Balchem’s OptiMSM: Creating supplements that support joint health across the lifespan

13 Dec 2023 --- A recent study on the effects of Balchem’s methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplement OptiMSM on adults not diagnosed with joint disorders demonstrated promising results in the alleviation of pain and discomfort.

Nutrition Insight speaks to Lauren Eisen, strategic marketing and BD Manager at Balchem about the product’s properties and the study’s effects on the supplement market.

“Focused on future-proofing well-being and healthy lifestyles as they age, 34% of consumers are on the lookout for supplements, in addition to a balanced diet, to support mobility and joint health while delivering additional healthy aging benefits,” Eisen says.

Lauren Eisen, strategic marketing and BD Manager, Balchem (Image Credit: Balchem).“Plus, 54% recognize the importance of exercise to foster overall health. Therefore, joint health concerns are reaching a younger demographic — including experienced athletes and casual gym-goers – as well as the older population who are more concerned with the effects of normal aspects of aging. OptiMSM can be incorporated into a wide variety of consumer products, ranging from a daily multivitamin solution to a specific joint health formula,” she adds.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by scientists in Japan revealed that MSM successfully relieves mild joint pain in healthy adults.

Sulfur and glutathione for healthy joints
The researchers point to MSM as a source of sulfur, which Eisen describes as “a key component of the building blocks of joints and connective tissue.”

“MSM is a source of sulfur that is critical when it comes to healthy joints, contributing to their optimal structure and function. Balchem’s source of MSM, OptiMSM, can provide cartilage with much-needed nutrients essential for joint comfort,” she continues.

MSM plays an essential role in synthesizing the antioxidant molecule glutathione, an important player in managing oxidative stress in the body –– helping to aid overall joint health and post-exercise recovery, Eisen explains.

“OptiMSM has been reported to positively influence markers of exercise recovery in both new and experienced athletes, as well as decreasing muscle soreness and fatigue.” 

OptiMSM may also support joint health through the production of glutathione, which helps manage oxidative stress. 

“When consumed as a dietary supplement, OptiMSM can be used to produce amino acids that are building blocks of glutathione,” indicates Eisen.

“This is important as glutathione helps maintain cellular health and protect the body from oxidative stress to support healthy aging and safeguard the structural integrity of joints. So, maintaining optimal levels of glutathione is key for overall joint health.”

MSM can provide cartilage with much-needed nutrients essential for joint comfort.Regarding Balchem’s proprietary multi-stage distillation process used to produce OptiMSM, the company Eisen comments: “The multi-stage distillation process allows for the removal of impurities that other processes cannot overcome for a highly pure product. In addition, Balchem ensures that every lot is tested every time, delivering a high-quality ingredient.”

Meeting consumer needs
Balchem highlights the importance of the recent study conducted on healthy adults and the implications this has for individuals without diagnosed joint health conditions.

“This study is great news for consumers concerned with supporting their joints proactively as they age, as it provides further evidence that MSM supports overall joint health. Moreover, these findings indicate that OptiMSM can improve joint comfort in healthy adults experiencing mild knee pain that is unrelated to osteoarthritis.”

The study’s findings concerning the dosage, 2 g of OptiMSM per day, have been observed to be effective and may also impact the formulation of joint health supplements on the market.

“For consumers, a dosage of 2 g allows for a smaller daily requirement to be incorporated into daily routines to support improvements in overall joint health and comfort. At the same time, for supplement manufacturers, this allows more flexibility in formulation, enabling them to develop different formats and delivery methods.”

“As personalized nutrition becomes more accessible, Balchem’s OptiMSM is aligned to meet the nutritional needs or specific health goals of more individuals across the lifespan,” the Eisen concludes.

By Milana Nikolova