IngredientsMethylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound utilized as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) under a variety of names including dimethyl sulfone, methyl sulfone, sulfonylbismethane, organic sulfur, or crystalline dimethyl sulfoxide. It is a constituent of the natural global sulfur cycle, also known as dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2), and is the first metabolite of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), widely found in plants, animals, and humans.
It is an odorless, stable, and colorless crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 94.13 g/mol, which is easily absorbed, distributed, and mostly excreted in the urine. This colorless solid features the sulfonyl functional group and is the simplest of the sulfones. It is relatively inert chemically and is able to resist decomposition at elevated temperatures. The chemical formula is (CH₃)₂SO₂.
MSM is a small sulfur-based molecule comprised of a sulfur atom with two double-bonded oxygen atoms and two methyl groups. Sulfur represents approximately 0.3% of total body mass and is the 7th most abundant element in the body. The majority of dietary sulfur is provided by the sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine, with an estimated requirement for young men of approximately 13 mg/day per kg body weight.
The MSM present in human body fluids is derived partly from food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as through bacterial metabolism or endogenous metabolism of human methanethiol. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants, is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages, and is marketed (under the MSM name) as a dietary supplement. It is also commonly found in the atmosphere above marine areas, where it is used as a carbon source by the airborne bacteria Afipia.
MSM is the natural form in which sulfur is found in the earth's sulfur cycle. Algae and several forms of plankton in oceans are capable of absorbing massive amounts of inorganic sulfur from seawater, and converting this into a simple, organically-bound form. When these algae and planktonic organisms die, enzymatic processes result in the breakdown of the organic molecules into DMS (dimethylsulfide), a compound that is volatile and poorly soluble in water.
MSM can be synthesized from the chemical reaction of DMSO with hydrogen peroxide. Oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide produces the sulfone, both under laboratory conditions and metabolically. Commercially, MSM is available in several dosage forms: oral powder, capsules, and tablets are the most prevalent, and topical creams and gels containing MSM are also widely marketed. Since the early part of 1983, methylsulfonylmethane has been sold in tablet form (250 mg) as a dietary supplement.
Prior to being used as a clinical application, MSM primarily served as a high-temperature, polar, aprotic, commercial solvent, as did its parent compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Throughout the mid-1950s to 1970s, DMSO was extensively studied for its unique biological properties including its membrane penetrability with and without the co-transport of other agents, its antioxidant capabilities, its anti-inflammatory effects, its anticholinesterase activity, and its ability to induce histamine release from mast cells.
After Williams and colleagues studied the metabolism of DMSO in rabbits, others postulated that some of the biological effects attributed to DMSO may in part be caused by its metabolites. In the late 1970s, Crown Zellerbach Corporation chemists, Dr. Robert Herschler and Dr. Stanley Jacob of the Oregon Health and Science University, began experimenting with the odorless MSM in search of similar therapeutic uses to DMSO.
Oxidation of DMSO was found to produce MSM, a much more stable, organic sulfur compound with medicinal properties at least equal to DMSO, but without the odor and skin irritation complications.
Its presence and activity was discovered while working with its parent compound, DMSO, of which it is an oxidized metabolite (hence the O2 designation). Although 55,000 papers have been written on DMSO, research on MSM has been more limited.
Discovered in the 1970s by American researchers, this molecule was first used in veterinary medicine to combat inflammatory disorders (muscular or articular) in racehorses and pedigree dogs. It was not until the 2000s that this sulfur compound, extracted from wood pulp by-products, was used more broadly in humans. MSM does not have a documented history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine, as its identity as a discrete bioactive compound was only established in the modern era. Its precursor, elemental sulfur, was used historically in various traditions as a topical antimicrobial and anti-parasitic, but MSM as a specific compound was not characterized until the twentieth century.
MSM is itself the active compound rather than a plant extract containing multiple constituents. Its biological activity is attributed to its high bioavailable organic sulfur content and its capacity to donate sulfur to metabolic pathways. The lower proportions of natural foods in the Western diet has led to concerns of inadequate sulfur intake and possible need for supplemental sources. Sulfur is involved in a number of key metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, redox balance, and detoxification.
