MSM이 계절성 알레르기 비염 증상을 개선한다는 연구
미국의 한 연구진들은 계절성 알레르기 비염 치료에서 MSM의 안전성과 효능에 대한 연구를 수행했다.
계절성 알레르기 비염은 매년 2,300만 명 이상의 미국인이 걸릴 정도로 상당한 영향을 미치며, 현재 미국 내 유병률 또한 증가하고 있는 질환이다.
이에 연구진들은 MSM이 이러한 증상을 개선할 수 있지 않을까 하는 가설을 세웠다.
연구진들은 50명의 대상자들에게 30일 동안 매일 2,600mg의 MSM을 경구로 섭취하게 했다.
그리고 7, 14, 21, 30일에 계절성 알레르기 증상 설문지(SASQ)를 주고 평가했다.
그 결과 MSM 경구 섭취 7일 차에 상부 호흡기 및 전체 호흡기 증상이 유의하게 감소했고, 하부 호흡기 증상은 3주 차까지 유의하게 개선되었으며, 30일 내내 호흡기 개선 효과가 유지되었다.
연구진들은 이 같은 결과를 토대로 MSM을 30일 동안 매일 2,600mg 보충하는 것이 계절성 알레르기 비염과 관련된 증상을 감소시킬 수 있을 것으로 추측된다고 말했다.
[참고 문헌]
[1] Eleanor Barrager, Joseph R Veltmann Jr, Alexander G Schauss, Rebecca N Schiller, A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Apr;8(2):167-73.
MSM, 히스타민
알레르기의 대표 증상. 기침, 알레르기, 재채기, 눈물, 화끈거림, 충혈 등.
알레르기의 증상은 염증과 면역 약화와 관련이 있다고 알려져 있다.
비염이나 기타 알레르기에 사용하는 약물은 항히스타민제
MSM은 히스타민을 억제하는 항히스타민제에서 나오는 그런 부작용은 없다.
항히스타민이라는 말은 히스타민을 막아준다는 말
히스타민이란 외부자극에 대하여 신체가 빠른 방어 행위를 하기 위해 몸에서 분비하는 유기 물질 중의 하나
상처가 난 곳이 붉게 부어오르며 통증을 느끼게 되는 염증반응을 일으키는 물질.
다쳐서 상처가 나면 열이 오르고 부어오르는 등의 작용이 바로 히스타민이 하는 것인데 이게 시도때도 없이 분비되면 일상생활에 지장을 초래하는 알레르기
MSM이 왜 알레르기에 좋은지에 대한 정확한 매커니즘은 없지만, 쓸데없이 분비되는 히스타민을 MSM이 차단해주는 것이 아닌가
이러한 작용이 히스타민이 쓸데없이 염증이나 붓기, 체액(콧물)의 증가를 일으키지 못하도록 막아
Health benefits and possible side effects of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
Osteoarthritis and joint pain
Recovery after exercise
Allergies
Rosacea
How to take
Risks and side effects
Is it sulfur?
Summary
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound in foods such as fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy products. MSM provides a source of natural sulfur. MSM may be beneficial for joint pain, skin inflammation, and other conditions.
Typically, MSM supplements contain a synthetic form of MSM. The primary uses for MSM supplements include arthritis, joint pain, muscle recovery after exercise, and allergy relief.
Many of MSM’s benefits haveTrusted Source links to its anti-inflammatory action. Inflammation is a factor in many health conditions, including arthritis, allergies, and skin conditions. By reducing inflammation, MSM may be able to reduce or eliminate certain symptoms.
According to research findings, MSM could be useful for treating several different medical conditions. The following are some of the best-documented uses for MSM in medical studies.
Treating osteoarthritis and joint pain
Osteoarthritis, which affects around 32.5 million people in the United States, is a deterioration of the cartilage in one or more of the joints. It commonly affects the knees, hips, lower back, hands, and fingers. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Various studies suggest that taking MSM supplements could help with symptoms of arthritis or relieve joint pain.
A study of 100 adultsTrusted Source over 50 years of age took either an MSM supplement or a placebo. The MSM supplement also had vitamin C, collagen, and neem and corydalis extracts. The results show people who took the MSM supplement for 12 weeks experienced improvements in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling compared with those taking placebo medication.
Another double-blind study featured 100 adult participants who had hip or knee osteoarthritis. They took MSM supplements and reported improvement in their arthritis symptoms and better performance in daily activities than those who took a placebo. The MSM dosage was 6 grams (g) per day for 26 weeks.
