Clinical study backs Balchem’s OptiMSM ingredient for post-exercise recovery at low dose

New clinical research supports Balchem’s methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) ingredient, OptiMSM, for exercise recovery. The findings support its effects on immune and inflammatory responses following long-duration aerobic exercise at a low dose of 1,000 mg per day.

Conducted at the University of North Texas, US, in collaboration with Balchem, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of daily OptiMSM supplementation at 0.5–1 g per day, one-third the dose tested previously, before participants completed a half-marathon.

In the trial, MSM supplementation positively influenced exercise recovery markers, including those related to immune response, inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle recovery.

“Multiple studies have already demonstrated the potential of OptiMSM for post-exercise recovery, showing how it contributes to reductions in post-exercise muscle and joint soreness,” says Jessica Arnaly, senior marketing and business development manager at Balchem Human Nutrition & Health.

“However, previous investigations had used a relatively high dose of 3 g per day. With this new trial, we explored an unprecedentedly low dose of MSM. With just 1 g per day, we observed the impact of OptiMSM on the innate immune response following exercise, while also deepening our understanding of the specific immune pathways impacted by MSM.”

Arnaly adds that the study also presents an opportunity for sports nutrition brands to explore enhanced formulation flexibility with MSM by incorporating it into convenient multi-ingredient applications that appeal to busy consumers.

Pre-marathon prep

The trial involved ten healthy, experienced runners aged 32 to 44. Over the 30-day intervention, they received either 0.5 g per day of OptiMSM for the first 27 days, followed by 1 g per day in the next three days, or a placebo for all 30 days before running a half-marathon (21.1 km / 13.1 miles).

Researchers also took blood samples 24 hours before, and two and four hours after the half-marathon.

Runners who supplemented with OptiMSM showed evidence of improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses following exercise.

Balchem notes increases in the expression of genes are associated with better coordination of immune response and muscle repair. The supplier adds that these findings may potentially expand label claims for OptiMSM in the active nutrition space.

These proposed new claims could include: “MSM supplementation at 1 g per day improves antioxidant capacity after exercise,” “supports the innate immune response following exercise,” and “supports post-exercise muscle recovery.”

Recently, OptiMSM became the first MSM ingredient approved under Japan’s Food with Functional Claims system in the competitive and compliance-driven market.

The findings are published in Nutrients.