Sulfur supplements are often mentioned as a treatment for all kinds of ailments, including joint pain, skin issues, inflammation, and muscle soreness. But are they right for you? Here's what you should know.
What is Sulfur?
Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the human body and an essential mineral that serves several important functions in the human body, including creating and repairing DNA, helping with metabolism, and creating protein.
Since our bodies can’t make sulfur, we need to get this mineral from our diet. Popular sources of sulfur include:
- Meat and seafood, like, beef, eggs, scallops and chicken
- Legumes, like chickpeas, lentils, and beans
- Allium vegetables, like garlic, onion, and shallots
- Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
But with mineral deficiencies becoming increasingly common, is it beneficial to take a sulfur supplement?Â
Research on Sulfur Supplements
When taken as a supplement, Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM (a compound that is naturally produced in some plants and breaks down into sulfur in the body) has been shown to promote joint function, reduce pain, and improve the appearance of hair and nails. It also helps the body form and release new proteins, lowers inflammation, and may help regulate immune responses.
Types of Sulfur Supplements
There are currently no recommended daily intakes (official guidelines) for sulfur. Oral supplements of sulfur are likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts of up to 500 milligrams 2-3x per day. However, oral sulfur in children and babies has not been well studied, and there is some concern that it can cause an upset stomach.
Topical ointments or lotions containing MSM and/or sulfur can be used to treat acne, hayfever, itchy skin patches caused by mites (scabies), lice, cold sores, and warts, as well as rashes from poison oak and ivy. However, most of the research on these uses is limited, and further studies are needed.
Natural Sulfur Supplementation
A more natural way to get more sulfur into your diet is to consume sulfur-rich foods as aforementioned.
An even easier way to add more sulfur to your diet is with Bamboo salt, which is a highly alkaline type of sea salt that's rich in 70+ minerals, including sulfur, potassium, calcium, and zinc. Simply sprinkle 9X roasted purple bamboo salt on your food to add more sulfur at each meal and experience its vast health benefits.