What is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?
Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly referred to as MSM, is an organosulfur compound that is naturally found in small quantities in various plants, animals, and humans. It's a key ingredient in many dietary supplements and is often praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The therapeutic use of MSM is primarily associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, joint pain, and exercise-induced muscle damage. While the body does require sulfur for numerous functions—including the formation of collagen and keratin—the trace amounts of MSM in food are typically not sufficient to produce a significant therapeutic effect.
The Relationship Between Eggs and Sulfur
Eggs are indeed a notable source of dietary sulfur. This is because they contain the sulfur-rich amino acids methionine and cysteine, which are essential building blocks for protein synthesis in the human body. When eggs are cooked, the sulfur compounds can become more prominent, especially when overcooked, which is what causes the familiar sulfurous odor of hard-boiled eggs. However, mistaking the presence of sulfur in eggs for a meaningful concentration of MSM is a common misconception.
The Facts: Do Eggs Have MSM?
Yes, but the amount is negligible. A 2022 study on laying hens found that while hens naturally produce trace levels of MSM, even when their diet was fortified with additional MSM, the resulting amount transferred to the egg albumen was still very small. The study detected only trace levels in the egg white and none in the yolk. This confirms that a regular diet containing eggs, while providing valuable sulfur-rich proteins, does not offer a significant source of MSM for therapeutic purposes.
Natural Sources of MSM vs. Supplements
To better understand why supplements are used for therapeutic MSM, it is helpful to compare the natural occurrence of MSM in various foods with the concentrated doses available in supplement form.
| Feature | Natural Food Sources | MSM Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| MSM Content | Trace amounts, often measured in parts per million (ppm). | Highly concentrated doses, often 500mg to 3g or more per serving. |
| Effectiveness | Not sufficient for therapeutic effects due to low concentration. | Designed to deliver bioavailable, functional doses. |
| Cooking Impact | Levels of MSM can be significantly reduced by heat and processing. | Concentrated and stable, not affected by food preparation. |
| Examples | Raw milk (up to 3.3 ppm), coffee, tea, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts. | Capsules, powder, or combined formulas with glucosamine or chondroitin. |
| Primary Purpose | Part of general nutrient intake. | Targeted support for joint health, inflammation, or skin. |
Other Natural Sources of Organic Sulfur
While eggs are not a practical source for functional MSM, many other foods also contain organic sulfur compounds that contribute to your dietary needs. Some of these include:
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale are known for their sulfur content.
- Allium vegetables: Garlic, onions, and leeks are rich in sulfur compounds.
- Meat and poultry: Various animal proteins contain sulfur-containing amino acids.
- Fish and seafood: These are also excellent sources of protein and sulfur.
- Dairy products: Milk and cheese contain sulfur compounds naturally.
Why Supplements are the Practical Solution
The primary reason for using MSM supplements is to achieve a dose high enough to have a therapeutic effect, which is impossible to do through diet alone. For example, studies on osteoarthritis often use daily dosages of 1,500mg to 6,000mg, which is exponentially higher than the trace amounts found in food. Furthermore, because MSM is volatile and easily lost during cooking and processing, relying on food for high doses is not a viable strategy. The purity of supplements is also a factor, with reputable brands undergoing distillation processes to ensure a clean, effective product, unlike potentially contaminated or lower-quality versions.
Conclusion
While eggs are a valuable source of essential nutrients, including sulfur-rich amino acids, they do not contain a significant amount of MSM. The levels of MSM found in eggs are only present in trace amounts in the egg white and are diminished by cooking. For individuals seeking the targeted anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting benefits associated with MSM, consuming supplements is the only practical way to achieve an effective dose. Your diet provides a foundational level of sulfur, but a supplement is necessary to access the therapeutic potential of MSM.
