Sulfur, Sulphur, MSM, Health, Facts, Research

MAIN Health Vitamins & Minerals Sulfur

Sulfur is not one of the most prominent minerals contributing to staying healthy. A little bit of sulfur is all that most people need. Like most trace minerals, it makes up just a small part of the nutrients your body needs, but it is vitally important.

Sulfur's benefits are most often seen in relief against joint pain and arthritis. Discover more about the nutrient that is found in every cell in the body, its relationship to other nutrients, information on high sulfur foods and low-sulfur diets...

Sulfur
Fast Facts

Foods: egg yolks, garlic, onions, dairy products, wheat germ, meats, fish, legumes, nuts, cabbage, raspberries

What it's good for: studies point to its use in metabolism in joint health as well as avoiding arthritis, joint pain & stiffness. Allergies to sulfur compounds are not uncommon and those who are sensitive to the mineral should e careful of foods that contain either naturally occurring sulfur or sulfur based additives.

MSM Information - With facts on methylsulfonylmethane, the organic form of sulfur with a discussion on the need for clinical studies, its use for muscle and joint pain in conjunction with glucosamine and chondroitin, and possible side effects.

The Sulfur Solution - Archived article from the Nutrition Reporter on its history and uses, plus information on related supplements alpha-lipoic acid, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, glutathione, MSM, garlic, N-acetylcysteine, and SAMe with recommended daily dosages.

Selenium Sulfur DRI/RDA - Overview of systemic effects, interactions with other nutrients, above normal levels associated with diseases such as Lou Gehrig's, Alzheimer's and Chron's disease, recommended daily allowances, food sources.

A Canary's-Eye View - Foods Rich in Sulfur - For those on a sulfur restricted diet, a quick list of high-sulfur foods with a link to more information on sulfur metabolism.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - Quackwatch - A look at the science supporting claims of health benefits from MSM dietary supplements. Seems that there isn't too much science behind the claims - Quackwatch says, "No published research studies link MSM to any of the health claims made by its marketers. Sulfur needed in human metabolism comes from dietary protein. MSM supplements probably make little or no contribution to the body's sulfur requirements. Thus there is no good reason to use MSM supplements."

Whole Foods Cooperative Health Library - Sulfur - Brief essay on sulfur's benefits, food sources, deficiency symptoms.

TJClark - Sulfur - Section of a nutritional supplement site that does a very good job of covering sulfur's role in the body, sulfur's benefits, sulfur-containing amino acids, food sources, deficiency symptoms and links to more research.