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MINERALS OVERVIEW
Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral that is found primarily near hot springs and volcanic craters. Sulfur has a distinct "rotten egg" smell which is caused by sulfur dioxide gas escaping into the air. It is available in two supplement forms - dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - and both forms have been touted widely as effective treatments for pain.
Sulfur is an acid-forming mineral. It is part of the chemical structure of the amino acids (building blocks of protein): methionine (maintains skin tone, hair, and nails & more), cysteine (keratin), taurine (component of bile and to digest fats), and glutathione (antioxidant).
Sulfur works with vitamins B-1 (thiamine), B-5 (pantothenic acid), and H (biotin) to promote metabolism and communication between nerve cells. Sulfur disinfects the blood, helps the body to resist bacteria, and protects the protoplasm of cells. It aids in necessary oxidation reactions in the body, stimulates bile secretion, and protects against toxic substances. Because of its ability to protect against the harmful effects of radiation and pollution, sulfur slows down the aging process. It is found in hemoglobin and in all body tissues. Sulfur is found abundantly in keratin, a protein that strengthens hair, nails, and skin. Occasionally referred to as "nature's beauty mineral," sulfur as it plays a role in the production (synthesis) of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin elastic and healthy. Collagen is a principal protein that gives the skin its structural integrity. It is used to treat diaper rash, eczema, itchy rashes, and hemorrhoids. Sulfur baths (like hot sulfur springs) help to ease pain from arthritis. It's antioxidant properties helps to keep skin youthful.
Sulfur-containing mud baths (often called balneotherapy) help in the treatment of skin disorders and arthritis. Balneotherapy is one of the oldest forms of therapy for pain relief for people with arthritis. The term "balneo" comes from the Latin word for bath (balneum) and refers to bathing in thermal or mineral waters. Some people also claim that these baths are useful for allergies and respiratory disorders. However, there is no scientific evidence for these traditional uses. In fact, many (but not all) studies suggest that there may actually be a connection between sulfur gases in the environment and the rise in allergy and respiratory related illnesses, particularly asthma, throughout industrialized countries. The sulfur gases responsible for pollution in the environment come primarily from coal-fired power stations.
SOURCES
Sulfur is found in protein-rich foods such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, dried beans, cabbage, chicken, eggs, fish, garlic, kale, meats, milk products, onions, soybeans, turnips, and wheat germ contain sulfur, as do the herb horsetail and the amino acids cysteine, cystine, lysine, and methionine. Sulfur is also available in tablet and powder forms. Methylsufonylmethane (MSM) is a good form of sulfur.
SUPPLEMENT FORMS
Sulfur supplements are available in two main forms -- dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Each of these substances, first DMSO in the 1960s and 1970s and more recently MSM, has been touted to treat many conditions, particularly those related to pain. The only use for which DMSO is approved by the FDA is interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), which is injected under medical supervision.
DMSO, first made in 1866, is prepared from byproducts of paper manufacturing and used as an industrial solvent. MSM is derived from DMSO.
Although sulfur is available as a dietary supplement in tablets and capsules, supplemental sulfur is generally not necessary because appropriate amounts are obtained from a well-balanced diet that includes the recommended daily allowance of protein. People who follow a vegan diet, however, are at risk for sulfur deficiency.
Ointments, creams, lotions, and dusting powders containing sulfur are available to provide relief from skin rashes. Natural sulfur baths (the kind usually found at hot springs) may help ease pain associated with arthritis.
COMMENTS
Moisture and heat may destroy or change the action of sulfur in the body. Sulfur is the key substance that makes garlic the "king of herbs".
If a healthy balanced diet is followed, sulfur supplements may not be needed.
Some people are allergic to sulfur (i.e. sulfites, sulfa drugs). Sulfites may trigger an asthma attack - sulfa drugs may cause headache, fatigue, gastric upset, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Before combining sulfur and selenium (may create an imbalance), seek the advice of your health care provider.
Prior to taking a sulfur supplement, consult with your health care provider, especially if allergies exist or if currently taking medications on a regular basis.
USEFUL SULFUR TREATMENTS
Skin Disorders: Sulfur baths, and other forms of sulfur applied directly to the skin, seem to benefit psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, folliculitis (infected hair follicles), warts, and pityriasis versicolor (a chronic skin disorder characterized by patches of skin that differ in color from the usual skin tone).