While it is popular as a natural arthritis treatment, MSM may not work for everyone. The Arthritis Foundation states that there are currently no large, well-controlled studies on MSM.
A 2018 meta-analysis found that MSM may improve osteoarthritis symptoms in the short term, but its importance clinically was not clear.
Promoting recovery after exercise
Regular exercise is necessary for good health. However, the energy demands of exercise can cause oxidative stress to muscles and tissues. This may result in temporary soreness and discomfort after a workout.
MSM supplements may help improve post-workout pain and tissue stress. Some small studies suggest that it could be helpful for this, including:
A studyTrusted Source of 16 untrained healthy males, which suggests that taking an MSM supplement helps reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress after exercise. It also increased the total antioxidant capacity of their blood.
Another studyTrusted Source of 22 healthy people who received 3 g of MSM or a placebo per day for 3 weeks leading up to a half marathon. It suggested that those who took MSM reported less muscle soreness and joint pain compared to those who took a placebo.
A study on 24 exercise-trained males found that those who took 3 g of MSM daily for 14 days had less pain and discomfort after exercise than those taking a placebo.
It is important to note that none of the studies looked at a large group of participants.
Treating allergies
Nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are an immune system response to something ordinarily harmless. Nasal allergies can cause sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and coughing when a person has exposure to an allergen, such as pollen, dust, animal dander, or mold.
In a double-blind study, people who took a daily dose of 3 g of MSM had reductions of more than 50% in their allergy symptoms.
Rosacea and inflammation of the skin
People may also use MSM topically by applying it to the skin. Some people believe that the anti-inflammatory power of MSM can help specific skin conditions when applied as a cream.
One double-blind studyTrusted Source on rosacea from 2008 found that people with the condition experienced an improvement in their symptoms after using MSM cream. The cream also contained silymarin or milk thistle. However, no larger or more recent studies have compounded these findings, so there is not enough evidence to support the effect of MSM in this area.
Despite the lack of medical studies, MSM is a natural source of sulfur, which could be beneficial to the skin. Dermatologists have long prescribed sulfur creams and washes to treat skin conditions, including rosacea and acne. Topical sulfur has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to take MSM for health benefits
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MSM is considered safe at dosages under 4,000 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) per day and in energy bars at levels up to 30,000 mg/kg. MSM supplements are available in capsule or powder form.
Taking more MSM than directed does not appear to provide better results. In the 2018 allergy study, people taking 12 g of MSM had less allergy relief than those taking 3 g.
People may also apply a cream that contains MSM to the skin. They should look for a product that specifies how much MSM it contains and how often to apply it.
People who are already using prescription creams for rosacea or other skin conditions should ask their dermatologist before trying MSM cream.
Potential risks and side effects of MSM
Taking excessive amounts of MSM could have unwanted and potentially dangerous effects. A 2013 study on rats found that those receiving typical human dosages saw an improvement in the health of knee cartilage.
However, when the researchers gave the rats 100 times the standard human dose, they experienced shrinkage of several organs, including the liver and spleen.
The Arthritis Foundation advises people who take blood thinners to avoid MSM. They also report that MSM could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Most people can take the usual range of 3 g per day of capsules, powder, or cream without serious side effects, but people should speak with a doctor before taking the supplement long-term. One study suggests that MSM levels in the body may build up over time.
Is MSM sulfur?
MSM is not sulfur in itself. However, it is an organic compound that contains sulfur. This is the same sulfur that exists naturally in the body, as well as in vegetables, fruits, grains, and meats.
For this reason, MSM is also known as dimethyl sulfone and methyl sulfone. A person can get MSM naturally from food, but producers can also make the compound synthetically by combining dimethylsulfoxide and hydrogen peroxide.
Summary
Some small studies show that MSM may be useful for treating several different medical conditions. It is typically safe when people take it at normal dosages of around 3 g per day.
MSM may be worth trying for those looking for a natural alternative for arthritis pain, post-exercise soreness, seasonal allergies, or rosacea.
Pregnant or breastfeeding people, children, and people who have health conditions should speak with a doctor before taking MSM. It may not be safe or recommended for these people.
8 Science-Backed Benefits of MSM Supplements
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a lab into a dietary supplement, which is used widely in alternative medicine.
MSM is often used by people looking for a natural way to relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. In addition, research supports its use in treating a number of conditions, from arthritis to rosacea.
Here are 8 science-backed health benefits of MSM.
