Balchem : Thailand FDA Approval of OptiMSM® Expands Innovation Opportunities

Published: 2026-04-16 11:40:29 ET BCPC

Published on 04/16/2026 at 11:40 am EDT

How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery

A deep dive into the latest research and new recommended intakes

HUMAN NUTRITION & HEALTH

New study shows that OptiMSM®

BASELINE 27 Days 30 Days 21.1 km run

24h

Supplementation Improves

MSM supplementation has emerged as a breakthrough in muscle recovery, with clinical research demonstrating that a daily supplemental intake of just 1 g can significantly support the body's ability to restore itself after exercise.1

MSM has a proven record for supporting athletes and active individuals by promoting joint health and aiding post-exercise recovery. OptiMSM stands out by serving as a vital source of dietary sulfur, an element essential for maintaining joint function and boosting the body's antioxidant production, particularly glutathione after exercise. 2

We already know what MSM does to the human body and how it is beneficial to athletes, but this new study is going deeper into the details of gene expression and how MSM optimizes/impacts/affects different genes linked to exercise and recovery.

While MSM's benefits are widely recognized in the field, emerging research offers deeper insight into how it influences gene expression and helps modulate key genes associated with exercise and recovery.

Human immune exhaustion panel

N= 10 experienced runners, M&F, mean age = 38y

Pre-Run 2h 4h

In this study, blood was drawn from athletes who completed a half marathon,

a strenuous activity known to produce oxidative stress. Researchers analyzed the samples through the lens of gene expression.

The study confirmed that OptiMSM supplementation improves the body's response to exercise, influencing specific genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and recovery.

Sources:

McFarlin BK et al., Nutrients 2025; 17: 1761

2 How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery OptiMSM®

OptiMSM®

How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery 3

Study Goal: To evaluate the impact of MSM supplementation on post-exercise immune response-related gene expression

OptiMSM® Supplementation Improves the Body's Response to Exercise

OptiMSM Supplementation Optimizes Genetic Response to Exercise-Induced Inflammation

Increased Expression

PSMB10 CD68

AKT1

ZFP36L2

Increased expression

Type I/II interferon

→

Antigen presentation 3

BCR signaling

4

Log2Fold △

0

-4

2h 4h

4

Log2Fold △

0

-4

2h 4h

4

Log2Fold △

0

-4

2h 4h

4

Log2Fold △

0

-4

2h 4h

of genes that:

Aid muscle recovery after exercise (e.g., AKT1, PSMB10, CD68)

Help resolve the inflammatory response

TNF signaling 2

1

TGF-beta signaling

0

T cell exhaustion -1

-2

T cell checkpoint signaling -3

Senescence & quiescence

Notch signaling

Chemokine signaling

DAP12 signaling

Epigenetic modification

IL-10 signaling

IL-6 signaling

JAKSTAT signaling

Decreased Expression AHR

Log2Fold △

4

0

-4

IL15

Log2Fold △

4

0

-4

2h 4h

2h 4h

NTSE

Log2Fold △

4

0

-4

PSMA1

Log2Fold △

4

0

-4

2h 4h

2h 4h

IL11RA

Log2Fold △

4

0

-4

LILRA4

Log2Fold △

4

0

-4

2h 4h

2h 4h

to exercise (e.g., ZFP36L2)

→

Decreased expression

of genes that:

Increase inflammation and oxidative stress post-exercise (e.g., AHR, NTSE, IL11RA, IL15)

NK receptors

Peripheral tissue inflammatory response

Myeloid immune invasion

MAPK signaling mTOR signaling

MSM < Placebo

MSM > Placebo

OptiMSM Supplementation Improves Markers of Exercise Recovery & Restoration

Increased Expression

OptiMSM supplementation

Type I/II interferon TNF signaling

TGF-beta signaling

Antigen presentation 3

2

1

0

BCR signaling

Chemokine signaling

DAP12 signaling

MSM = Placebo

HEY1

Log2Fold Change

6

0

HDAC7

Log2Fold Change

6

0

CD274

Log2Fold Change

6

0

significantly increased expression of genes in the Notch signaling pathway (Hey1, HDAC7, CD274)

