excellent dietary source of sulfur, useful for metabolic purposes, promoting enzymatic functions such as detoxification and the synthesis of important amino acids such as methionine, cysteine, and taurine.
Taking MSM at doses between 0.5 and 3 g/day helps reduce the suffering of traumatized tissue, improving the flexibility and permeability of the cell membrane, and promoting the outflow of excess inflammatory and toxic substances.
Several experimental studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation in arthritis and inflammation-related pain, post-exercise muscle repair, and restoration of tendon homeostasis.
Tendons are tissues particularly subject to wear, weakening, and tearing. Consider, for example, how much the risk of tendinopathy and chronic trauma can increase for a swimmer who trains up to 15 km a day and performs more than a million strokes a year.
Methylsulfonylmethane supplementation
MSM supplementation, combined with glucosamine, can play a key role in high-level sports during periods of intense training and after injury, especially when repetitive twisting movements of the shoulder, knee, and ankle occur.
The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect of MSM will provide immediate relief in acute trauma by improving the drainage of inflammatory mediators from connective tissues and simultaneously promoting the entry of nutrients into the cell.
This effect ensures more effective tissue recovery, not only specifically on tendons and connective tissue, but also on inflamed and traumatized muscle cells, making MSM a useful supplement in post-injury situations but also in the treatment of joint and muscle wear in athletes who are "overtrained."
Read also: Glucosamine: All the Benefits for Joint Problems
The synergistic administration of glucosamine at the maximum absorbable dose of 500mg will also allow for the maintenance and improvement of cartilage structure and function.
The use of glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane, omega-3 and functional foods therefore constitute an irreplaceable basis for supplementation aimed at prevention and recovery, not only for the purposes of athletic performance, but also in maintaining the body's correct homeostasis.
