Effects of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on oxidative stress, muscle soreness, and performance variables following eccentric exercise

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle soreness. We determined the impact of MSM on exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle soreness, and muscle function. METHODS: Forty physically active (i.e., exercise-trained) men were assigned in double-blind manner to placebo (N.=20) or MSM (3 grams per day; N.=20) for 28 days before performing 10 sets of 10 repetitions of eccentric knee extension exercise. Functional capacity and muscle soreness was evaluated before and through 72 hours post-eccentric exercise, and both urine and blood were collected for determination of oxidative stress. RESULTLTS: Exercise resulted in impairment in muscle function and an increase in muscle soreness. Oxidative stress biomarkers were largely unaffected by exercise, perhaps due to the trained nature of the subjects. Although not of statistical significance, MSM supplementation attenuated muscle soreness by approximately 15-20% and allowed for a more rapid recovery of isometric quadriceps force (i.e., values returned to baseline by 72 hours post exercise for MSM but remained 8% below baseline for placebo). No other differences were noted between MSM and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Four weeks of MSM supplementation provides some degree of muscle protection following exercise, with regards to muscle force production and soreness. Considering that oxidative stress was not increased in response to exercise, MSM supplementation does not appear necessary for purposes of decreasing oxidative stress following exercise, at least as performed by physically active men.

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Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche

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