Arthritis: Well-designed studies, primarily conducted in Israel, suggest that balneotherapy (including sulfur baths with or without mud packs and/or soaks in the Dead Sea) can help treat several different kinds of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Positive effects experienced by those receiving sulfur baths and other spa therapies include improved strength, decreased morning stiffness, better walking ability, and decreased inflammation, swelling, and pain in joints, particularly the neck and back.
Mud packs and Dead Sea salts dissolved in a regular bath tub were also found to improve symptoms of arthritis, but not as effectively as the Dead Sea itself. Several studies have also suggested that DMSO applied topically to affected areas may reduce pain and swelling in those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, but not all studies on this topic agree and more research is needed.
Pain and Injury: Use of topical DMSO for people who have bursitis, tendonitis, or a joint sprain has led to improvement in symptoms, including decreased pain and improved range of motion, in up to 72% of participants in a series of studies. For the most part, however, none of these studies has been considered scientifically rigorous. Plus, there are additional studies on this subject that have not shown improvement in injury related symptoms from DMSO compared to placebo. Therefore, most experts feel that more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the value of DMSO for pain or injuries.
Interstitial Cystitis: Although research is somewhat limited, DMSO is approved by the FDA to treat interstitial cystitis (bladder inflammation causing frequent and nighttime urination as well as pain), as it may relieve pain and other symptoms associated with this inflammatory condition. When used to treat interstitial cystitis, a health care provider inserts a liquid solution of DMSO directly into the bladder. General anesthesia may be required in some cases because the process can be painful and may cause bladder spasms.
Other: DMSO is also under investigation for the treatment of scleroderma (a connective-tissue disease that causes a progressive build up of tough scar-like tissue in the skin and internal organs), amyloidosis (a group of diseases in which amyloid - a protein-like substance - builds up in the organs and tissues), Sjogren's syndrome (a connective tissue disorder that generally includes arthritis, dry eyes, and dry mouth), and spinal cord injuries. However, the results thus far are not very promising and the tests being conducted are often evaluating DMSO as a prescription drug, not as a dietary supplement.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
PEDIATRIC
There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of sulfur. Therefore, use as a supplement is not currently recommended for children.
ADULT
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for sulfur because appropriate amounts of this mineral are obtained from a well-balanced diet that includes the recommended daily allowance of protein.
- Arthritis: oral doses of 500 to 1,000 mg MSM per day may decrease symptoms; or, topical doses of 60% to 90% DMSO applied 1 to 3 times per day.
- Amyloidosis: oral doses of 7 to 15 g DMSO per day; or, topical doses of 50% to 100% DMSO applied 2 times per week.
CAUTIONS
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Sulfur, by itself, is not toxic to the body. However, some people are highly allergic to relatives of sulfur such as sulfites and sulfa drugs. Sulfites are used as food preservatives (such as in beer and wine) and can trigger asthma, hives, and other allergic reactions. Sulfites may also cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and even seizures in certain individuals. Sulfa drugs can cause skin rashes, high fever, headache, fatigue, and gastric problems.
Side effects from DMSO and MSM also include nausea, headache, and rash.
Those with known allergies to sulfa-containing medications and/or sulfites should avoid sulfur supplements as a precautionary measure.
Sulfur should not be used during pregnancy.
POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS
There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that sulfur interacts with any conventional medications.
SUPPORTING RESEARCH
Ayres JG. Trends in air quality in the UK. Allergy. 1997;52(38 Suppl):7-13.
Barnes PJ. Air pollution and asthma. Postgrad Med J. 1994;70(823(:319-325.
Barnes PJ. Air pollution and asthma: molecular mechanisms. Mol Med Today. 1995;1(3):149-155.
Carpio-Obeso MP, Shorr M, Valdez-Salas B. Desert ecosystems: similarities, characteristics, and health benefits. Rev Environment Health. 1999;14(4):257-267.
Childs SJ. Dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) in the treatment of interstitial cystitis. Urol Clin North Am. 1994;21(1):85-88.
Devalia JL, Rusznak C, Wang J, Khair OA, Abdelaziz MM, Calderon MA, Davies RJ. Air pollutants and respiratory hypersensitivity. Toxicol Lett. 1996;86(2-3):169-176.
D'Amato G, Liccardi G, D'Amato M. Environmental risk factors (outdoor air pollution and climatic changes) and increased trend of respiratory allergy. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2000;10(3):123-128.
