What Is Methylsulfonylmethane?
Methylsulfonylmethane (
MSM) is a compound found in many foods, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk. It is also available as a
dietary supplement. Methylsulfonylmethane supplementation is claimed to be useful for treating and/or preventing many different conditions, including (but not limited to):
In the few methylsulfonylmethane studies that have been conducted, a few side effects have been reported, including (but not limited to):
Warnings and Precautions With Methylsulfonylmethane
Reasonable doses of methylsulfonylmethane taken by mouth for a limited period of time are probably safe for most people, especially if high-quality supplements are used (since such supplements are less likely to be contaminated or have other problems). Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to the supplement. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to starting treatment if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
The methylsulfonylmethane molecule contains sulfur and is a source for sulfur that the body needs to make certain amino acids. However, most people get plenty of sulfur through eating protein. Researchers think that methylsulfonylmethane might decrease inflammation and may reduce homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels may increase the risk of
heart disease,
strokes, and
hardening of the arteries (
atherosclerosis).
Is Methylsulfonylmethane Effective?
Very early evidence suggests that a combination of methylsulfonylmethane with
glucosamine might help with
arthritis, but there is little evidence suggesting that the supplement really works for most other uses
(see Does MSM Work? for more information).
The best doses of methylsulfonylmethane have not been established. Studies have used varying doses, depending on several factors (including the condition being treated).
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose of the supplement.
Storage Methods for Methylsulfonylmethane
Refer to the label of your individual methylsulfonylmethane product for information on how to best store the supplement. Keep the product out of the reach of children.