→

▶Notch signaling helps regulate muscle cell function and repair of

T cell exhaustion -1

-2

Epigenetic modification

-4 -4

2h 4h

-4

2h

4h 2h 4h

exercise-induced muscle damage

Sources:

T cell checkpoint signaling

Senescence & quiescence

Notch signaling

NK receptors

Peripheral tissue inflammatory response

-3

Myeloid immune invasion

IL-10 signaling

IL-6 signaling

JAKSTAT signaling

MAPK signaling mTOR signaling

Decreased Expression

KIR2DL3/4

Log2Fold △

6

0

-4

2h 4h

Sources:

KLRC1

Log2Fold △

6

0

-4

2h 4h

NCR3

Log2Fold △

6

0

-4

2h 4h

OptiMSM ■ Placebo

OptiMSM supplementation significantly decreased expression of genes involved in inflammatory cell function after exercise (e.g., KIR2DL3/4, KLRC1, NCR3)

→

▶OptiMSM supplementation reduced the systemic inflammatory response to exercise

5

McFarlin BK et al., Nutrients 2025; 17: 1761 McFarlin BK et al., Nutrients 2025; 17: 1761

4 How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery OptiMSM®

OptiMSM®

How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery

New study underlines mechanism of action of MSM in Exercise and Recovery

(Possible epigenetic impact?)

28%

want healthy

muscle/tissue

Key Benefits

Consumers Seek*

*Nutrition Business Journal survey targeting consumers, aged 20-70, who purchase sports nutrition or active lifestyle products, completed Feb 2024, n = 1,069; powered by the Suzy online platform

19% 19%

want faster recovery seek joint support

MSM increases recovery from exercise

(e.g., decreased soreness)

OptiMSM optimizes gene expression response to exercise

OptiMSM serves as a sulfur donor

Increased glutathione/ oxidative capacity

Optimized inflammatory response to exercise

Aids response to exercise induced muscle damage

Why It Matters Now

These scientific advancements hold significant value for sports nutrition product development. The global sports nutrition market is projected to reach $78.3 billion USD by 20309, with Millennials and Gen Z driving demand for science-backed, convenient recovery solutions.9

OptiMSM® How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery 7

6 How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery OptiMSM®

Why Choose OptiMSM®?

OptiMSM® Over 30 Years the Leading MSM Brand

OptiMSM®, a premium branded form of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), delivers proven benefits for joints, skin, and hair.

OptiMSM is pure, safe and only MSM on the market to receive

an FDA GRAS No Objection letter.

It is made in the USA through a 4-stage distillation process, allowing for 99.9 % purity.

OptiMSM's efficacy has been researched in multiple clinical studies across several health benefit areas.

Movement. Beauty.

8 How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery OptiMSM®

OptiMSM® How Sulfur and MSM support Exercise Recovery 9

What Benefits Does MSM Provide for Athletes?

Essential for cellular health to support exercise recovery 2, 3 2, 3

Acts as a methyl donor and supports exercise recovery 1, 3

Demonstrating benefits at 1000 mg/day:

OptiMSM supplementation improves exercise recovery

OptiMSM supplementation supports post-exercise muscle recovery

OptiMSM supplementation improves the antioxidant capacity after exercise

MSM's proven ability to support muscle recovery and reduce soreness after exercise makes it a compelling ingredient for new formulations targeting both athletes and active everyday consumers.1 The research supports a practical, accessible daily dose, making MSM easy to incorporate into mainstream products.1 Notably, 82 percent of consumers now seek clearer product labels and stronger scientific validation, making MSM's robust clinical research and regulatory status a key differentiator.10

H

Disclaimer

Balchem Corporation published this content on April 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 16, 2026 at 15:39 UTC.