Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – organic sulfur as a health boost?

Methylsulfonylmethane - which initially sounds like chemistry class - is detectable in every human body. Absorbed through food, MSM is indispensable for maintaining the human organism. The substance supports the body in cases of inflammation, swelling, and pain. Additionally, the organism relies on organic sulfur to form connections between protein molecules. Last but not least, MSM ensures that waste products are expelled from the body while simultaneously allowing for the intake of essential substances. Scientists have also taken notice of methylsulfonylmethane and are investigating its effects on humans.

Table of Contents

What is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?

MSM is organically bound sulfur that occurs naturally. Although the substance is not particularly popular, it was discovered by Russian researchers 130 years ago.  MSM is presented as tasteless and odorless and plays a crucial role in the human body. This vital nutrient supports the work of immunoglobulins and enzymes. It is also involved in the synthesis of connective tissue. Hair and nails also depend on organic sulfur, as it plays important roles in their formation and nourishment. The original version of MSM is found in many foods such as sauerkraut, tea, meat, fish, tomato paste, and raw milk. Through elaborate processing methods, which include heating and drying processes, the nutrient is destroyed. For this reason, people who primarily consume heavily processed foods are often advised to additionally take MSM in the form of dietary supplements.

What functions does MSM perform in the body?

Just like Moringa, MSM is attributed anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the substance plays a significant role in the human body, as MSM is involved in the following bodily processes: 
  • Metabolism of fats
  • Excretion of toxins in the liver
  • Release of energy
  • Biosynthesis of insulin and vitamin B1
  • Formation of glucosamine
  • Collagen production
  • Production of bile
  • Maintenance of acid-base balance
  • Protection of the oral mucosa
  • Formation and activation of thiamine, biotin, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid.
  • Smooth functioning in the kidneys, brain, retina, heart, and other organs.
    • html
  • Maintenance of the Immune System
In addition, it is said to have a positive effect on the skin appearance and scar tissue as well as hair and nails.

Methylsulfonylmethane and the Skeletal System

The support and holding apparatus of humans is susceptible to numerous diseases. In particular, osteoarthritis leads to considerable limitations in daily life for those affected, which can be accompanied by severe pain. Researchers have found that inflammatory processes play a role in osteoarthritis. Since MSM is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, studies are focusing on its use in arthritis.
  • MSM in Osteoarthritis: Researchers from Israel were able to determine in a double-blind study that the administration of 1.125 g of MSM three times daily over 12 weeks can have a slightly positive effect on osteoarthritis Debbi EM, Agar G, Fichman G, Ziv YB, Kardosh R, Halperin N, Elbaz A, Beer Y, Debi R. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011 Jun 27;11:50. PubMed PMID: 21708034 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21708034
  • MSM for joint pain: Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by severe pain. Non-opioid analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in pain management. However, side effects often arise from their use. Since methylsulfonylmethane is said to have anti-inflammatory effects as well as antioxidant, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties, it is also being discussed for use in joint pain. An American research group administered 3 g of MSM daily to participants in a double-blind study. A significant reduction in pain was observed compared to the control group.Also with regard to physiology, there were positive effects. Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94. PubMed PMID: 16309928 MSM for detoxification MSM is often used alongside matcha to promote the detoxification process in the body. This is because natural sulfur supports the liver in detoxification and is capable of binding harmful substances such as environmental toxins and transporting them out through urine. In addition, methylsulfonylmethane is said to bind heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. In a further step, these can then be excreted by the body. MSM is also involved in the formation of cysteine.This is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays a role in glutathione synthesis. Glutathione serves as an antioxidant with the important task of combating free radicals and supporting the detoxification of heavy metals.  Furthermore, it is suspected that MSM itself also acts as an antioxidant. Last but not least, the substance ensures that the cell wall surface becomes permeable. This allows the body to absorb minerals and vitamins more easily and to dispose of toxins and waste products more effectively.

    MSM and Metabolism

    MSM may possibly have a positive effect on metabolic disorders. Additionally, there are reports of experiences related to weight loss. In an animal model, the effect of methylsulfonylmethane on fat and glucose metabolism in overweight subjects was investigated. According to the study authors, changes regarding hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol were observed.Furthermore, an effect of MSM on the thigh bones was observed when a high-fat diet was included. Since a connection between diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis is suspected, MSM and its effect on the skeletal system could be an interesting point.  However, it is first necessary to determine to what extent the research results can be transferred to humans. Walsh JS, Vilaca T. Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Bone in Adults. Calcified Tissue International. 2017 May;100:528-535. PubMed PMID: 28280846 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28280846  