Intestinal absorption of MSM was not saturated at 50 mmol, appeared passive and carrier-independent, with a high capacity of at least 2 g/d in mouse models. The sulfur-35 (³⁵S) associated with MSM did not increase in serum or tissue homogenates between days 2 and 8, indicating a stable equilibrium between intake and elimination was established. In contrast, proteins isolated from the preparations using gel electrophoresis revealed increasing incorporation of ³⁵S in the protein fraction of serum, cellular elements of blood, liver, and small intestine but not skeletal muscle.
The potential contributions of protein synthesis using labeled sulfur amino acids synthesized by the gut bacteria and posttranslational sulfation of proteins by incorporation of the labeled sulfate of MSM in 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) and subsequent transfer by sulfotransferases have been discussed.
MSM is defined as a naturally occurring organosulfur compound known for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, particularly through the inhibition of transcription factors such as NF-κB, which may lead to reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and vasodilating agents.
Studies have shown that MSM downregulates the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) through the inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Cellular studies in human monocytes exposed to high glucose levels reveal that MSM inhibits toll-like receptor activation and downstream NF-κB signalling, resulting in diminished release of key cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α.
Anti-inflammatory mechanisms also include reduction of H₂S and interleukin-1β levels in target tissues, reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, and increased localization of CD34+ cells.
Since excess nitric oxide production causes apoptosis of macrophages, anti-apoptotic effects of MSM are thought to be mediated by its inhibitor effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and nitric oxide levels. MSM is a non-toxic, natural organosulfur compound which is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
After pre-treatment of cells with non-toxic doses of MSM, caspase-3 activation, p53 accumulation, cytochrome c release, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were significantly decreased and full-length poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) was significantly increased.
Although MSM was not toxic to osteoclast precursors, MSM markedly inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity, multinucleated osteoclast formation, and bone resorptive activity. Additionally, the expression of several osteoclastogenesis-related marker genes, including TRAF6, c-Fos, NFATc1, cathepsin K, and OSCAR, were suppressed by MSM. MSM-mediated suppression of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis involved inhibition of ITAM signaling effectors such as PLCγ and Syk, with a blockade of NF-κB rather than MAPK activity.
These mechanisms — NF-κB inhibition, cytokine modulation, iNOS suppression, and antioxidant support — are based largely on in vitro and animal studies. Despite being a popular supplement, the mechanism of action of MSM is not well known in the context of confirmed human clinical mechanisms, and translating these cellular findings directly to clinical outcomes requires further investigation.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most extensively studied clinical indication for MSM. Small studies of MSM have suggested some benefit for treatment of oxidative stress and osteoarthritis, but evidence for other uses is lacking.
Kim et al. (2006) — Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in which fifty men and women, 40–76 years of age with knee OA pain, were enrolled in an outpatient medical center. The intervention was MSM 3 g or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks (6 g/day total). Knee OA patients treated with MSM showed a significant decrease in the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index visual analogue scale (WOMAC) in pain and physical function impairment (p = 0.041 and 0.045, respectively).
Debbi et al. (2011) — Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial: Forty-nine men and women 45–90 years of age with knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria and with radiographically confirmed knee OA were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: one received MSM in doses of 1.125 grams 3 times daily for 12 weeks and the other received a placebo in the same dosing frequency. Patients with OA of the knee taking MSM for 12 weeks showed an improvement in pain and physical function. These improvements, however, are small, and it is yet to be determined if they are of clinical significance.
Itoh et al. (2023) — Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Mild Knee Pain: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral consumption of MSM on mild pain of the knee joint was conducted in healthy Japanese participants. A total of 88 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to MSM consumption (n = 44) and placebo control (n = 44) groups. Both groups took 10 tablets, each containing 200 mg MSM or lactose, per day for 12 weeks. The total scores at 12 weeks in the MSM and placebo groups as the primary outcome were significantly different (p = 0.046).
Meta-Analysis (Brien et al., 2011): Seven potential trials were identified, of which three RCTs (two DMSO and one MSM, total N = 326 patients) were eligible for inclusion. All three trials were considered high methodological quality. The meta-analysis confirmed a non-significant reduction of pain on visual analogue scale of 6.34 mm (SE = 3.49, 95% CI, −0.49, 13.17). Current evidence suggests DMSO and MSM are not clinically effective in the reduction of pain in the treatment of OA. No definitive conclusions can currently be drawn from the data due to the mixed findings and the use of inadequate dosing periods.
