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Alternative Names: Methyl Sulfonyl Methane or Methylsulfonylmethane, Methylsulfonyl-methane, or Dimethyl Sulfone.
MSM is an odorless, essentially tasteless, white crystalline breakdown product of DMSO demonstrating usefulness as a dietary supplement. Research suggests that a minimum concentration in the body may be critical to both maintain normal function and structure.
MSM is similar to the better known sulfur-containing compound DMSO; and would actually be DMSO2. As a source of sulfur, MSM is more stable than DMSO and lacks much of the foul odor associated with DMSO.
As a general source of sulfur, MSM has a vast array of possible effects, although the current marketing has greatly exaggerated many of them. Research into MSM is ongoing on many fronts, and the results of these should be forthcoming in reputable journals in the coming year.
At the Oregon Health Sciences University there have been many observations of what MSM can achieve in the way of health and well-being when taken as a dietary supplement.
Source
MSM is a naturally occurring nutrient, a sulfur compound found in typical human diets and those of virtually all other vertebrates. MSM is a natural component of many fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat. Cow's milk is a particularly rich source of MSM. However, heat and processing can reduce the MSM quantity in foods.
MSM is available in the form of capsules, dissolvable crystals or powder. The powder is usually put in juice, and many say it has absolutely no taste. MSM is relatively inexpensive; it is said to be "Safe as water and cheap as dirt".
Look for MSM in products for arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteo, for joint support, and anywhere sulfur compounds would be of benefit.
Function; Reasons For Use
MSM provides an essential sulfur foundation that the body needs to form proteins and collagen (connective tissue), synthesize and activate vitamins, produce enzymes and immunoglobulin, and maintain the immune system. It has also been shown to grow thick hair, strong nails and improve the skin texture.
MSM relieves swelling, inflammation and pain because it allows the harmful substances that have accumulated to flow out and nutrients to flow in. It also contributes a sulfur to the body needed to make vitamins such as B1 and the antioxidant aminoacid glutathione. It also helps the liver excrete toxins. Additionally, it provides structure to the glucosamine needed for healthy ligaments, tendons, heart valves, etc. It has been found to help in dissolving scar tissue, decrease inflammation, and increases elasticity in the body.
MSM has been used alone, or in combination with other nutrients, to help with the conditions of osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain and ligament damage.
Directions
It is recommended that first time users start at a low level, taking it with meals and increasing the dose gradually. Later, it can be taken without food. A typical starting recommendation is 250mg per day, increasing to an average therapeutic dose of about 2gm per day.
People take as much as 100gm of MSM daily. Some suggest starting with 2gm (2000mg) and, every week, increasing by 1000mg to a total of 8gm per day.
A single dose of MSM will not usually provide any benefit: MSM needs to be taken for at least 1-2 weeks or even up to 2 months before any results will be seen. People taking MSM may notice additional benefits such as softer skin, harder nails, thicker hair, and softening of scar tissue.
No recommended intake levels have been established for sulfur. Since most Western diets are high in protein, the majority of diets probably supply enough sulfur.
Side-Effects
MSM is rated as one of the least toxic substances in biology, similar in toxicity to water and much less toxic than common table salt, for example. It has been widely tested as a food ingredient without any reports of allergic reactions.
