Related Terms

• Crystalline DMSO, dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, methyl sulfone, methyl sulfonyl methane, methyl-sulfonyl-methane, methylsulfonylmethane, MSM, MSM Relief, OptiMSM® 650mg, sulfonyl sulfur.

• Combination product examples: AR7 Joint Complex (sternum collagen, methylsulfonylmethane, cetyl myristoleate, lipase, vitamin C, bromelain) (Robinson Pharma, Santa Ana, CA); FlexmaxTM Glucosamine with MSM (glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride, methylsulfonylmethane, maltodextrin, cellulose, stearic acid, modified cellulose, silica, glycerine); Flex-A-Min® Complete (glucosamine HCl, MSM, chondroitin complex, white willow, ginger, SAM-e, hyaluronic acid, collagen, Boswellia, citrus bioflavonoids); Osteo Bi-Flex: Plus MSM Smoothcap™ (glucosamine HCl, MSM/chondroitin complex, vitamin C, manganese, boron, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, yellow 5 lake, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, yellow 6 lake, maltodextrin, dextrose, soy lecithin, sodium citrate, red 40 lake, blue 1 lake).

Background

• Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a form of organic sulfur that is found in many different fruits, vegetables, grains, and animals.

• Evidence supporting the need for dietary MSM or the use of MSM as a source of dietary sulfur is lacking. MSM has been studied for its possible benefits for allergy symptoms affecting the nose, osteoarthritis, and antioxidant status. However, more research is needed.

• MSM is generally well tolerated. However, studies on its long-term effects are lacking.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Acne, allergic skin reactions, anti-spasm, burns, cancer, connective tissue disorders, constipation, cramps, diabetes, eye disorders, headache, heartburn, immune stimulation, inflammation, insect bites, interstitial cystitis (chronic inflamed bladder), liver disease, lung disease, lupus, mood enhancement, muscle and joint disorders, obesity, pain, parasites, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), radiation sickness, rheumatoid arthritis, scar prevention, sinus problems, skin conditions, snoring, stomach problems, tooth disease, wrinkle prevention.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• MSM comes in different doses and is found in many products. Adult doses range from 500 to 8,000 milligrams taken by mouth daily with or after meals.

• To treat hay fever, 2,600 milligrams of MSM has been taken by mouth daily for up to 30 days.

• As an antioxidant, a dose of 50 milligrams per kilogram of MSM in 200 milliliters of water has been taken by mouth daily for 10 days.

• To treat osteoarthritis, 500 milligrams of MSM has been taken by mouth three times daily for up to 12 weeks. A dose of three grams of MSM has been taken by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks. A dose of 1.125 grams of MSM has been taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for MSM in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid if allergic or sensitive to MSM.

Side Effects and Warnings

• MSM is likely safe when taken by mouth in recommended doses of 500 milligrams daily to three grams twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Studies on the long-term effects of MSM are lacking.

• Use cautiously in people who have stomach disorders. MSM may cause side effects such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and mild stomach discomfort.

• Use cautiously in people who have circulation problems, such as chronic venous insufficiency. MSM may cause increased swelling.

• Use cautiously in people who have nervous system disorders. MSM may cause decreased concentration, headache, and sleep problems.

• Use cautiously in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to a lack of safety data.

• Avoid if allergic or sensitive to MSM.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is a lack of scientific evidence on the use of MSM during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• MSM may interact with agents that may be passed through the urine, agents that may affect the central nervous system, agents that may treat arthritis, agents that may treat skin conditions, agents that may treat stomach conditions, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, laxatives, pain relievers, and sedatives.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• MSM may interact with antihistamines, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antioxidants, herbs and supplements that may be passed through the urine, herbs and supplements that may affect the central nervous system, herbs and supplements that may treat arthritis, herbs and supplements that may treat skin conditions, herbs and supplements that may treat stomach conditions, laxatives, pain relievers, and sedatives.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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