Many foods and beverages — even drinking water from certain origins — naturally contain sulfur. Some medications and supplements, including certain antibiotics, analgesics, and joint pain remedies, contain varying levels of this mineral as well 4 , 5.
Sulfur is a mineral that your body uses for various functions, including making and repairing DNA. Many foods and beverages, as well as some drinking water, medications, and supplements, contain sulfur. Sulfur is found in a large variety of foods. The biggest categories include 2 , 5 , 6 :. Drinking water can also contain significant amounts of sulfur depending on where you live.
This may be especially true if you source your water from a well 5. Moreover, sulfites — a food preservative derived from sulfur — are commonly added to packaged foods like jams, pickles, and dried fruit to extend their shelf life. Sulfites can also develop naturally in fermented foods and beverages including beer, wine , and cider 5. Sulfur is naturally found in a variety of foods and beverages. Sulfur-derived sulfite is another form of sulfur commonly added to some packaged foods.
While following a diet containing enough sulfur is vital for your health, too much of this mineral may cause a few unpleasant side effects. Drinking water containing high levels of sulfur may cause loose stools and diarrhea. Excessive amounts of this mineral in your water can also give it an unpleasant taste and make it smell like rotten eggs. You can test the sulfur content of your water by using sulfur sticks 5. Emerging research suggests that sulfur-rich foods may help a specific type of sulfate-reducing bacteria SRB thrive in your gut.
These bacteria release sulfide, a compound thought to break down the gut barrier, causing damage and inflammation 7 , 8. That said, not all sulfur-rich foods may have the same effect.
For instance, while a diet rich in sulfur-containing animal products and low in fiber may raise SRB levels, one rich in sulfur-containing vegetables appears to have the opposite effect 8.
Moreover, many factors other than the sulfur content of foods may influence the balance of gut bacteria. Sulfur has shown to be practically non-toxic to bobwhite quail, bluegill sunfish, rainbow trout, water fleas, and mysid shrimp. It is also practically non-toxic to the honeybee. For more detailed information about sulfur please visit the list of referenced resources or call the National Pesticide Information Center, Monday - Friday, between am - pm Pacific Time am - pm Eastern Time at or visit us on the web at npic.
NPIC provides objective, science-based answers to questions about pesticides. Please cite as: Boone, C. NPIC fact sheets are designed to answer questions that are commonly asked by the general public about pesticides that are regulated by the U. Environmental Protection Agency U. This document is intended to be educational in nature and helpful to consumers for making decisions about pesticide use.
NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. Environmental Protection Agency cooperative agreement X The information in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the restrictions, precautions, directions, or other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the U.
Sulfur General Fact Sheet. What is sulfur? What are some products that contain sulfur? How does sulfur work? How might I be exposed to sulfur? What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to sulfur? What happens to sulfur when it enters the body? Topical DMSO has been proposed as a treatment to relieve pain and inflammation of shingles herpes zoster.
Some evidence suggests it may reduce the number of lesions and lower inflammation. Although research is limited, the FDA has approved DMSO to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder inflammation that causes frequent and nighttime urination, as well as pain. General anesthesia may be needed because the procedure can be painful and may cause bladder spasms. Several case reports suggest that DMSO, applied in creams or taken by mouth, may help treat amyloidosis, a condition where protein builds up in the body's organs and damages them.
However, because the condition is rare, there are no scientific studies about DMSO and amyloidosis. Take DMSO, or apply it in creams, only under your doctor's supervision.
MSM is found in protein-rich foods, such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. Other good sources include garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ. Healthy people who eat a well-balanced diet do not usually need extra sulfur. However, people who follow a vegan diet may be at risk for sulfur deficiency. Ointments, creams, lotions, and dusting powders containing sulfur are available to treat skin rashes.
Natural sulfur baths, the kind usually found at hot springs, may help ease pain associated with arthritis. There is no recommended dietary allowance for sulfur. Most people get all they need from their diet. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Researchers believe MSM is safe, however, you should talk to your doctor before taking large doses of this or any other supplement. Studies show sulfur may make you more sensitive to the sun. Do not take DMSO internally except under your doctor's supervision. Side effects of taking DMSO internally include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Used topically, DMSO can cause skin irritation.
When applied to the skin, DMSO will drive whatever else it contacts into hte body. Sulfur is possibly safe when used topically. It's important to note that self-treating a condition with sulfur and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are considering using a sulfur supplement to treat a medical condition. There is no recommended daily allowance for sulfur. Most people consume enough sulfur in their diet to meet the body's needs.
However, at least one study has suggested that sulfur intake may be insufficient in people over the age of There is no standard dose of sulfur supplements. Not enough is known about oral supplements to make such a recommendation, though various topical doses have been used in research.
Sulfur is available for purchase online and sold in many natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements. You many see sulfur supplements in capsule form or sold as crystals to be used in the bath. When looking for a sulfur supplement, you are likely to see many MSM products.
MSM is a naturally occurring organic compound that contains sulfur. It is also sometimes called dimethyl sulfone, methyl sulfone, sulfonylbismethane, or crystalline dimethyl sulfoxide. MSM is also referred to as "organic sulfur. The word organic is used to describe it because it is a carbon-containing molecule, not because it meets USDA standards for using the term in regards to farming, production, and sale of food. Keep in mind that supplements are largely unregulated by the U.
When choosing a supplement, always check the product label to see if it contains any other ingredients. There have been published reports of supplements containing ingredients not disclosed on their labels. In some cases, a product may also deliver doses that differ from the amount specified on the label. While it is illegal to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a disease or to reduce symptoms of a disease, the FDA does not test products for safety or effectiveness.
When choosing a supplement, try to look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, the U. These organizations also don't guarantee that a product is safe or effective, but they do provide assurance that the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.
What foods contain sulfur? Sulfur can be found naturally in foods such as dairy, eggs, beef, poultry, seafood, onions, garlic, turnips, kale, and broccoli. What are some alternatives to sulfur for reducing joint pain? Does sulfur smell bad?
Pure sulfur has no smell. People often assume that the bad smell of rotten eggs is attributable to sulfur, but it is actually caused by hydrogen sulfide.
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