In terms of dosage, the MSM dosage used by Usha (500 mg 3 times daily for 12 weeks) was lower than the recommended dosage of MSM for clinical practice. The dosage used by Kim et al. (3 g twice a day for 12 weeks) was in the upper range of the appropriate therapeutic MSM dosage.
Evidence Strength: The overall clinical evidence base for MSM in OA is preliminary and limited. Individual trials show statistically significant but small-to-modest benefits in pain and function, predominantly in the knee. The meta-analytic pooled effect does not reach clinical significance, and studies are generally small and short in duration.
Pilot Study (Bloomer et al., 2012): Using a pilot (proof of concept) study design, researchers determined the influence of MSM on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men. Eight moderately exercise-trained men (27.1 ± 6.9 yrs) were randomly assigned to ingest MSM (OptiMSM™) at either 1.5 grams per day or 3.0 grams per day for 30 days (28 days before and 2 days following exercise). Muscle soreness increased following exercise, and a trend was noted for a reduction in muscle soreness with 3.0 grams versus 1.5 grams of MSM (p = 0.080), with a 1.0 point difference between dosages. Fatigue was slightly reduced with MSM (p = 0.073 with 3.0 grams; p = 0.087 for both dosages combined). TEAC increased significantly following exercise with 3.0 grams of MSM (p = 0.035), while homocysteine decreased following exercise for both dosages combined (p = 0.007). MSM, especially when provided at 3.0 grams per day, may favorably influence selected markers of exercise recovery. More work is needed to extend these findings, in particular using a larger sample of subjects and the inclusion of additional markers of exercise recovery and performance.
Half-Marathon RCT (Withee et al., 2017): To investigate the effects of MSM in attenuating damage associated with physical exertion, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated MSM supplementation on exercise-induced pain, oxidative stress, and muscle damage. Twenty-two healthy females (n = 17) and males (n = 5) (age 33.7 ± 6.9 yrs) were recruited from the 2014 Portland Half-Marathon registrant pool. Participants were randomized to take either MSM (OptiMSM®) (n = 11), or a placebo (n = 11) at 3 g/day for 21 days prior to the race and for two days after (23 total).
Single-Dose Study: This trial was conducted to determine whether single dose supplementation with MSM attenuates post-exercise oxidative stress in healthy untrained young men. Sixteen untrained men volunteered for this study. The participants took supplementation or placebo before running on treadmill for 45 minutes at 75% VO₂max. The MSM supplementation was prepared in water as 100 mg/kg body weight. A previous study showed that the administration of MSM for 10 days to young healthy men is able to significantly lower the known markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl following exhaustive exercise.
Evidence Strength: Evidence for exercise recovery is preliminary and based on small pilot and proof-of-concept studies. Results trend favorable for antioxidant markers and muscle soreness, but study sizes are small and effect sizes for performance outcomes are generally not significant.
Barrager et al. (2002) — Multicenter, Open-Label Trial: Fifty-five (55) subjects were recruited for the study. Day 7 upper and total respiratory symptoms were reduced significantly from baseline (p < 0.01 and p < 0.005, respectively). Lower respiratory symptoms were significantly improved from baseline by week 3 (p < 0.001). All respiratory improvements were maintained through the 30-day visit. Energy levels increased significantly by day 14 (p < 0.0001); this increase continued through day 30. No significant changes were observed in plasma IgE or histamine levels. The results of this study suggest that MSM supplementation of 2,600 mg/day for 30 days may be efficacious in the reduction of symptoms associated with SAR. It would be worthwhile to conduct a larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish further if MSM would be a useful agent in the treatment of symptoms associated with SAR.
Controlled Challenge Study (2018): This study aimed to determine the effects of MSM consumption on allergic rhinitis symptoms after provocation with a standardized allergen. Healthy participants with a history of allergic nasal congestion were recruited to participate in a randomized, double-blind, adaptive-design study. An acute dose of 12 g of MSM significantly decreased the VAS average nasal symptom score by 5.95 U from screening to baseline (22.49%; P = .03) in longitudinal comparison. The specific subcategories that significantly decreased from baseline at this dose were nasal obstruction (8.02 U decrease, 17.88%; P = .04), rhinorrhea (10.08 U decrease, 34.99%; P = .004), watery eyes (11.27 U decrease, 53.18%; P = .001), and itching nose (18.89 U decrease, 67.23%; P = .001).