    Methylsulfonylmethane and inflammatory reactions 

    Studies have repeatedly examined the influence of MSM on inflammatory processes in the body.In the context of a laboratory experiment conducted by a South Korean research group, evidence was found that MSM is capable of inhibiting a specific protein complex. This complex is responsible for the activation of inflammatory responses and is referred to as NLRP3. Ahn H, Kim J, Lee MJ, Kim YJ, Cho YW, Lee GS. Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Cytokine. 2015 Feb;71 223-31. PubMed PMID: 25461402 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25461402  
    • MSM in gastric mucosal injuries: Injuries to the gastric mucosa can be caused by mechanical stimuli or by corrosive substances. An Iranian research group has investigated whether methylsulfonylmethane has an effect on ethanol- or HCl-induced ulcers. The scientists were able to demonstrate that MSM inhibits inflammatory factors and interleukins.The study authors concluded that MSM can be helpful in gastric mucosal injuries. Amirshahrokhi K1, Khalili AR. Methylsulfonylmethane is effective against gastric mucosal injury. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2017 Jun 27. pii: S0014-2999 30443-0. PubMed PMID: 28666801 MSM and its influence on inflammatory factors: Inflammatory reactions can be influenced by various substances. A Japanese research team analyzed the effect of superfoods in combination with D-Glucosamine on inflammatory processes. Among the substances studied was methylsulfonylmethane. The study concluded that functional foods (including MSM) can indeed have an anti-inflammatory effect by influencing the activity of interleukins. 

    MSM and the Immune System 

    The fact that MSM could have an antioxidant effect on the body is an important point of interest for scientists. It is of overarching importance whether the substance could help cells better defend themselves against oxidative stress. The substance also seems to play a role in relation to allergies.
    • MSM and its Effect on Exercise-Induced Stress: Intense physical exertion leads to an increase in body temperature. Additionally, the activity can impair the body's own defense mechanisms, with cytokines playing a role. Suzuki K1, Nakaji S, Yamada M, Totsuka M, Sato K, Sugawara K. Systemic inflammatory response to exhaustive exercise. Cytokine kinetics. International Society of Exercise and Immunology. 2002;8:6-48.PubMed PMID: 12690937 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12690937
    Cytokines are also associated with inflammatory processes. In a study, two experimental groups were formed with physically active subjects. One group received 3 g of MSM daily for 28 days, which influenced the cytokines. The reactivity to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) also changed. Compared to the control group, it was found that the substance is capable of positively influencing inflammatory factors and thus also the defense mechanisms. van der Merwe M, Bloomer RJ. The Influence of Methylsulfonylmethane on Inflammation-Associated Cytokine Release before and following Strenuous Exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016;2016:7498359. PubMed PMID: 27844051 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27844051 An American research study also found positive effects of MSM in the context of physical exertion.In a pilot project, participants received either 1.5 or 3 g of the substance. Particularly at the higher dosage, it was observed that methylsulfonylmethane affects recovery ability. Kalman DS, Feldman S, Scheinberg AR, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJ. Influence of methylsulfonylmethane on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men: a pilot study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2012 Sep 27;9:46. PubMed PMID: 23013531 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23013531
    • MSM for allergic rhinitis: Due to its inflammatory nature, researchers suspect a positive effect of MSM on allergic rhinitis. American scientists have analyzed the effect of methylsulfonylmethane on various symptoms of allergic rhinitis.It was found that the symptoms significantly regressed in the subjects during the research period. Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2002 Apr;8:167-73. PubMed PMID: 12006124 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12006124

    Methylsulfonylmethane in cancer diseases

    In the treatment of tumor diseases, chemotherapeutics are usually used. Research is now focusing on the effects of chemoprotective agents, attempting to prevent metastasis and utilize programmed cell death. MSM is also a subject of consideration when it comes to cancer diseases.
    • MSM in Cancer of the Digestive Tract: Iranian researchers have investigated whether MSM can have a positive effect on tumor diseases of the digestive tract. In laboratory experiments, it was demonstrated that organic sulfur compounds have a cytotoxic effect on tumor cell lines. Jafari N1, Bohlooli S, Mohammadi S, Mazani M. Cytotoxicity of methylsulfonylmethane on gastrointestinal (AGS, HepG2, and KEYSE-30) cancer cell lines. Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer. 2012 Sep;43 420-5. PubMed PMID: 21626237 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21626237 This has created a good starting point for further studies.
    • MSM in Oral Cavity Cancer: Researchers from South Korea found evidence that MSM can inhibit gum tumors and activate the BAX protein, thereby increasing the apoptosis rate.It was also found that MSM plays a role in the induced cell death triggered by caspase (CASP3). P NS, Kang DY, Kim BJ, Joung YH, Darvin P, Byun HJ, Kim JG, Park JU, Yang YM. Methylsulfonylmethane Induces G1 Arrest and Mitochondrial Apoptosis in YD-38 Gingival Cancer Cells. Anticancer Research. 2013;8:e53415. PubMed PMID: 28373424 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28373424
    • MSM in colorectal cancer: Turkish scientists have made it their mission to analyze the effects of the substance on colorectal cancer. The effects on tumor cell lines were observed with consideration of certain proteins. As a result, the researchers were able to determine that MSM had a positive effect on programmed cell death.Furthermore, the substance influenced the activity of pro-apoptotic proteins, which can also be described as a positive effect. Karabay AZ, Koc A, Ozkan T, Hekmatshoar Y, Sunguroglu A, Aktan F, Buyukbingol Z. Methylsulfonylmethane Induces p53 Independent Apoptosis in HCT-116 Colon Cancer Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016 Jul 15;17. pii: E1123. PubMed PMID: 27428957 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27428957
    • MSM for the prevention of CIPN: In cancer treatment, physicians rely on surgical procedures or chemotherapy. However, these can cause severe side effects and often lead to the discontinuation of treatment. In particular, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) poses significant challenges for both physicians and patients in tumor treatment.To alleviate or completely avoid these serious side effects, medicine utilizes, among other things, special dietary supplements. For this purpose, combination preparations based on Boswellia serrata, bromelain, alpha-lipoic acid, and methylsulfonylmethane are available. In fact, a study involving 25 participants showed that the clinical situation could be improved with the help of the preparation. Desideri I, Francolini G, Becherini C, Terziani F, Delli Paoli C, Olmetto E, Loi M, Perna M, Meattini I, Scotti V, Greto D, Bonomo P, Sulprizio S, Livi L. Use of an alpha lipoic, methylsulfonylmethane and bromelain dietary supplement (Opera®) for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy management, a prospective study. Medical Oncology. 2017 Mar;34:46. PubMed PMID: 28205185 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28205185

