New research from the University of North Texas and Balchem reinforces evidence behind methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for exercise recovery.
The results shed further light on its effects on immune and inflammatory responses following long-duration aerobic exercise.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of daily supplementation with Balchem’s OptiMSM at 0.5-1 g/day before a half-marathon.
This is only one-third of the dose tested previously.
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.
Published in Nutrients, the trial involved 10 healthy and experienced runners aged 32-44 years old.
During 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 a 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).
Blood samples were taken 24 hours before as well as two and four hours after the half-marathon performance.
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”.
“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,” said Jessica Arnaly, Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager, Balchem Human Nutrition & Health.
“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 1 g/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.”