Evidence Strength: Evidence for allergic rhinitis is weak. The primary multicenter trial (Barrager 2002) was open-label with no placebo control, making it highly susceptible to bias. The acute-dose challenge study used a large single dose (12 g) in a controlled allergen design. Both studies support further investigation with adequately powered RCTs.
Anthonavage et al. (2015) — Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial: An initial preclinical in vitro gene marker study evaluated the effects of 2.5% MSM solution on the expression of 92 genes associated with skin function. The primary double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial randomized 20 female participants to receive either 3 g per day of MSM or placebo over 16 weeks. Skin health was evaluated through expert grading, instrumentation, and participant self-assessment at weeks 8 and 16. MSM supplementation showed statistically significant improvements over placebo by expert grading in crow's feet and skin firmness, and statistically significant improvements from baseline in crow's feet, skin firmness, tone, and texture.
Dose-Response Study (Published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research): In Part I (pilot study) a panel of 20 participants ingested either 3 g a day of MSM or placebo capsules for 16 weeks. Visual and subject self-assessment of wrinkles and skin texture as the predominant sign of aging was observed. In Part II (dose-response study), 63 participants ingested either 1 g or 3 g per day of MSM for 16 weeks. Previous studies have clearly indicated that 16 weeks of oral administration of 3 g/d MSM is highly effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving the appearance and condition of the skin.
Dermatologic Systematic Review (Abdul-Rahman et al., 2026): A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSM in skin care products and to explore the underlying mechanism of action. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Ovid/MEDLINE were searched from inception through December 23, 2025. Of the 228 records identified, seven studies (n = 416) met the inclusion criteria: six randomized controlled trials and one case report, in adults with acne vulgaris, erythematous-telangiectatic rosacea, nail psoriasis, and related skin conditions.
Evidence Strength: Skin health evidence consists primarily of small pilot studies. Results suggest improvements in wrinkle depth, skin firmness, tone, and texture with oral doses of 1–3 g/day over 16 weeks, but studies are small, some are industry-affiliated, and larger independent replication is needed.
Evidence for anti-cancer activity in humans is absent; all relevant data are preclinical. Tumor onset in rats with induced colon cancer was markedly delayed in animals receiving MSM supplementation versus controls, suggesting a chemopreventive effect. Rats receiving MSM 4% showed a similar delaying effect on mammary breast cancer. In an endometrial cancer cell line, MSM demonstrated apoptosis induction when used alone and increased the apoptotic and DNA-damaging effects of doxorubicin when used in combination.
Evidence Strength: Anti-cancer evidence is entirely preclinical (animal and cell line studies). There are no human clinical trials on MSM for cancer prevention or treatment, and these findings cannot be extrapolated to human use without further research.
Given that RANKL plays a critical role in osteoclast formation and bone resorption, any new compounds found to alter its activity would be predicted to have therapeutic potential for disorders associated with bone loss. MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound with well-documented anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; currently its effects on osteoclast differentiation have not been fully characterized in humans. The RANKL/osteoclast suppression data are from in vitro cell culture experiments and have not been tested in human clinical trials.
Evidence Strength: Bone-relevant evidence is limited to in vitro cell studies. No human clinical trials specifically examining MSM's effects on bone density or fracture risk have been published.
MSM is commercially available in several forms: oral capsules, tablets, loose powder (which can be dissolved in water or juice), and topical creams and gels. The suggested oral therapeutic dose of the compound is about 4–6 g/day, while the optimum dosage has not been clearly defined.
Dosages reported across published clinical studies include:
As a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approved substance, MSM is well-tolerated by most individuals at dosages of up to four grams daily, with few known and mild side effects. The FDA labeled MSM as Generally Recognized as Safe in 2008.
MSM administered in a single gavage dose of 2 g/kg resulted in no adverse events or mortality. MSM administered as a daily dose of 1.5 g/kg for 90 days by gavage resulted in no adverse events or mortality. Necropsy did not reveal any gross pathological lesions or changes in organ weights. Renal histology of treated animals was normal. It is concluded that MSM is well tolerated in rats at an acute dose of 2 g/kg and at a subacute chronic dose of 1.5 g/kg.
Acute and subchronic animal toxicity studies using a single dose of 2 g/kg and daily doses of 1.5 g/kg MSM for 90 days showed no adverse events, organ pathology or mortality. These doses are considered five to seven times the maximum dose used in humans.
