A recently completed clinical trial shows OptiMSM®, the only GRAS and USA-manufactured methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), to be rapidly absorbed, uniquely modifying sulfur metabolism, and appearing to be retained in the body for extended periods of time. The findings of this study align with clinical trials showing a significant joint health-enhancing effect with low doses of MSM.
Dr Stanley Jacob, from the Department of Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, commented, “We have long assumed that oral supplementation of MSM will lead to rapid and extensive absorption of MSM in humans, although no previous human studies examined its pharmacokinetics in humans, the rate and extent of its absorption, metabolism, and excretion. More importantly, the well-researched effects of MSM upon joint health and function have been attributed to MSM “donating” its sulfur. This study does not rule out sulfur donation by MSM; however, in this new study the pharmacodynamics suggest MSM functions as a sulfur metabolism modifier, promoting the apparent retention of sulfur and rapidly altering sulfur metabolism—as evidenced in changes seen with homocysteine. What is important is that this study showed a single 3 gram dose of MSM could exert these effects.” Prof. Jacob is the world’s leading authority on MSM and its parent compound, DMSO, with over 175 peer reviewed publications. “In light of these randomized controlled trials using 1.5-3.3 gram daily doses of MSM, demonstrating significant joint health enhancement, we now have a complementary pharmacological rationale supporting lower doses of MSM.”
This study was carried out by Miami Research Associates, a clinical services organization in Miami, FL, specializing in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clinical trials, and was sponsored by Bergstrom Nutrition® Innovations on its OptiMSM product. OptiMSM is FDA GRAS affirmed, and is manufactured in Washington State by Bergstrom Nutrition®.
The investigation examined the absorption and excretion of MSM, and its impact upon sulfate and homocysteine metabolism, following a single dose of 1, 2 or 3 grams. Each subject was administered each of the three doses in a randomized, crossover design, separated by 7 days. With the 3-gram dose blood MSM peaked within 90 minutes. MSM also appeared to “persist” in the body for at least 7 days, as subjects who received a higher dose of MSM first showed higher blood MSM concentrations a week later. Surprisingly, blood sulfate concentrations showed an inverse relationship, declining over time. This was accompanied by reduced urinary excretion of sulfate over a 24-hour period. The 3-gram dose of MSM also promoted a favorable change in blood homocysteine levels. This effect replicated the previous report by Kim.
