MAIN Health Vitamins & Minerals Sulfur

Sulfur, which goes by the letter S on the periodic table, is necessary for the proper functioning of all living cells. There are two types of Sulfur that can be taken as health supplements: dimethyl sulfoxide, which is known as DMSO, and methylsulfonylmethane which is known as MSM. Both of these supplements have many supposed health benefits.

One popular application of sulfur is as an ingredient in mud baths, which may actually be more beneficial than they appear. There is evidence that mud baths deliver many health benefits to the skin, and benefit a variety of skin related problems such as eczema, warts, psoriasis, and dandruff.

Another health benefit of sulfur that has been studied to a limited degree is its use a treatment of arthritis. Studies have shown that a type of therapy called balneotherapy, which can include sulfur mud baths, offers health benefits to those suffering from many different forms of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. There have also been studies that demonstrate that when sulfur is applied to the skin as a topical treatment, it improves many symptoms of arthritis such as joint swelling and pain.

There is also some limited evidence to suggest that topical sulfur may be useful in treating more general joint pain. Studies done on this have found that when sulfur is applied topically there is an increase in the joint's range of motion along with a lowered amount of pain. The evidence for this is mixed, however, and additional research needs to be done before anything conclusive can be said.

For those looking to supplement their sulfur intake, there are many excellent food sources of sulfur, including eggs, garlic, onion, meats, legumes, and dairy.

More about sulfar around the Web:

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...

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.

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