The LD50 is currently unknown due to the fact that maximum dose given to date (20 g/kg/day) failed to produce death in animal studies.
In a study by Kim et al. on MSM and osteoarthritis, no change or adverse event was noted in liver or renal function, hematology studies (CBC), stool assessment for occult bleeding or lipid profile, or urinalysis. In a similar study, Vidyasagar et al. found similar results with no significant CBC, serum glucose, urea, creatinine, or AST/ALT changes.
When dosed orally, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, headache, fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating have been reported as adverse reactions. These adverse reactions, however, do not appear to occur any more frequently in groups exposed to MSM than placebo in clinical trials.
The study by Kim et al. found GI problems, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and/or concentration problems in 57% of patients in the MSM group. Other literature on MSM has also reported unproven side effects of increased blood pressure, increased effectiveness of anticoagulants, and elevated liver function tests.
There is no known drug-food, drug-drug, or drug-lab test interactions confirmed by controlled data. However, the report of possible potentiation of anticoagulant medications found in case reports warrants attention, and this area requires formal investigation.
MSM should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient reliable information available, as no studies have specifically examined its use during pregnancy.
Methylsulfonylmethane is marketed as a dietary supplement with medical claims ranging from anti-inflammatory effects for pain management, skin condition and aging treatments, and immune system modulation. No medical uses for MSM have been approved, and there is limited evidence to support most of the claims.
MSM has become a popular dietary supplement used for a variety of purposes, including its most common use as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been well-investigated in animal models, as well as in human clinical trials and experiments. A variety of health-specific outcome measures are improved with MSM supplementation, including inflammation, joint/muscle pain, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity.
Initial evidence is available regarding the dose of MSM needed to provide benefit, although additional work is underway to determine the precise dose and time course of treatment needed to provide optimal benefits. The totality of human evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, variable dosing regimens, short treatment durations, and in several cases, industry affiliations. The most robustly studied indication — osteoarthritis — shows statistically significant but clinically modest effects in individual trials and a non-clinically significant pooled effect in meta-analysis. All other indications rest on fewer, smaller, or methodologically weaker studies. Large, independently funded, adequately powered, long-term RCTs are needed across all therapeutic areas.
Health conditions that MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) may help support.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound studied in pilot and subsequent RCTs for knee osteoarthritis. A landmark 2006 placebo-controlled RCT (Kim et al.) found 6 g/day MSM over 12 weeks significantly improved WOMAC pain and function scores. A 2017 multi-RCT systematic review rated the evidence for MSM in OA as moderate.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) has been studied in clinical trials for musculoskeletal pain, including osteoarthritis and specifically low back pain. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial (6 g/day MSM for 16 weeks) in LBP and osteoarthritis patients documented analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. MSM combined with boswellic acids showed efficacy comparable to glucosamine sulfate for knee arthritis in a 120-patient RCT.
MSM is a natural sulfur compound with anti-inflammatory properties used for joint pain and osteoarthritis. A randomized trial of 6g MSM daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced pain and improved function vs. placebo. A separate RCT directly compared MSM + boswellic acids vs. glucosamine sulfate for knee arthritis with comparable efficacy. Podiatric specialists include MSM in the anti-inflammatory supplement protocol for bunion joint pain.
MSM is explicitly cited for bursitis in multiple integrative medicine sources. As an organic sulfur compound, it provides substrate for collagen and connective tissue synthesis and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in joint and muscle conditions. A 2011 pooled review of 6 RCTs found modest but consistent OA pain reduction at 3–6 g/day.
MSM is an organosulfur compound studied for OA and joint pain through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, and provision of sulfur for collagen and GAG synthesis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial (Kim et al., 2006, n=50 knee OA patients, 12 weeks) found 6 g/day MSM significantly improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores. A second RCT (Debbi et al., 2011, n=49 knee OA patients) confirmed significant WOMAC and functional improvements.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) has documented anti-inflammatory activity supported by multiple randomized controlled trials and in vitro mechanistic work. Its primary molecular mechanism involves inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. Human RCTs have demonstrated benefits in inflammatory joint conditions (osteoarthritis) and exercise-induced inflammation, though effect sizes are modest and evidence for broader chronic inflammation remains preliminary. Overall evidence is described as 'moderate' by systematic reviewers, with calls for larger, longer trials.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organosulfur compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties used for osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal chronic pain. The NCCIH acknowledges it among substances used for OA. Some clinical trials show modest pain reduction in knee OA, though a 2011 meta-analysis showed mixed results.
