ActivMSM Benefits Joint Health

VANCOUVER, Wash.—A recently completed clinical trial showed ActivMSM™, the only GRAS and U.S-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 study findings align with clinical trials showing a significant joint health-enhancing effect with low doses of MSM.

Stanley Jacob, Ph.D., from the department of surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, said: “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 g dose of MSM could exert these effects.” Dr. Jacob is the world’s leading authority on MSM and its parent compound, DMSO, with more than 175 peer reviewed publications. “In light of these randomized controlled trials using 1.5 to 3.3 g/d of MSM, demonstrating significant joint health enhancement, we now have a complementary pharmacological rationale supporting lower doses of MSM,” he said.

This study was carried out by Miami Research Associates, a clinical services organization specializing in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical clinical trials, and was sponsored by TandemRain Innovations on its proprietary, patent pending ActivMSM. ActivMSM 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 g. Each subject was administered each of the three doses in a randomized, crossover design, separated by seven days. With 3 g, blood MSM peaked within 90 minutes. MSM also appeared to “persist” in the body for at least seven 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. MSM (3 g) also promoted a favorable change in blood homocysteine levels. This effect replicated the previous report by Kim.

“A strong evidence base supports the utility of MSM for the promotion of joint health—three randomized controlled trials,” offered Tony Keller, president, TandemRain Innovations. “With ActivMSM being FDA GRAS, and with the results of this ground-breaking study, we see a significant opportunity for the entry of MSM into conventional foods and beverages, extending its joint health pedigree and ushering in new applications for cardiovascular health. The suggestion of MSM being a sulfur metabolism modifier also opens up platforms for skin/hair/nails applications. We believe our enduring commitment to research and GRAS status offers a competitive edge to innovation seeking brands.”