What is the New MSM Research?
New research from the University of North Texas, in collaboration with Balchem, reinforces evidence behind methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for exercise recovery, shedding further light on its effects on immune and inflammatory responses following long-duration aerobic exercise.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of daily supplementation with MSM of 0.5 – 1 g/day, one-third the dose tested previously, prior to a half marathon.
Results showed that MSM supplementation modulated the expression of exercise recovery markers – including those associated with innate immune response, inflammation, oxidative stress and muscle recovery.1
OptiMSM®, Immunity and Exercise Recovery
Published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, the trial involved 10 healthy, experienced runners aged 32-44 years old. Over the 30-day intervention, participants received either 0.5 g/day of MSM (as OptiMSM®) for the first 27 days, followed by 1 g/day in the next three days, or placebo before running a half marathon (21.1 km).
Notably, the MSM dose used for this study is significantly lower than has been tested previously in similar trials (3 g/day).2,3 Blood samples were taken 24 hours before, and two and four hours after the half marathon performance.
The Results of the Study
The findings suggest that OptiMSM® supplementation may support post-exercise muscle recovery at a relatively low dosage of 1 g/day.
Runners who received MSM supplementation showed evidence of improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses following exercise. Increases in the expression of genes associated with better coordination of immune response and muscle repair were also noted.
These new findings have the potential to allow for expanded label claims for MSM in the active nutrition space. Proposed new claims could include: “MSM supplementation at 1 g/day improves antioxidant capacity after exercise”, “supports the innate immune response following exercise” and “supports post-exercise muscle recovery”.
— Jessica Arnaly, Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager, Balchem Human Nutrition & Health“As the most researched MSM ingredient on the market, multiple studies have already demonstrated the potential of OptiMSM® for post-exercise recovery, showing how it contributes to reductions in post-exercise muscle and joint soreness.” 2,3
“However, previous investigations had used a relatively high dose of 3 g/day. With this new trial, we explored an unprecedentedly low dose of MSM. With just 1g/day we observed the impact of OptiMSM® on the innate immune response following exercise, while also deepening our understanding of the specific immune pathways impacted by MSM. This study also highlights the opportunity for sports nutrition brands to explore enhanced formulation flexibility with MSM by incorporating it into convenient multi-ingredient applications that appeal to today’s busy active consumers.”