MSM is an organosulfur compound providing bioavailable sulfur, a critical element for the disulfide bonds that stabilize collagen and proteoglycans in connective tissue. Clinical studies have reported improvement in pain and joint function, and sulfur is a known cofactor for glycosaminoglycan synthesis. It also has mild anti-inflammatory properties relevant to connective tissue health.
MSM is an organosulfur compound studied in multiple RCTs for joint pain and physical function, particularly in knee osteoarthritis. A pivotal 2006 RCT (3 g twice daily for 12 weeks) showed MSM significantly reduced WOMAC pain scores by 25.1% vs. 13.7% for placebo. A 2023 Nutrients RCT confirmed improvements in knee quality-of-life in mild knee pain. Evidence is rated 'strong' across 13 peer-reviewed studies.
MSM is an organosulfur compound that provides bioavailable sulfur for keratin disulfide bond formation in hair shafts. Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that MSM at 3 g/day combined with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate improves hair length and thickness compared to the comparator alone at 6 months. Mechanistically, MSM also reduces follicle-damaging inflammation.
MSM provides bioavailable organic sulfur necessary for keratin disulfide bond formation in the hair shaft—approximately 14% of cysteine in hair contains sulfur atoms that form these bonds. Preliminary clinical data suggest MSM at 1–3 g/day may improve hair thickness and growth rate within 8–12 weeks. Mechanistic rationale is strong, though large-scale RCTs are limited.
MSM is an organosulfur compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties studied in RCTs for exercise recovery. A 2017 double-blind placebo-controlled RCT in half-marathon runners at 3 g/day showed reduced exercise-induced pain and modulation of muscle damage markers; newer research at 0.5–1 g/day also shows exercise recovery gene expression modulation.
MSM is an organic sulfur compound studied in multiple clinical trials for muscle and joint pain. A 2017 double-blind RCT (n=22) in half-marathon runners found 3 g/day for 21 days attenuated post-exercise muscle and joint pain at clinically relevant levels. A separate trial in athletes found 3,000 mg/day reduced post-exercise muscle soreness by approximately 17%. Effect sizes are generally modest.
MSM is a natural organosulfur compound whose sulfur strengthens keratin disulfide bonds in the nail plate. A 16-week double-blind study by Muizzuddin and Benjamin (n=63 women) found statistically significant expert-assessed improvements in nail appearance and quality at both 1 g and 3 g/day doses. The 2024 Karger review 'Nail Supplements: When, How, and Why?' lists MSM among supplements with demonstrated nail benefits.
MSM is an organosulfur compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A placebo-controlled study found MSM (3 g twice daily) significantly reduced pain and improved function in knee arthritis. ConsumerLab and the Arthritis Foundation list MSM among studied adjunct supplements for RA and related joint conditions.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (Berardesca et al. 2008, PMID 18254805, n=46), topical MSM combined with silymarin significantly reduced rosacea erythema, papules, itching, and improved skin hydration (P<0.001). MSM provides bioavailable sulfur for collagen support and exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound providing bioavailable sulfur for collagen disulfide bond formation and glutathione synthesis. It inhibits age-related collagen cross-linking and reduces NF-κB-driven MMP activity. Authoritative nutritional dermatology references document MSM as a support for collagen formation and skin anti-aging at 1–3 g/day.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound with evidence supporting collagen synthesis, as sulfur is a structural component required for collagen disulfide cross-links and collagen-associated amino acids. A double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week RCT found that a collagen-plus-MSM supplement improved dermis density and skin parameters.
MSM, an organic sulfur compound, has anti-inflammatory properties and provides sulfur for connective tissue synthesis including collagen, glucosamine, and ligament proteins. It has been included in multi-ingredient clinical formulations specifically studied for sprains and soft tissue injuries.
MSM was included in a randomized clinical trial specifically for TMJ osteoarthritis (alongside glucosamine and chondroitin), and has documented anti-inflammatory properties relevant to joint pain. An independent 2023 RCT in knee OA demonstrated MSM improved joint conditions over 12 weeks. It appears in TMJ supplement guidance from physical therapy and dental sources.
Body systems that MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) may help support.
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