Role of Dietary Methyl Sulfonyl Methane in Poultry

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Commercial poultry production is linked to a variety of stresses that arise from the environment, nutrition, and metabolism of the host. These stressors may result in metabolic disorders and oxidative stress. It is pertinent to recognize and prevent signs of stress to minimize production loss and improve the health and well-being of chickens. The use of in-feed anti-oxidants to eliminate oxidative stress is a successful method of preventing tissue damage and augmenting the performance, health, and well-being of chickens. The burgeoning demand for in-feed anti-oxidants has spurred a review of the role of methyl sulfonyl methane as a dietary anti-oxidant in poultry. ABSTRACT: Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants within biological systems, leading to tissue damage and compromising the health of afflicted animals. The incorporation of dietary anti-oxidants into chicken diets has been a common practice to improve the performance, health, and welfare of the host by protecting against oxidative stress-induced damage. Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in various plant sources, has demonstrated various beneficial biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. MSM has been utilized as a dietary supplement for humans for its anti-oxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been administered to domestic animals, including cattle, pigs, and chickens, owing to its recognized anti-oxidant effect. This review summarizes the biological and physiological functions of dietary MSM in poultry.