this was posted by another forum member, and is an interesting article and website
Selenium (Se) and Sulfur (S) are associated trace element / mineral pairs, considered essential to human health. While selenium supplements have been available for many years, sulfur requirements had to be met mostly through dietary sources, primarily eggs, onions and garlic until supplements became available in the mid 1990s. This solved the problem for individuals with below-normal sulfur (or sulphur) levels who couldn't tolerate these foods.
With MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) entering the market, it immediately became so much easier to deal with medical conditions requiring larger amounts of sulfur [1] as part of their treatment. Both, selenium and sulfur bind to a number of heavy, or toxic metals, with selenium being protective against cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and lead, while sulfur (being to a lesser degree protective of the same), is helpful to lower aluminum levels.
Sulfur interferes with the storage of copper, an essential trace element, however with copper levels being on the high side with many people, this is generally a positive effect. It is interesting that patients with normal or below-normal copper levels rarely exhibit deficient sulfur levels. In fact, the benefits of sulfur-containing supplements (Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM) on some forms of arthritis are not just a result of their positive effect on cartilage regeneration, but are largely based on lowering elevated copper levels which promote joint degeneration, particularly - or more so - on the right side of the body.
Of course, on those rare occasions when copper is actually deficient, sulfur containing supplements - just like larger amounts of Vitamin C - should not be used, as they could trigger, or worsen existing inflammatory conditions.
In addition, individuals with a tendency for blood sugar disorders (diabetes) should be aware of potential negative effect on blood sugar management when taking glucosamine sulfate.
Possible adverse or side effects of consuming higher amounts of sulfur-containing foods or supplements such as glucosamine sulfate, MSM, methionine, taurine, cysteine / cystine... include diarrhea, flatulence / gas, and abdominal bloating, while a small number of patients have experienced a "burning" sensation in their stomach.
With sulfur being a calcium, copper, and potassium antagonist, a high intake of glucosamine sulfate, or MSM may worsen low calcium-related disorders such as insomnia, fatigue, anxieties, or bone loss, aggravate low potassium-related cardiac, or renal / genitourinary conditions, or worsen low copper-related infections.
this would explain the side effects from supplements like MSM and taurine...
they also list some interesting b vitamin interactions
Selenium (Se) and Sulfur (S) are associated trace element / mineral pairs, considered essential to human health. While selenium supplements have been available for many years, sulfur requirements had to be met mostly through dietary sources, primarily eggs, onions and garlic until supplements became available in the mid 1990s. This solved the problem for individuals with below-normal sulfur (or sulphur) levels who couldn't tolerate these foods.
With MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) entering the market, it immediately became so much easier to deal with medical conditions requiring larger amounts of sulfur [1] as part of their treatment. Both, selenium and sulfur bind to a number of heavy, or toxic metals, with selenium being protective against cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and lead, while sulfur (being to a lesser degree protective of the same), is helpful to lower aluminum levels.
Sulfur interferes with the storage of copper, an essential trace element, however with copper levels being on the high side with many people, this is generally a positive effect. It is interesting that patients with normal or below-normal copper levels rarely exhibit deficient sulfur levels. In fact, the benefits of sulfur-containing supplements (Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM) on some forms of arthritis are not just a result of their positive effect on cartilage regeneration, but are largely based on lowering elevated copper levels which promote joint degeneration, particularly - or more so - on the right side of the body.
Of course, on those rare occasions when copper is actually deficient, sulfur containing supplements - just like larger amounts of Vitamin C - should not be used, as they could trigger, or worsen existing inflammatory conditions.
In addition, individuals with a tendency for blood sugar disorders (diabetes) should be aware of potential negative effect on blood sugar management when taking glucosamine sulfate.
Possible adverse or side effects of consuming higher amounts of sulfur-containing foods or supplements such as glucosamine sulfate, MSM, methionine, taurine, cysteine / cystine... include diarrhea, flatulence / gas, and abdominal bloating, while a small number of patients have experienced a "burning" sensation in their stomach.
With sulfur being a calcium, copper, and potassium antagonist, a high intake of glucosamine sulfate, or MSM may worsen low calcium-related disorders such as insomnia, fatigue, anxieties, or bone loss, aggravate low potassium-related cardiac, or renal / genitourinary conditions, or worsen low copper-related infections.
this would explain the side effects from supplements like MSM and taurine...
they also list some interesting b vitamin interactions
