Research flags OptiMSM sulphur ingredient’s anti-aging properties

28 Feb 2020 --- Tapping into the ingestible beauty trend, a methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) ingredient dubbed OptiMSM has been found to visibly reduce signs of skin aging. A product of US-based Bergstrom Nutrition, OptiMSM’s properties were revealed by a study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. The researchers employed a two-phase approach to showcase how OptiMSM can boost skin health in different dosages. The product is represented by Lehvoss Nutrition for the European Market and the findings affirm its potential for use in the beauty supplementation genre.

“As we age, it’s essential to strengthen, protect and nourish hair, skin and nails. According to the research, daily supplementation with MSM supports and preserves collagen and keratin, which are key building blocks of hair, skin and nails. One gram of MSM taken daily provides visible benefits within two weeks for nails and within four weeks for hair and skin in healthy adult females,” Teresita Rudà, Marketing Manager, Nutraceuticals at Lehvoss Nutrition, tells NutritionInsight.

“Beauty-from-within” is evolving into a mega-trend and supplementation NPD in the space is thriving. Tackling skin care from within through ingestible beauty products is proving popular among consumers, with adaptogens and collagen being among the most preferred ingredients.  

OptiMSM is based on MSM, which is an organosulfur compound with known benefits for joint health, sports nutrition and immune function. In addition, it has anti‐aging properties and is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for the beauty sector. The compound is naturally found in plants, as well as the milk of both bovines and humans. 

“Beauty-from-within is definitely a trend we are seeing becoming more popular as people want to look young and healthy, as well as nourish the body from the inside, with food supplements that can prevent aging and keep people healthy,” Rudà explains.

“OptiMSM is a source of sulphur and a recent independent review has demonstrated the importance of sulphur in several body functions including support of connective tissue, skin health, detoxification, immunity and metabolism. Therefore, when you take OptiMSM, you are aiming to prevent aging by supporting connective tissues, which also works on your skin, nails and hair health from inside,” she adds.  

Assessing skin aging
The researchers studied the skin of 63 participants, who ingested either 1 g or 3 g of OptiMSM over a period of 16 weeks. Results were judged using subject self-assessment of wrinkles and skin texture, expert clinical grading and instrumental measurement and analysis.

The findings indicated that oral ingestion of OptiMSM helps in the reduction of signs of aging, like facial wrinkles and skin roughness, and also improves skin firmness, elasticity and hydration. With both doses showing efficacy, the researchers pointed toward OptiMSM’s  effectiveness in reducing the visual signs of skin aging, even at a low dose of 1 g per day. 

In addition, another scientific study published last year demonstrated that OptiMSM also has beneficial effects on hair and nails health, possibly due to its action on keratin. 

“Both new studies are on oral supplementation, however, the ingredient can be also used in topical applications and there are already some examples on the market. Certainly a combination of topical and oral intake is a very good idea,” Rudà highlights.

The researchers also noted that sulfur amino acids, such as MSM, contribute substantially to the maintenance and integrity of the cellular systems by influencing cellular redox state and the capacity to detoxify toxic compounds, free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Any dietary excess is readily oxidized to sulfate, excreted in the urine (or reabsorbed depending on dietary levels) or stored in the form of glutathione (GSH). There is also evidence that MSM can be incorporated into the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine to provide a source of dietary sulfur and MSM may also affect the compartmentalization and metabolism of sulfur.

In the study, it is not specified whether the sample of participants was male or female. Rudà explains however, that the research has been done only on women. Nonetheless, this specific application can be extended to the other sex as well, she explains. 

“In fact, there are already hair products on the market for men containing MSM. We also have specific OptiMSM research on sports, recovery time and performance, which we feel attracts more the male target. However, this could also open doors for food supplements ingredients for active people and those practicing sports and also looking for beauty benefits,” she concludes.

By Kristiana Lalou