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MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) can help with the following: | | | | | Allergy |  Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever | Symptoms of pollen allergy may be reduced with MSM supplements. Dr. Stanley Jacobs, author of The Miracle of MSM admits that he does not understand why MSM would help relieve allergies, but he suspects that MSM blocks cell receptor sites for histamine, which triggers allergic symptoms. It is best taken in the evening, a couple of grams per day, perhaps more when the pollen count is high. |
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Autoimmune |
Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)| | "MSM has been shown to be clinically helpful in lupus and may be beneficial in other autoimmune disorders as well." [Stanley W. Jacob, M.D.] |
 Crohn's Disease
Ulcerative Colitis| | Some doctors have reported reduced pain with the use of MSM. |
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Digestion |
Constipation| | Some patients with chronic constipation have experienced continuing relief with a daily supplement of 100-500mg of MSM. The effect appears particularly strong in those who are older. |
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux| | Doctors using MSM agree that patients who have used antacids and histamine receptor antagonists to control hyperacidity can employ MSM with good results. |
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Drug Side-Effects |
(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects| | Patients demonstrating drug hypersensitivity to aspirin, several nonsterioid antiarthritic agents (Naprosin, Indocin, Motrin), and oral antibiotics, became drug-tolerant when MSM was given within an hour of or concurrently with the sensitizing drug. |
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Environment / Toxicity |
Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)| | Mobilization AND excretion are required for mercury detoxification. Consuming foods high in sulfur such as garlic, onions, beans, and eggs or supplemental sulfur in the form of MSM can help move mercury around but it is only bound loosely and caution is advised. There have been reported cases of reversible cataract development from individuals mobilizing mercury without excreting it. Consult a qualified doctor for a detoxification protocol appropriate for you. |
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Immunity |
Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome| | According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammation conditions, including fibromyalgia. |
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Infections |
Conjunctivitis| | MSM eye drops used frequently may help in cases of mild conjunctivitis. It should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics for serious infection. |
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) |
Inflammation |
Bursitis
Tendonitis| | Natural agents that have been used in tendonitis include MSM orally for pain relief. |
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Metabolic |
Not recommended for:
 Lipo-Oxidative Type
Metabolic Diet Type |
Musculo-Skeletal |
Osteoarthritis| | Research at the UCLA School of Medicine found an 82% reduction in pain after 6 weeks of MSM use in a double-blind study on degenerative arthritis. The study lasted 4 months and involved 16 patients on about 2gm MSM per day; 10 patients on MSM and 6 on placebo. After only 6 weeks, those patients using the MSM experienced better than 80% control of their pain, while those on the placebo experienced 18% improvement. [Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 69th Annual Meeting, Apr. 21-26, 1985, p.692] |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome| | According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. |
Rheumatoid Arthritis| | The reason why MSM is beneficial against arthritis is unclear. It may be because of its sulfur content, or because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Unlike aspirin, which offers immediate pain relief, MSM takes 3 to 4 weeks before it produces noticeable change, except in rheumatoid patients who have been known to feel differences in just one day, and almost always within 3 to 4 days.
In an animal study on rheumatoid arthritis-like joint degeneration, MSM was effective in reducing joint inflammation, and completely prevented the breakdown of cartilage. According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis. |
Muscle Pains (Myalgia)
Gout / Hyperuricemia| | According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, including gout. |
TMJ Problems |
Nervous System |
Bell's Palsy| | MSM, an organic form of sulfur, is reported to be of benefit in reducing pain associated with Bell's Palsy. |
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Nutrients |
 Sulfur Requirement |
Organ Health |
Blepharitis| | A 15% solution of MSM in isotonic saline was evaluated and found to be a soothing treatment for the eye following accidental injury due to particulate matter in the eye as dust or pollen. |
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Pain |
Low Back Pain| | Many have reported that the use of MSM has relieved chronic lower back pain and spasms/cramps. |
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Parasites |
Giardiasis Infection| | Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found that MSM has anti-parasitic properties against giardia. |
Roundworm Infection| | Clinical testing suggests MSM has activity against a variety of parasites, including roundworms. It seems to discourage these infections by competing for binding receptor sites at the mucus membrane surface in the intestinal tract. |
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Respiratory |
Problems Associated With Snoring| | Research at Oregon Health Sciences University on 35 subjects suffering from chronic snoring has shown that MSM in a 16% water solution administered to each nostril 15 minutes prior to sleep provided significant reduction in 80% of the subjects after 1 to 4 days of use. As a control, a saline solution was substituted for MSM in 8 of the patients who showed relief with MSM, without their knowledge. 7 of these 8 patients resumed loud snoring. This change occurred within 24 hours of the substitution. After the MSM treatment was restored, these 8 showed a significant reduction of snoring again. |
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Uro-Genital |
Interstitial Cystitis| | Stacy J. Childs, MD, of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, recently described 6 patients with interstitial cystitis who benefited from MSM. |
Vaginitis/Vaginal Infection| | Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found that MSM has anti-parasitic properties against trichomonas. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | May have adverse consequences |
GLOSSARY
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Antacid (Antacids)
Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.
