With age, the flexible tissues in our body tend to lose their elasticity, the muscles become less flexible and the joints begin to struggle in the movements. The biological activity of proteins and the maintenance of their shape require the presence of sulfur. The connective tissue and the cartilage contain proteins with flexible sulfur bonds, giving them structural versatility. In addition to proteins, sulfur is required for the proper structure and biological activity of the enzymes. If there are not enough amounts of sulfur in our body, enzymes can not function properly. It also participates in the synthesis of important metabolic intermediates, for the production of glutathione, a major antioxidant enzyme.

MSM is an organic form of sulfur and is a powerful antioxidant. The main mechanism of action of MSM is the supply of sulfur, which is one of the main components of connective tissue. It strengthens the connective tissue by cross-linking patterns called disulfide bonds and making connections to glycosaminoglycan chains that construct the cartilage (Jacob & Appleton, 2003). The evidence of this mechanism stems from a study by Richmond in 1986, where he found that sulfur from MSM was incorporated into serum proteins by donating the sulfur molecule. MSM blocks the inflammatory process and increases the action of cortisol (Jacob & Appleton, 2003). 34% of MSM is composed of elemental sulfur. The sulfur is needed to form connective tissue, and the concentration of sulfur in the cartilage that is inflamed, has one third of the level of concentration compared to normal cartilage. After calcium and phosphorus, sulfur is the third most abundant element in the body. Nearly half of all sulfur is contained in muscle tissue, skin and bones.

Flexible tissues such as connective tissue and cartilage contain proteins with flexible sulfur bonds. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is an important component of all connective tissue. In the skin, collagen works with fibers of another protein called elastin, and gives the skin its elasticity. In cartilage, the sulfur contained in proteoglycans glucosamine and chondroitin, forms with collagen a fibrous protein that gives the cartilage its structure and flexibility.

Vitamin C acts as an electron donor for some enzymes, three of which participate in the hydroxylation of collagen.

DOCTORS FORMULAS has created a formula with MSM and Vitamin C, which contributes to the normal formation of collagen for the normal functioning of cartilage.