MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- MSM
- Methylsulfonylmethane
- Organic Sulfur
- DMSO2 (dimethyl sulfone)

Latin Name: N/A (synthetic compound)

Category: Mineral

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Joint and muscle pain relief - Discovered when logging mill workers noticed pain relief from rain-exposed sawdust (DMSO precursor)
• Connective tissue support - Traditional use for maintaining healthy joints, tendons, and ligaments
• Skin health and aging - Traditional application for maintaining tissue elasticity

Modern Uses

• Osteoarthritis pain relief - Reduces joint pain and improves mobility | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: One double-blind trial showed 82% reduction in joint pain after 6 weeks versus 18% with placebo; another study using 6 grams daily showed improved pain and function at 12 weeks with no side effects

• Source citations: Kim et al., Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2006; Brewer, Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Muscle soreness and recovery - Helps reduce exercise-induced muscle pain and accelerates recovery | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Studies at Oregon Health Sciences University confirm benefits for muscle soreness and pain

• Source citations: Lust, The Natural Remedy Bible; Dr. Stanley Jacob research

• Connective tissue health - Supports healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: MSM provides sulfur essential for connective tissue structural proteins including collagen; may help block abnormal collagen cross-linkages that reduce tissue elasticity with aging

• Source citations: Brewer, Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Skin, hair, and nail health - Supports keratin and collagen production | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Sulfur is essential for keratin production; MSM may improve brittle hair and nails

• Source citations: Lust, The Natural Remedy Bible

• Allergies and respiratory support - May help reduce allergic symptoms | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Unlike elemental sulfur, MSM is safe and potentially beneficial for asthmatics; reported benefits for allergies
• Source citations: Lust, The Natural Remedy Bible

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Organosulfur compound - Approximately 34% elemental sulfur by weight; provides bioavailable sulfur for protein synthesis
- DMSO derivative - Oxidized form of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); works similarly to aspirin in reducing inflammation
- Sulfur donor - Supports formation of glutathione (major antioxidant), detoxification enzymes, and antibodies

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule, powder, or tablet
- Amount: 1,000-2,000 mg per day
- Frequency: Divided into 2-3 doses daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule or powder
- Amount: 3,000-6,000 mg per day
- Purpose: Osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain, muscle recovery
- Duration: 6-12 weeks minimum; may use long-term

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 6,000 mg per day commonly used in studies
- Warning threshold: Higher doses may increase gastrointestinal side effects

Bioavailability Notes:
- Well absorbed orally
- Can be taken with or without food
- Powder form may offer faster absorption than capsules

How to Take It

Timing:
- Can be taken any time of day
- With or without food (take with food if GI sensitivity occurs)
- Divide larger doses throughout the day for better tolerance

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Glucosamine Sulfate - Both support joint cartilage health | Combined effect provides synergistic support for osteoarthritis
2. Chondroitin Sulfate - Triple combination with glucosamine | Enhanced cartilage repair and joint lubrication
3. Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbate) - Supports collagen synthesis | 200-300 mg daily enhances glucosamine/MSM effectiveness, especially for knee and lower back
4. Curcumin/Turmeric - Both have anti-inflammatory properties | Combined approach for pain management without NSAIDs
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Anti-inflammatory effects | Comprehensive joint support protocol
6. Boswellia - Traditional Ayurvedic herb for joint pain | Enhanced anti-inflammatory action

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. None significant - MSM has a good safety profile with minimal known supplement interactions

Drug Interactions:
1. Blood thinners (theoretical) - MSM may have mild blood-thinning properties | Monitor if taking anticoagulants | Severity level: Mild

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions known
- Can be taken with or without food

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Not studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding - avoid use
- Use caution if allergic to sulfa drugs (though MSM is chemically different from sulfa antibiotics)

Side Effects:
- Common: Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, diarrhea, bloating (usually at higher doses)
- Rare: Headache, insomnia, fatigue, skin reactions
- Note: Generally described as "completely safe" in research literature

Long-Term Use:
- Considered safe for extended use
- No significant toxicity reported in studies
- No cycle recommendations typically needed
- Monitor for GI tolerance at higher doses

Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Not enough safety data; avoid use
- Surgery: Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery due to potential mild blood-thinning effects
- Children: Safety not established; consult healthcare provider

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Joint pain and osteoarthritis, muscle soreness and recovery, connective tissue support

Secondary: Skin elasticity, hair and nail health, allergies, inflammation

Sources

Local Library:
- Lust, John - The Natural Remedy Bible
- Brewer, Sarah - Encyclopedia of Vitamins
- Moyad, Mark - The Supplement Handbook
- Mars, Brigitte - The Home Reference to Holistic Health and Healing
- Balch, Phyllis - Prescription for Herbal Healing
- Osbourne, Peter - No Grain, No Pain
- Curtis, Susan - Neal's Yard Remedies

General Knowledge:
- Kim, L.S., L.J. Axelrod, P. Howard, et al., "Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in Osteoarthritis Pain of the Knee: A Pilot Clinical Trial," Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 14(3) (March 2006): 286–294
- Dr. Stanley Jacob, Oregon Health Sciences University DMSO/MSM research