Hidden headache culprit Q: I recently began taking MSM for my arthritis and immediately realized I was getting terrible headaches. My nutritionist said it was impossible for the two things to be related, but the timing and intensity were too much for me to believe that. Could the MSM be causing them? Dr. Wright: Yes! And although your letter didn't mention it, there's a strong possibility that you also react to many wines. What's the common factor? MSM (methylsufonylmethane) contains considerable sulfur. Many (although not all) wines contain "sulfite" (SO3) as a preservative. Sulfur of any sort is eventually metabolized by the enzyme sulfite oxidase in a final common pathway of sulfite to sulfate. Sulfite is quite toxic (babies born with severe sulfite-oxidase deficiency actually die of sulfite toxicity). In all but tiny concentrations, sulfite can definitely cause headaches, as well as dizziness, fatigue, wheezing (sulfite- sensitive asthma), and other symptoms. Sulfate, on the other hand, is the normal "final excretory product," and is entirely nontoxic. Sulfite oxidase is a molybdenum-dependent enzyme. Without enough of this essential trace element, sulfite oxidase doesn't transform sulfite into sulfate efficiently, excess sulfite builds up, and any or all of the above-noted symptoms can occur. To restore normal sulfur metabolism and eliminate symptoms, what's needed is a molybdenum supplement. Although there's presently no recommended daily intake for molybdenum, it's a general consensus that if there were one it would be in the neighborhood of 200-300 micrograms daily. However, it's been my experience from many cases that molybdenum absorbs poorly when taken orally. Usually at least 1,000 micrograms twice daily are needed to relieve symptoms and normalize tests (there's a simple urine test available) for sulfite. In a small number of cases, oral supplementation doesn't work and injectable molybdenum is needed. You may want to try 1,000 micrograms of molybdenum twice daily for at least three to four months and possibly longer. If you still get headaches from MSM after that, you may need injections. Before you start either method, though, it's a good idea to call the American College for Advancement in Medicine, (800)532-3688, for a referral to a natural medicine physician near you who can rule out any other possible causes for your headaches. | 
