MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

What it is

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing organic compound found naturally in some foods and sold as a supplement for joint pain and inflammation. It is proposed to supply sulfur for connective tissue and to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, though the mechanism in humans is not firmly established. It is most studied for knee osteoarthritis.

Benefits

In small trials, MSM at roughly 1.5-3 g/day has produced modest improvements in osteoarthritis pain and physical function, but a meta-analysis found the pain reduction was not statistically or clinically significant. Overall benefit remains uncertain.

When to take it

Typically taken as 1.5-3 g/day, often split into divided doses with meals; trials ran 12 weeks, so several weeks are needed before judging any effect.

Side effects

Generally well tolerated at studied doses, with mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, or fatigue reported. Long-term safety at high doses has not been well characterized, and data in pregnancy are lacking.

Sources

• Meta-analysis of dimethyl sulfoxide and methylsulfonylmethane in osteoarthritis of the knee - PubMed
• Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study - PMC

Products containing MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.