1. Can Decrease Joint Pain, Which Could Improve Your Quality of Life
One of the most popular uses of MSM is to decrease joint or muscle pain.
It has been shown to benefit those with joint degeneration, a common cause of pain in the knees, back, hands and hips.
Joint degeneration can negatively impact your quality of life by limiting your movement and mobility.
Studies have shown that MSM significantly reduces inflammation in your body. It also inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, a flexible tissue that protects the ends of your bones in joints (1Trusted Source).
A study in 100 people over the age of 50 found that treatment with a supplement containing 1,200 mg of MSM for 12 weeks decreased pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, compared to a placebo (2Trusted Source).
The group receiving the supplement also reported improved overall quality of life and less difficulty walking and getting out of bed (2Trusted Source).
Another study in 32 people with lower back pain found that taking a glucosamine supplement containing MSM significantly reduced lumbar stiffness and pain upon movement, plus greatly increased quality of life (3Trusted Source).
Summary
Studies have shown that MSM is effective in reducing joint pain, stiffness and swelling. In doing so, it can improve your quality of life.
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2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Such as Increasing Glutathione Levels
The anti-inflammatory properties of MSM are well documented by scientific research.
It’s believed that MSM inhibits NF-kB, a protein complex involved in inflammatory responses in your body (4Trusted Source).
It also reduces the production of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are signaling proteins linked to systemic inflammation (5Trusted Source).
Additionally, MSM can increase levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant produced by your body.
For example, supplementing with MSM significantly reduced inflammation in mice with stomach ulcers by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-ɑ and IL-6, as well as increasing glutathione levels (6Trusted Source).
Another study in 40 physically active men showed that taking 3 grams of MSM before exhaustive exercise decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines and prevented the over-stress of immune cells, compared to a placebo (7Trusted Source).
Summary
MSM may reduce the release of molecules associated with inflammation, such as TNF-ɑ and IL-6, as well as boost levels of the powerful antioxidant glutathione.
3. Can Speed Recovery After Exercise by Reducing Muscle Damage and Stress
During exhaustive exercise, muscle damage occurs and oxidative stress increases (8Trusted Source).
This causes athletes to experience muscle soreness and pain, which can hinder athletic performance and training.
MSM can naturally speed muscle recovery after intense exercise by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
A study in 18 men showed that taking 50 mg of MSM powder per kg of body weight for 10 days significantly reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and increased antioxidant activity following an 8.7 mile (14 km) run (9Trusted Source).
It may also be beneficial for reducing pain after prolonged exercise.
In one study, 22 healthy women received 3 grams of MSM or a placebo per day for three weeks leading up to a half marathon. The MSM group reported less muscle soreness and joint pain than the placebo group (10Trusted Source).
Another study found that athletic men taking 3 grams of MSM daily for two weeks had lower levels of IL-6 and less muscle pain after intense resistance exercise (11).
Summary
MSM may help reduce pain, muscle damage and oxidative stress after intense exercise, helping you recover more quickly.
4. Helps Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms by Reducing Pain and Stiffness
Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness and a reduced range of motion in your joints.
Since MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it’s often used as a natural alternative to medications to improve arthritis-related symptoms.
A study in 49 people with knee osteoarthritis found that taking 3.4 grams of MSM per day for 12 weeks reduced pain and stiffness and improved physical function, compared to a placebo (12Trusted Source).
Additionally, it can enhance the effectiveness of other common supplements used to treat arthritis such as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and boswellic acid.
One study found that combining MSM with glucosamine and chondroitin was more effective at decreasing pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis than glucosamine and chondroitin alone (13Trusted Source).
Another study showed that a daily supplement containing 5 grams of MSM and 7 grams of boswellic acid was more effective than glucosamine at reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis (14Trusted Source).
What’s more, the people who received the MSM and boswellic acid supplement were less dependent on anti-inflammatory medications than the glucosamine group (14Trusted Source).
Summary
MSM supplements have been shown to help reduce pain and stiffness in people with arthritis. They may also help improve physical function.
5. May Help Relieve Allergy Symptoms by Reducing Inflammation
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that causes symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, itching, runny nose and nasal congestion (15Trusted Source).
Common triggers of allergic rhinitis include animal dander, pollen and molds.
After exposure to an allergen, many inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins and cytokines are released, which leads to unpleasant symptoms.
Studies have shown that MSM may be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
It may decrease allergic reactions by lowering inflammation and inhibiting the release of cytokines and prostaglandins (16Trusted Source).