    Is methylsulfonylmethane harmful?

    MSM is only approved as a dietary supplement and may not be marketed as a medicinal product.A larger number of significant studies would need to exist for this. The possible spectrum of side effects from taking MSM must also be researched more closely. The German Society for Nutrition believes that people with a balanced diet are able to meet their sulfur needs.  Therefore, methylsulfonylmethane is primarily recommended for individuals who have a pronounced sulfur deficiency or wish to influence certain effects in the body. Corresponding preparations are taken by patients with chronic inflammation and allergies, although the direct effect in body cells is difficult to prove. The Federal Office for Consumer Protection points out that pregnant women should refrain from taking MSM. The same applies to children and adolescents under 18 years of age and to individuals who are using coumarin anticoagulants (for the prevention of thromboembolic events).

    MSM Dosage

    Researchers aimed to determine the most suitable dosage for MSM through studies. In animal models, scientists demonstrated that neither 2 g/kg body weight in a single dose nor 1.5 g/kg body weight daily over a period of 90 days led to side effects. Horváth K, Noker PE, Somfai-Relle S, Glávits R, Financsek I, Schauss AG. Toxicity of methylsulfonylmethane in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2002 Oct;40:1459-62. PubMed PMID: 12387309 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12387309/   Researchers have applied dosages of up to 140 g daily. Brien S, Prescott P, Lewith G. Meta-analysis of the related nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide and methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;2011:528403. PubMed PMID: 19474240 .  The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment considers a daily amount of 50 mg of MSM to be safe. This assessment was based on a product evaluation from 2013. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a U.S. agency for food and drugs, also deemed a product with a daily dose of 4.8 g to be safe in 2007.

    Side effects of MSM 

    There are no habituation effects or dependency associated with the intake of MSM. Detoxification symptoms are also not to be expected. Under short-term use of Methylsulfonylmethane, the following side effects may occur:
    • Allergic reactions
    • Gastrointestinal complaints
    • Skin irritations
    Long-term side effects have not yet been sufficiently researched.

    Buy MSM

    Methylsulfonylmethane is available in the following forms:
    • MSM Tablets
    • MSM Capsules
    • MSM Powder
    The preferred form depends on the users' preferences and the specific application area. The powder can be dosed individually and is very versatile in use. Users should mix methylsulfonylmethane powder with sweet juices, as it has a naturally bitter taste. In particular, banana juice is suitable for mixing with MSM powder. Tablets and capsules are pre-dosed and easy to take on the go. Vegans should pay attention to the ingredients, as capsules often contain beef gelatin. There are special products for this group of people, which are usually somewhat more expensive.The degree of purity also plays a significant role when it comes to purchasing a high-quality MSM product. This should always be at 100%. Therefore, it is worthwhile for users to compare products based on their ingredients. Artificial additives should ideally not be included. Those who want to be sure should obtain a methylsulfonylmethane product from a trusted retailer. 

    Did you know?

    MSM is also used for horses. Owners primarily use the substance for poor hoof and coat quality, tendon injuries, and osteoarthritis. MSM is also recommended for arthritis, connective tissue weakness, and hoof roll. Through a blood test, horse owners can determine if their animal suffers from a weak immune system due to a sulfur deficiency. Depending on how the values appear in the blood test, supplementing with sulfur may also prove to be beneficial. In case of doubt, a veterinarian can be consulted.By the way: The metabolism of horses is also said to benefit from MSM.

    Sources