Methylsulfonylmethane Safety

Since safety regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for medications, it is not known if methylsulfonylmethane is safe for everyone. The supplement can be marketed without proof that it is safe or effective, so it is important to find a product from a reputable manufacturer. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions concerning methylsulfonylmethane safety.

Methylsulfonylmethane Supplements

Is Methylsulfonylmethane Safe?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking it if you:

Have any chronic or severe health problems
Have any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives
Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Are breastfeeding.

You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Specific Methylsulfonylmethane Safety Issues

Warnings and precautions to be aware of concerning the safety of methylsulfonylmethane include the following:

If you have any chronic or severe health conditions, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking methylsulfonylmethane. In particular, people with liver or kidney problems should always check with their healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement, since many medications and supplements are cleared from the body through the liver or kidneys.
Methylsulfonylmethane is a dietary supplement and is, therefore, not as closely regulated as prescription (or non-prescription) drugs. Also, it can be marketed without any proof that it is either safe or effective. Do not assume that just because it is sold in the United States that it is automatically safe or effective. Also, look for methylsulfonylmethane products from a reputable manufacturer.
There have been reports that methylsulfonylmethane can cause allergic reactions.
It is not known if methylsulfonylmethane supplements are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women (see MSM and Pregnancy and MSM and Breastfeeding).

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