Q: What is MSM?
A: MSM is an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment and in the human body. Sulfur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. And because the body utilizes and expends it on a daily basis, sulfur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health.

Q: Where Does MSM Come From?
A: MSM originates in the oceans where microscopic plankton release sulfur compounds into seawater, which is quickly converted to DMS, a volatile sulfur compound that escapes into the atmosphere. In this suspended, gaseous state, the DMS reacts with ozone and ultraviolet sunlight to create DMSO and DMSO2, known as MSM. MSM then falls to the earth with the rain, where it is collected and concentrated in plants. Although MSM is abundant in nature, even the richest natural sources only provide MSM in the level of several parts per million. Commercial extraction of MSM from trees is not possible. MSM is produced by oxidizing DMSO. This process parallels the natural oxidation of DMSO to MSM that occurs in the marine atmosphere and produces MSM that is chemically identical to that found in nature.

Q: What is OptiMSM?
A: The premiere branded MSM ingredient produced by Bergstrom Nutrition and available through MaxxRelief and other quality manufacturers. OptiMSM is held to strict product specifications, making it the highest quality and most consistent MSM available on the market. OptiMSM is organic sulfur that appears as a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder that is available in a variety of topical applications and internal dosage types. It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and always 99.9% pure. Bergstrom Nutrition, the sole maker of OptiMSM, is the original United States producer licensed under the R. J. Herschler domestic and foreign patents.

Q: What does OptiMSM do for the body?
A: Primarily recognized to benefit joint health, OptiMSM provides sulfur, which is needed for the structural integrity of joint cartilage and connective tissue such as skin, hair and nails. OptiMSM has been shown in animal research to inhibit inflammation by decreasing influx of certain white blood cells. Reduced inflammation increases circulation to aid recovery of sore muscles. In addition, OptiMSM supplies methyl groups, which help lower homocysteine levels, an important factor in heart health. OptiMSM--heart-healthy joint support.
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Q: Are there any food sources of MSM?
A: Yes. MSM occurs naturally in the environment, is present in rainwater, and is absorbed by plants. So, small amounts of MSM are available in fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and even unpasteurized milk. But, because it does not occur in effective amounts in food, the most reliable dietary source for adequate MSM intake is through supplementation.
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Q: Who should take OptiMSM?
A: Because organic sulfur is a basic component for overall human wellness, most people can benefit from supplementing their diets with OptiMSM. Please consult your physician before using MSM if you are pregnant, while nursing or for children under 2 years of age.
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Q: Has OptiMSM been scientifically researched?
A: Yes. Dr. Stanley Jacob and his associates have been working with DMSO and MSM for more than 30 years. During their research, they discovered that a portion of the DMSO was converted to MSM in the body. MSM turned out to be a more stable metabolite of DMSO with similar properties. There were an estimated 50,000 articles published on DMSO, but only a handful have ever been repeated with MSM. Physicians and other health care providers have relied primarily on previous DMSO studies, lower animal studies with MSM, as well as MSM case studies and anecdotal reports.
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Q: Is OptiMSM safe?
A: Very safe. OptiMSM is non-toxic and non-allergenic. However, taking amounts greater than your body's ability to absorb it may result in loose stools. OptiMSM is non-allergenic. In the many years MSM has been researched, no significant allergic reactions have been reported. We recommend informing your doctor you are supplementing with MSM. OptiMSM has no known contraindications with pharmaceutical drugs or over-the-counter medications. However, Dr. Jacob does recommend that it not be used by pregnant or lactating mothers, or by children under the age of two. Dr. Jacob recommends that persons taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) consult their doctor before using MSM.
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Q: How much OptiMSM should I take?
A: Follow the directions recommended on the products you buy. Dosage is generally in the range of 2-8 grams per day in 2-3 divided doses. For more definitive recommendations, read Dr. Jacob's Book, The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain. BACK TO TOP
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Q: How do I know the MSM I'm taking is OptiMSM?
A: MSM products made with OptiMSM are marked with the distinctive OptiMSM logo. Sometimes the logo will be listed with the ingredients if the product is a formula. See a list of brand-name products made with OptiMSM here. BACK TO TOP
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Q: What makes OptiMSM superior to other kinds of MSM?
A: OptiMSM is the original MSM available in the United States patented as safe for human biological use. If you don't see the OptiMSM logo, you can't be certain you are getting 99.9% pure, safe, and effective OptiMSM. Learn more about the OptiMSM difference. BACK TO TOP
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Q: Is sulfur the same as sulfa drugs and sulfites?
A: Do not get confused between the two. MSM provides organic sulfur and is a nutrient. Sulfa-based drugs, also known as sulfonamides, do not occur naturally and are used as antibiotics. The sulfa molecule is much larger and can cause severe reactions in some individuals. While many people are allergic to sulfa drugs, no similar reactions have ever been reported with MSM. A third sulfur-containing compound, known as sulfites, is a form of preservative that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. MSM does not contain sulfites, and should not cause a reaction in sulfite-sensitive individuals.
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Q: How does MSM kill pain?
A: We believe that MSM relieves pain in at least several ways:

• It inhibits pain impulses along a major nervous system network called C fibers. These fibers carry messages of pain from a site of damaged tissue in the body to your brain.
• MSM also reduces inflammation. Inflammation puts pressure on nerves and other tissues and causes pain.
• MSM promotes blood flow, which enhances the healing process.
• MSM reduces muscle spasm – a contraction of muscle tissue – often involved in painful conditions.

Q: Will MSM help with both acute pain that comes on suddenly or develops after a traumatic event, as well as chronic pain related to arthritis or some other disease?
A: Usually it helps both circumstances. Almost always, acute pain responds more rapidly than long-standing chronic pain. If you incur a sprained ankle or fracture, MSM will probably help reduce the inflammation and you may have some pain relief as a result. If you have suffered from a pain-related disease for many years, you need to be patient and give MSM time to get into the system and work.
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Q: I have heard people who have been in pain for a long time say they have had dramatic overnight relief?
A: This does happen. We have personally seen cases where people experience great relief within a few days. Such dramatic responses are not unusual and are very gratifying to both physicians and patients. However, we advise patients who have been suffering from chronic pain form many years not to expect overnight relief. Although it is very possible to happen sooner, the first signs of relief could take one month, two months, or even many months to become apparent. If you are not among the fortunate individuals who experience relief in the days or weeks after you start taking MSM, don’t be discouraged. Stick with it. Be patient. You may not notice less pain immediately, but you may feel more energetic from the MSM, or you may experience other side benefits.
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Q: How long does it usually take to experience relief in very severe cases?
A: This is difficult to answer. It depends on many things. Some sever cases can take months. The longer the problem has existed, the longer it may take for substantial relief to occur. Often MSM helps where noting else does, where there are no other effective treatments available, or where strong medication is not advisable for a patient. The use of MSM may provide major relief or it may provide just enough to allow your physician to reduce the amount of medication. When a doctor can do that, the risk of side effects is also reduced.
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Q: If I develop pain should I take MSM?
A: MSM can be helpful for many cases of pain, but remember that pain is a messenger from the body telling you that something is wrong and needs attention. A minor pain that comes and quickly goes is generally not a cause for concern. But when any pain intensifies or persists, that’s a strong message you should heed. Should you experience any kind of severe or persistent pain, for whatever reason, don’t rush to the health food store and buy a bottle of MSM and expect it to relieve your pain like a painkiller. MSM doesn’t work that way. It is not a pharmaceutical pain pill that will deaden the pain in ten minutes. See your physician. Get a diagnosis and follow your physician’s advice. MSM provides rapid relief in many cases, but it is not meant to compete with pharmaceutical painkilling drugs. It is a nutritional supplement. MSM is most appropriate for chronic pain conditions where you don’t want to rely indefinitely on a drug. If you have a chronic pain condition, MSM can be used along with any therapeutic program you follow. It will not interfere with any drug or procedure being administered by your health professional.
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