Antagonist (Antagonists)
A chemical substance that interferes with the uptake, assimilation and/or physiological action of another, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Bell's Palsy
One-sided facial paralysis of sudden onset and unknown cause. The mechanism is presumed to involve swelling of the nerve due to immune or viral disease, with ischemia and compression of the facial nerve in the narrow confines of its course through the temporal bone.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common, painful defect of the wrist and hand. It is caused by pressure on the middle nerve in the carpal tunnel. The syndrome is seen more often in women, especially in pregnant and in menopausal women. Symptoms may result from a blow, swelling, a tumor, rheumatoid arthritis, or a small carpal tunnel that squeezes the nerve. Pain may be infrequent or constant and is often most intense at night.
Cartilage
Specialized fibrous connective tissue that forms the skeleton of an embryo and much of the skeleton in an infant. As the child grows, the cartilage becomes bone. In adults, cartilage is present in and around joints and makes up the primary skeletal structure in some parts of the body, such as the ears and the tip of the nose.
Cataract (Cataracts)
A steadily worsening disease of the eye in which the lens becomes cloudy as a result of the precipitation of proteins. Most cataracts are caused by the functions of the body breaking down. Eye trauma, such as from a puncture wound, may also result in cataracts.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Collagen
The primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue and the organic substance found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, teeth and bone.
Conjunctiva (Conjunctivitis)
Mucous membrane covering the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the conjunctiva, either from environmental irritation, allergies, viral or bacterial infections.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Fibromyalgia (FMS)
Originally named fibrositis, it is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that attacks women more often than men. It is not physically damaging to the body in any way, but is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain that often moves about the body. Fibromyalgia can be so severe that it is often incapacitating.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Glucosamine
A compound manufactured from glucose used in building cartilage.
Glutathione
A natural sulfur-bearing peptide formed from the linking of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxicant and is involved with the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione is also involved in amino acid transport across cell membranes and is a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant that removes unwanted substances from the body.
Gout
A disease characterized by an increased blood uric acid level and sudden onset of episodes of acute arthritis.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus. Histamine is the chemical that drives the initial acute allergic reaction, causing itching, swelling and congestion.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Interstitial Cystitis
A chronic bladder problem involving a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated. Symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, both daytime and nighttime; pressure, pain and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis and perineum (the area between the anus and vagina or the anus and scrotum) which may increase as the bladder fills and decrease as it empties during urination; a bladder that won't hold as much urine as it did before; pain during sexual intercourse; in men, discomfort or pain in the penis or scrotum. In many women, the symptoms get worse before their menstrual period. Stress may also make the symptoms worse, but it does not cause them.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritic)
A condition involving degeneration of cartilage and supporting joint tissue, which results in pain, swelling and reduced mobility, as the cartilage wears away and allows bone to rub against bone.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Rheumatism (Rheumatoid)
General term applied to conditions of pain, or inability to articulate, various elements of the musculoskeletal system.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).
Scar Tissue
Fibrous tissue replacing normal tissues destroyed by injury or disease.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons (structures that attach muscles to bones).
Thiamine (B1, B-1, Thiamin, Vitamin B1)
A B-complex vitamin that acts as a coenzyme necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which is burned in the body for energy. It is essential for the functioning of the nervous system.
Trichomonas
Also known as Trichomonas vaginalis or "Trich", this is one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases. It is caused by a parasite that thrives in the vaginal environment, usually transmitted by sexual contact but also in warm moist environments such as hot tubs. Trichomonas may affect not only the vagina but also the urinary tract of both women and men. Signs include: Vaginal irritation; a fishy odor; a greenish/yellow vaginal discharge; pain with intercourse and/or with urination. Some women may have no symptoms at all.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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