A science-backed look at how this anti-inflammatory compound may support recovery
Millions of people are still grappling with lingering symptoms long after their initial COVID-19 infection has cleared—a condition now widely recognized as long COVID. Fatigue. Brain fog. Muscle and joint pain. Persistent inflammation. These symptoms can drag on for months, disrupting daily life and making recovery feel frustratingly out of reach.
While there’s currently no single treatment for long COVID, some nutrients and compounds show promise in supporting the body’s recovery process. One of the most compelling options? MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).
What is MSM?
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that plays a key role in maintaining healthy cells and tissues. It’s been studied for decades for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties—making it an intriguing option for addressing the complex and multi-system nature of long COVID.
How MSM May Help with Long COVID Symptoms
While research on MSM specifically for long COVID is still emerging, its well-documented effects align closely with the mechanisms thought to drive post-COVID symptoms. Here’s how:
1. Reduces chronic inflammation
Long COVID is often marked by a prolonged inflammatory response. MSM has been shown in multiple studies to reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, which may help relieve symptoms like joint pain, muscle soreness, and fatigue.
2. Fights oxidative stress
Post-viral illness can overwhelm the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress that damages cells. MSM supports the body’s antioxidant capacity by boosting glutathione production, a critical molecule for cellular repair and resilience.
3. Supports immune balance
Unlike ingredients that stimulate the immune system indiscriminately, MSM appears to help modulate immune function—which may be beneficial for individuals experiencing immune dysregulation or hyperreactivity after COVID.
4. Aids detoxification pathways
MSM contains sulfur, an essential component in phase II detoxification in the liver. Supporting these pathways may assist in clearing lingering metabolic waste or inflammatory byproducts that accumulate during long COVID recovery.
Is MSM a Cure for Long COVID?
To be clear: MSM is not a cure. Long COVID is a complex, evolving condition, and recovery typically requires a multi-faceted approach including sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and clinical care.
However, MSM offers a low-risk, science-backed way to support your body’s foundational systems—especially if inflammation, oxidative stress, or immune imbalance are driving your symptoms. Many individuals report improvements in energy, focus, mobility, and overall well-being with consistent use.
The Bottom Line
If you’re dealing with long COVID symptoms, MSM is a natural compound worth considering. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help your body recover more efficiently by addressing key drivers of post-COVID dysfunction.
At Human Improvement, we use 99.9% pure MSM in our MSM Cellular Detox Crystals— that has been distilled 4 times for optimal effectiveness, is 3rd party tested, and made in the USA.
Want to dive deeper? Read our post: MSM the Ultimate Health Supplement.
