Widely available in protein-rich foods and as a supplement, sulfur is the body’s third most common mineral.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
What Is Sulfur Used For?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Sulfur plays an important role in the body.
For example, sulfur is needed for the synthesis, or creation, of the amino acidscysteineandmethionine.
These amino acids are part of a powerfulantioxidantknown asglutathione.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
The body can’t make sulfurbut it’s common in food, so supplementation is rarely necessary.
Methylsulfonylmethane
MSM, a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in many foods, may help those with osteoarthritis.
However, research in this area is limited and mixed.
A few studies have shown improvements in pain and physical function when supplementing with MSM.
Participants who received the MSM supplement reported improved pain symptoms and physical function.
However, the benefit and safety of MSM for this use and its long-term effects can’t be confirmed.
An additional study found similar results.
What Is an Antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances in your body that can prevent cell damage.
They help defend you against various types of diseases and illnesses.
Balneotherapy
Balneotherapyis an alternative therapy that’s been used for centuries to relieve joint and muscle pain.
Research is mixed regarding the effectiveness of balneotherapy.
It’s been thought to reduce pain and improve the quality of life for those with osteoarthritis.
However, it is still recommended that you receive treatment from a healthcare provider to manage symptoms effectively.
More research is needed.
Sulfur is approved by the FDA for use in over-the-counter (OTC) dandruff products that often includesalicylicacid.
Little research has been done since a small 1987 study of people with dandruff.
Rosacea
Rosaceais a skin condition that looks like adult acne but is very different.
It causes red, swollen areas on the face, red bumps, and an enlargement of the nose.
However, some people are hypersensitive to sulfur products.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis(IC) is chronic bladder inflammation.
This procedure is performed by a healthcare practitioner.
Anesthesia is usually needed for the procedure.
Additional Claims
Most other claims about sulfur do not have the research to support them.
Sulfur Deficiency
Very little is known about sulfur deficiency.
This is most likely because healthy people typically get enough sulfur in their diets.
Sulfur deficiencies are rare.
This is not a problem in the United States.
Theoretically, anyone who tends to consume less protein could risk inadequate sulfur intake.
Because of this, vegetarians may be at a greater risk than people who eat meat.
What Are the Side Effects of Sulfur?
Not enough is known about oral sulfur supplements to be sure they’re safe.
Therefore, oral supplementation of sulfur is not recommended for this group.
The same applies to children.
It’s important to note that self-treating a condition with sulfur and delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re considering using a sulfur supplement for a medical condition.
Dosage: How Much Sulfur Should I Take?
There is no recommended daily allowance for sulfur.
Most people consume enough sulfur in their diet to meet the body’s needs.
There is also no standard dose of sulfur supplements.
Not enough is known about oral sulfur supplements to make such a recommendation.
Typically doses range from 500 to 3,000 milligrams, with 2,000 milligrams the most common amount.
Doses as high as 5,000 milligrams appear to be safe.
There is very little information about sulfur toxicity from sulfur supplementation.
Interactions
There are no known reports of interactions in people using sulfur and prescription medications.
As always, it is best to ask ask your healthcare provider before supplementing.
How to Store Sulfur
MSM should be stored at room temperature.
It should also be protected from light and moisture.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.
It is also added to creams, lotions, and shampoos.
Oral sulfur supplements are available online and sold in many natural-food stores and stores specializing in dietary supplements.
When looking for an oral sulfur supplement, you will see many MSM products.
You may see sulfur supplements in capsule form or sold as crystals to be used in the bath.
MSM is a naturally occurring organic compound that contains sulfur.
It is also sometimes calleddimethyl sulfone,methyl sulfone,sulfonylbismethane, orcrystalline dimethyl sulfoxide.
MSM is also referred to as organic sulfur.
These organizations don’t guarantee that a product is safe or effective.
When looking for supplements, be sure to read the label.
In general, it seems safe to use creams and lotions to ease skin problems or joint pain.
Dandruff shampoo, which contains sulfur, is also considered safe.
Pure sulfur has no odor.
Human Nutrition: 2020 Edition.
In:Human Nutrition.University of Hawaii at Manoa.
2018; 25(3).
doi:10.2174/0929867324666170609075434
Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ.Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and safety of a novel dietary supplement.Nutrients.
2018;7(11):e11139.
1987;39(6):557-561.
2010;9(3):234-236.
Clemens JQ.Patient education: Treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (Beyond the Basics).
2017;11(1):1-9.
2012;11(3):357-364.
