Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in our bodies as well as in many common beverages and foods, including milk, coffee, tea and green vegetables. In its purified chemical form, it is an odorless, essentially tasteless, white, water-soluble crystalline solid. It is one of the safest substances in biology, similar in toxicity to water.

Lignisul MSM is the first brand of MSM specifically developed as an ultrapure food grade for human consumption as a nutritional supplement. Lignisul is sold as a raw material to various national manufacturers and formulators who market it in finished product form as capsules, tablets, powders and topical preparations.

Lignisul MSM is a non-animal-based nutritional supplement and is an all-natural source of MSM. In addition, Lignisul has been certified Kosher-Parve by the Kosher Overseers Associates of America.

Naturally-occurring sulfur, such as that found in Lignisul MSM, is not similar to inorganic sulfides, sulfites and sulfates to which many people are allergic.

For centuries, mankind has soaked in sulfur-rich mineral hot springs to help heal a variety of ailments. While sulfur's natural anti-inflammatory properties have shown benefits for a range of health problems, including arthritis, muscle and joint pain, much is still unknown about precisely how sulfur works in the body.

The cycle of MSM begins in the ocean where microscopic plants called plankton release sulfur compounds. These salts are transformed in the ocean water into the very volatile compound dimethyl sulfide (DMS) which escapes from the ocean as a gas. DMS rises into the upper atmosphere, and in the presence of ozone and high-energy ultraviolet light, is converted into MSM. Lignisul MSM is derived from an all-natural source of DMS that originates in pine trees. MSM is produced by twice oxidizing DMS to form DMSO2 , otherwise known as MSM. Unlike the DMS, MSM is very soluble in water, and returns to earth in the form of rain. On earth, plants take MSM into their root systems and concentrate it. MSM and the sulfur it contains is incorporated into the plants' structure. Through the plants' metabolism, MSM, along with other sulfur compounds it has spawned, is ultimately mineralized and transported back to the sea.

These functions often result in the following occurrences:

Q: What is MSM? Where does it come from? What does it do?

A: MSM is a source of organic sulfur derived from nature. MSM has many benefits but is mostly used for pain relief and reduction of inflammation associated with arthritis and a variety of other ailments.

A: Most people do not eat enough of the proper foods to assure adequate sulfur stores in the body. Most foods today are over-processed, heated, or just lack adequate amounts of sulfur. MSM supplementation easily and cheaply provides this important mineral.

A: Scientists believe that many people have a deficiency of sulfur. Sulfur is excreted by the body continuously and is not generally replaced at a rate to allow an abundance in the body. Unless you are supplementing with MSM (organic sulfur) you may be sulfur deficient.

A: Most individuals will benefit from 2-10 grams (2000-10000 mg) of MSM daily. Lignisul MSM is safe and non-toxic. It has a toxicity similar to that of water so it would be difficult to take too much. Your body uses what it needs from ingested MSM and gets rid of the rest, therefore it is almost impossible to take too much.

A: MSM comes in many forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, and lotions. The best form for you is what works best for you. Whatever form you take, make sure it is a high-quality, pure form of MSM, such as Lignisul MSM made in the U.S. by Carolwood Corporation. Lignisul is an all-natural form of MSM manufactured to the highest quality standards and third party tested to ensure a 99.9% purity level. Cheaper, imported MSM from China is not manufactured to the same quality standards, nor is it third party tested for purity.

A: Some individuals see results in days while in others it can take weeks. The key to success with MSM is to be consistent with taking the product. Remember, MSM is not a cure; it is a food supplement that if discontinued, will probably lead to a return of symptoms.

A: MSM is exceptionally safe. Tests have shown it to be similar in toxicity to water. Remember, MSM is a natural supplement and your body will use only what it needs.

A: Although you should always consult your physician before starting any new dietary regimen, MSM has not been shown to interact with any prescribed medications. Often, MSM supplementation is used in conjunction with medical treatment. MSM is an excellent food supplement in support of medical treatment.

A: Most experts recommend that MSM be taken with food, although it is not absolutely necessary. By taking MSM with food, the chances of minor gastrointestinal upset can be reduced.

A: MSM improves the body’s ability to create barriers against allergens. Oral MSM has been shown to alleviate the allergic response to pollen and to foods.

A: Use of MSM has been shown to reduce the rigidity of cells in soft tissues of the body. By reducing this rigidity, fluids are able to pass more freely from the cell and this helps reduce cell pressure, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.

A: Although there is no guarantee of increased energy levels, many individuals claim increased levels of energy. This occurs mainly because of the increased cell flexibility and permeability. MSM allows better use of oxygen and nutrients by the cells and more efficient removal of waste products.

A: Because high levels of organic sulfur are found in the skin, hair, and nails, deficiencies of sulfur will obviously affect these areas. Many individuals taking MSM notice enhancement of the skin, hair, and nails as well as other functions of the body.

A: Many companies are combining MSM with other nutritional products, which have been shown to be beneficial to health. These products work synergistically with MSM to provide additional benefits to ones health. Glucosamine is the most common product which is combined with MSM.

A: MSM is in no way related to sulfa drugs and can be taken safely by people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Lignisul MSM is extremely safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic.

A: MSM applied directly to the skin has not been shown to cause irritation.

A: MSM is very beneficial to athletes and active individuals. MSM has been shown to improve post workout recovery and to decrease recovery time for soft tissue injuries in athletes.