Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 127, February 2020 | Page 13

ADVERTORIAL New JointEze Capsules with Opti-MSM Providing Protection from Oxidative Damage J ointEze capsules now contains opti-MSM, which is a proven highly bioavailable source of sulphur, and the most researched MSM in the world. Sulphur is important for several functions, including support of connective tissue, skin health, detoxification, immunity and metabolism. MSM also reduces pain and inflammation caused by strenuous activity, without any side effects. 1,2 Also, MSM protects the body from oxidative damage by increasing the body’s natural antioxidant capacity, enabling the body to neutralise damaging free radicals. Strenuous exercise is associated with generation of high levels of free radicals. The decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress protects joints from damage, helps the body recover, boosts immunity and helps users stay mobile and pain-free. Sulphur is the third-most abundant mineral in the human body, and is imperative for protein synthesis and to help maintain healthy joints, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue. It is also needed to support healthy homeostasis levels and certain metabolic processes. 2 MSM is an organic sulphur compound containing 34 percent sulphur by weight. MSM’s sulphur can be readily used in the body to help maintain sulphur levels. MSM supports the body’s sources of two sulphur- containing amino acids – methionine and cysteine. Sulphur is also important for synthesising taurine, S-adenosylmethione (SAME) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – all imperative nutrients in the body. 2 One of the most important antioxidants, glutathione, is needed to combat free radicals in the body, and sulphur is required in the body to support the synthesis of glutathione. 3,4 Consuming sulphur- rich foods and sulphur-containing supplements, including MSM, can help increase glutathione levels. In one study, young men participating in an exercise regimen took MSM for 10 days before running to determine the effects on known markers of oxidative stress. The study found that supplementing with MSM significantly improved glutathione levels and lessened markers of oxidative stress. 5 While MSM helps increase glutathione levels in the body, it can also help inhibit inflammatory markers through its anti-inflammatory properties. 6,7 Sulphur is an essential component of healing, and a deficiency in the body may cause poor wound healing. By supplementing with MSM, researchers found it can support the healing process and lesson inflammation caused by strenuous activity and various conditions. 9 Studies found that MSM helps lessen oxidative stress associated with exercise, suggesting benefits for exercise recovery. 10 MSM is also a methyl donor and has been studied to determine its influence on lowering homocysteine levels. Men who moderately trained took 3 grams of MSM for 30 days, finding that muscle soreness and homocysteine levels decreased with supplementation. 11 Studies continue to show the benefits associated with regular MSM supplementation. What makes JointEze even better is that it provides Opti-MSM in conjunction with the nutrients zinc, copper, selenium and magnesium, and just not Opti-MSM. This offers great synergy, as MSM increases the body’s own internal level of anti-oxidants (via glutathione) and then the rest of the ingredients act as direct anti- oxidants against free radicals. MSM has been clinically proven to have the following benefits to athletes, namely:Rreducing muscle damage and soreness, combating exercise- induced oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and faster recovery. References: 1. Wong T, Bloomer R, Benjamin R, Buddington R. Small intestinal absorption of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and accumulation of the sulphur moiety in selected tissues of mice. Nutrients. 2018; 10(1):19. 2. Parcell SW. Sulphur in human nutrition and applications in medicine. (Review: sulphur). Alternative medicine review. 2002 Febr 1;7(1):22-45. 3. Pizzorno JE, Katzinger JJ. Glutathione: Physiological and clinical relevance. J of restorative medicine 2012 Sept 1;1(1):24-37. 4. Grimbe RF. The effects of sulphur amino acids intake on immune function in humans. Journal of nutrition 2006. Jun 1:1:136(6):1660S-5S. 5. Nakhostin Roohi B, Barmaki S, Khoshkhahesh F, Bohlooli S. Effect of chronic supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane on oxidative stress following acute exercise in untrained healthy men. Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. 2011 Oct;63(10):1290-4. 6. Lawrence T. The nuclear factor NF-B pathway in inflammation. Cold spring harbour perspectives in biology 2009. Octo 7:a001651 7. Ahn H, Kim J, Lee MJ, Kim YJ, Cho YW, Lee GS. Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Cytokine. 2015 Febr 1,71(2):223-31. 8. Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Walters FF. Efficiency of methylsulfunylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial, osteo arthritis and cartilage. 2006 Mar 1;14(3):286-94. 9. Butawan M, Benjamin R, Bloomer R. Methylsulfonylmethane: applications and safety of a novel dietary supplement. Nutrients. 2017; 9(3): 290. 10. Godwin S, Bloomer RJ, van der Merwe M, Benjamin R. MSM enhances LPS-induced inflammatory response after exercise. Journal of the international society of sports nutrition. 2015 Dec 1:12(S1):P48. 11. Kalman DS, Feldman S, Scheinberg AR et al. Influence of methylsulfonylmethane on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men: a pilot study. Journal Int Soc Sports Nutr 2012; 9(1):46. 13