MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Description:
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulphur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO2. This colourless solid features the sulfonyl functional group and is considered relatively inert chemically. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants, it is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages and it is marketed as a dietary supplement. MSM is an odourless, water-soluble, white crystalline material that supplies a bioavailable form of dietary sulphur, which plays a major role in stabilising and promoting numerous body functions.
Properties:
Sulphur in necessary in the body of a horse for just about everything, including hair, hide, hooves,connective tissue and enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. It has been said that without adequate and properly delivered sulphur, life functions as we know them, would cease. Horses need the sulphur connections in their tissues and without these the horse would be reduced to nothing. Thus, some of the beneficial aspects of MSM when ingested by horses can be explained by the fact that the body then has the correct balance of sulphur to keep tissues elastic and free. MSM acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It also inhibits muscle spasm and increases blood flow. MSM is critical to the formation of connective tissue of all types. Sulphur is necessary for making collagen, the primary constituent of cartilage and connective tissue, but it is also responsible for the conformation of body proteins through the formation of disulfide bonds, which hold connective tissue together. MSM does this in conjunction with vitamins and amino acids. Research has shown that MSM is helpful in improving joint flexibility, reducing stiffness and swelling, improving circulation and cell vitality, reducing pain and scar tissue, and in breaking up calcium deposits. However, processing, heating, storage, and preparation of foods destroys essential MSM sulphur. Without sufficient MSM sulphur in the body, unnecessary illness of varying types may result. Possible uses: Because bio-nutritional sulphur plays such a major role in these healthy body functions and others, it was found that supplementation with MSM improves many health problems such as: allergies, emphysema, lung dysfunction, arthritis, skin problems, stomach and digestive tract problems, circulation. MSM is credited with clearing up epiphysitis (inflammation of the growth centre just above the knee) in fast-growing yearlings and ameliorating arthritis in geriatric horses. It also has relieved a variety of lamenesses and reduced inflammation. Moreover, horses given MSM show a more rapid growth of hoof and a glossier hair coat.