Elkayam O, Ophir J, Brener S, Paran D, Wigler I, Efron D, Even-Paz Z, Politi Y, Yaron M. Immediate and delayed effects of treatment at the Dead Sea in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2000;19(3):77-82.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): New drug without an approved new drug application or investigational new drug application (NDA/IND). 1992. Accessed at: http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia6206.html on February 8, 2002.
Kirschmann GJ, Kirschmann JD. Nutrition Almanac. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill;1996.
Lester MR. Sulfite sensitivity: significance in human health. J Am Coll Nutr. 1995;14(3):229-232.
Pain. MSM: does it work? Harv Health Lett. 2000;25(10):7.
Ring J, Eberlein-Koenig B, Behrendt H. Environmental pollution and allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2001;87(6 Suppl 3):2-6.
Rosenstein ED. Topical agents in the treatment of rheumatic disorders. rheum Dis Clin N Am. 1999;25(4):899-918.
Rusznak C, Devalia JL, Davies RJ. The impact of pollution on allergic disease. Allergy. 1994;49(18 Suppl):21-27.
Schmidt A. Malassezia fufur: a fungus belonging to the physiological skin flora and its relevance in skin disorders. Cutis. 1997;59(1):21-24.
Schwela D. Exposure to environmental chemicals relevant for respiratory hypersensitivity: global aspects. Toxicol Lett. 1996;86(2-3):131-142.
Sukenik S. Balneotherapy for rheumatic diseases at the Dead sea area. Isr J Med Sci. 1996;32Suppl:S16-19.
Sukenik S, Buskila D, Neumann L, Kleiner-Baumgarten A, Zimlichman S, Horowitz J. Sulphur bath and mud pack treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea area. Ann Rheum Dis. 1990;49(2):99-102.
Sukenik S, Flusser D, Codish S, Abu-Shakra M. Balneotherapy at the Dead Sea area for knee osteoarthritis. Isr Med Assoc J. 1999;1(2):83-85.
Sukenik S, Giryes H, Halevy, et al. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis at the Dead Sea. J Rheumatol. 1994;21:1305-1309.
Sukenik S, Neumann L, Flusser D, Kleiner-Baumgarten A, Buskila D. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea. Isr J Med Sci. 1995;31(4):210-214.
Trice JM, Pinals RS. Dimethyl sulfoxide: a review of its use in the rheumatic disorders. [Review]. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 1985;15(1):45-60.
Verhagen AP, de Vet HC, de BIE RA, Kessels AG, Boers M, Knipschild PG. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2000. Oxford: Update Software.
von Mutius E. The environmental predictors of allergic disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2000;105(1 Pt 1):9-19.
Yang WH, Purchase EC. Adverse reactions to sulfites. CMAJ. 1985;133(9):865-867,880.
SULFUR / SULPHUR SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Pure Lignisul, 500 mg, 250 Caps
MSM is a non toxic physiologically active sulphur compound that may be helpful for connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, mucous membranes, nails, hair, and skin damage and repair.
MSM - The Super Supplement of the Decade By Martha Christy
MSM is a non toxic physiologically active sulphur compound that may be helpful for connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, mucous membranes, nails, hair, and skin damage and repair. This book informs you about research studies on MSM and how to use it to improve your own health and well being!
MSM Supplement, Pure Lignisul, 1000 mg, 120 Caps (With Free Lotion)
Buy MSM Supplement caps and get a 4 oz Lotion free, MSM supplement plays a beneficial role in connective tissue and joint flexibility, immune health, arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, pain, hair, skin, nails, athletic injuries, acne, wrinkles and allergies.
MSM, Pure Lignisul, 1000 mg, 240 Caps
With many benefits, MSM plays a beneficial role in connective tissue and joint flexibility, immune health, arthritis, osteoporosis, nails, fibromyalgia, muscle soreness, athletic injuries and allergies.
MSM, Pure Lignisul, With Vitamin C, 875 mg / 100 mg, 120 Caps
MSM with Vitamin C offers support for allergies, connective tissue, joint flexibility, immune function, arthritis, osteoporosis, digestive disorders, circulation,bruising, carpal tunnel syndrome, and antioxidant protection.
MSM, Pure Lignisul, With Glucosamine, 500 mg / 500 mg, 120 Caps
MSM with Glucosamine provides nutritional support for healthy joints by lubricating, nourishing, and easing inflammation in damaged tissue and cartilage.
Hair & Skin With MSM & Glucosamine, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Hair and Skin with MSM & Glucosamine combines MSM, glucosamine and more to bring you the best combination for Hair and Skin health.
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