A study in 50 people with allergic rhinitis found that a dose of 2,600 mg of MSM per day over 30 days reduced symptoms including itching, congestion, shortness of breath, sneezing and coughing (17Trusted Source).
Additionally, participants experienced a significant increase in energy by day 14 (17Trusted Source).
Summary
MSM may help reduce allergy-related symptoms — including coughing, shortness of breath, congestion, sneezing and fatigue — by reducing inflammation.
6. Can Boost Immunity and Help You Stay Healthy
Your immune system is a specialized network of tissues, cells and organs that protects your body against illness and disease.
It can be weakened by things like stress, illness, a poor diet, insufficient sleep or lack of activity.
Sulfur compounds such as MSM play important roles in the health of your immune system (18Trusted Source).
For example, MSM may be effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can weaken immunity. Since it’s effective in reducing levels of inflammatory compounds like IL-6 and TNF-ɑ, MSM may reduce stress on your immune system.
Additionally, it plays a part in the creation of glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant. It may also help increase levels of this important compound.
Having adequate levels of glutathione is crucial for the overall health and function of your immune system (19Trusted Source).
A test-tube study showed that MSM effectively restored glutathione levels and reduced inflammatory markers in mouse cells that had been weakened with HIV proteins (20Trusted Source).
Summary
MSM may help boost your immune system by reducing inflammation and increasing glutathione levels.
7. Could Improve Skin Health by Strengthening Keratin
Keratin is a protein that acts as the main structural component in your hair, skin and nails.
It contains high levels of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. That’s why burnt hair gives off a characteristic sulfurous smell.
MSM may be beneficial for skin health by acting as a sulfur donor to keratin. This, in turn, can help strengthen this important protein.
MSM also helps reduce inflammation, which can damage skin cells and cause signs of premature aging like wrinkles (21Trusted Source).
It may even reduce symptoms of problematic skin conditions such as rosacea, which can cause redness, irritation and inflammation of the skin.
One study showed that, when applied to the skin, MSM significantly improved redness, itching, inflammation, hydration and skin color in people with rosacea (22Trusted Source).
Summary
MSM may improve skin health by strengthening keratin and reducing inflammation. It could even help reduce symptoms of certain skin conditions, as well.
8. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
One of the newest areas of research involving MSM is studying its effectiveness in fighting cancer cells. Although the research is limited, the results have been promising so far.
Several test-tube studies have shown that MSM inhibits the growth of stomach, esophageal, liver, colon, skin and bladder cancer cells (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
It seems to do this by damaging cancer cell DNA and stimulating cancer cell death (28Trusted Source).
MSM also appears to prevent the spread of cancer cells, also known as metastasis (29Trusted Source).
A study in mice with liver cancer showed that those injected with MSM had fewer tumors, smaller tumor size and less liver damage than those who did not receive the treatment (30Trusted Source).
Another mouse study demonstrated that MSM inhibited the growth of human breast cancer cells (31Trusted Source).
Although these results are encouraging, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of using MSM in cancer treatment.
Summary
Research has shown that MSM exhibits cancer-fighting properties in test-tube and animal studies, but more research is needed.
MSM Safety and Side Effects
MSM is considered safe and is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.
Major regulatory agencies such as the FDA have given it the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) designation.
Numerous toxicity studies have been done to assess the safety of MSM and doses up to 4,845.6 mg per day (4.8 grams) appear to be safe (32Trusted Source).
However, some people may experience mild reactions if they are sensitive to MSM, such as stomach issues like nausea, bloating and diarrhea. When applied to the skin, it may also cause mild skin or eye irritation (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source).
Additionally, there is concern over mixing MSM with alcohol since other sulfur-containing medications can cause adverse reactions when mixed with alcoholic beverages (35Trusted Source).
However, no studies have explored this potentially problematic combination yet.
Summary
MSM supplements are generally considered safe. However, they may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea and skin reactions in some people.
The Bottom Line
MSM is a popular supplement with a wide variety of uses.
Research shows that it may be helpful in reducing joint pain, lowering inflammation, improving skin health, decreasing allergy symptoms and speeding recovery after exercise.
Additionally, some evidence suggests that MSM can boost the immune system and may have cancer-fighting properties.
MSM appears to be safe and studies report only minimal side effects.
Although the current findings on MSM are promising, more research is needed to understand all of its potential benefits as well as possible side effects.