Unflavoured
Methylsulfonylmethane is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH₃)₂SO₂. It is also known by several other names including methyl sulfone and dimethyl sulfone. This colorless solid features the sulfonyl functional group and is the simplest of the sulfones.
MSM is a chemical in animals, humans, and many plants. People use it most often to try to treat arthritis.
MSM can be produced in a lab, where it is sometimes combined with other supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin.
Why do people take MSM?
People take MSM by mouth or apply it to the skin, mostly using it to lessen inflammation.
They take MSM to try to relieve pain or swelling from:
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis, tendinitis, or tenosynovitis
People also apply MSM to the skin to try to treat problems such as:
- Scar tissue or stretch marks
- Wrinkles
- Wind or sun burn
- Wounds, cuts, or abrasions
- Rosacea
Or they may take it to try to treat gastrointestinal problems such as:
- Chronic constipation
- Ulcers
- Diverticulosis (a bowel disease)
- Hemorrhoids
There is a whole range of other reasons people take MSM. This includes obesity and liver problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gum disease, snoring, infections, lung problems, Alzheimer's, HIV, and cancer.
The evidence to support taking MSM for these is lacking.
However, there is evidence that MSM in combination with other supplements may help a bit with the pain and swelling of knee osteoarthritis. Also, early animal research shows some promise for decreasing joint degeneration.
Limited small studies also show that MSM may help with exercise recovery. But researchers have more work to do to confirm this.
MSM has shown some effectiveness for treating allergies, repetitive stress injuries, certain bladder disorders like interstitial cystitis, and wounds, but more research is needed before it can be recommended for any of these conditions.
People have tried taking from 500 milligrams of MSM twice times daily to 3 grams once daily for osteoarthritis. However, optimal doses of MSM have not been set for any condition. And quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.
