MSM

    Written by:
    Megan Michaux

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Katie Jantz, Conni Covington
    Last Updated: November 5, 2024

    Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound that is found naturally in fruit, vegetables, and grains. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is most commonly used as a dietary supplement to promote joint health and to alleviate pain in people with osteoarthritis.

    35 references on this page
    1,986 participants in 6 trials and 1 meta-analysis

    Overview

    Dosage information

    Formulation: MSM is available in tablet form, powder form, and in topical creams. The best evidence available is for the tablet form.

    Range of dosages studied: MSM has been studied in doses ranging from 500 mg per day up to 6 grams per day. These doses have been given over periods ranging from 10 days up to 12 weeks.[1][2]

    Effective Dosages:

    Osteoarthritis

    People with osteoarthritis: 2–6 grams per day, taken orally in 3 divided doses.

    Special considerations: This should be continued for at least 6 weeks and up to 12 weeks.[2]

    Exercise-induced muscle injury

    General Population: The recommendation from the FDA is 3 grams per day for 14 days. However, one study found that MSM taken orally for 10 days at a dose of 50 mg per kg of body weight could reduce muscle damage after exercise.[3][2]

    Knee Pain

    General population: 3 grams per day for at least 8 weeks.

    Special considerations: This dose is on the lower end of the osteoarthritis dose range and applies to more general pain that is not necessarily from an inflammatory arthritis.[2]

    Allergic Rhinitis

    General population: 2.6–5.2 grams/day for up to 44 days.

    Special considerations: Studies vary on the recommended dose for allergic rhinitis. Some used 2.6 grams in a single dose, but 3 grams daily over a period of 4 to 6 weeks is most commonly recommended.[2][4]

    Rosacea

    General population: Apply a 5% topical cream twice a day for one month.

    Special considerations: This dose might also help to reduce the appearance of scars. However, the effectiveness of topical MSM is not as well researched.[2]

    Note: Even though MSM is sometimes referred to as crystalline dimethyl sulfoxide, it should not be mistaken for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). DMSO is a different compound that can be converted to MSM in the body.[1]

    Examine Database: MSM

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Research Breakdown

    Examine Database References

    1. Muscle Damage - Barmaki S, Bohlooli S, Khoshkhahesh F, Nakhostin-Roohi BEffect of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on exercise - Induced muscle damage and total antioxidant capacityJ Sports Med Phys Fitness.(2012 Apr)
    2. Exercise-Induced Oxidation - Nakhostin-Roohi B, Barmaki S, Khoshkhahesh F, Bohlooli SEffect of chronic supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane on oxidative stress following acute exercise in untrained healthy menJ Pharm Pharmacol.(2011 Oct)
    3. Fatigue Symptoms - Kalman DS, Feldman S, Scheinberg AR, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJInfluence of methylsulfonylmethane on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men: a pilot studyJ Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2012 Sep 27)
    4. Leg Edema - Tripathi R, Gupta S, Rai S, Mittal PCEffect of topical application of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), EDTA on pitting edema and oxidative stress in a double blind, placebo-controlled studyCell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand).(2011 Feb 12)
    5. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Xiaoqian Liu, Gustavo C Machado, Jillian P Eyles, Varshini Ravi, David J HunterDietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisBr J Sports Med.(2018 Feb)
    6. Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Debbi EM, Agar G, Fichman G, Ziv YB, Kardosh R, Halperin N, Elbaz A, Beer Y, Debi REfficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled studyBMC Complement Altern Med.(2011 Jun 27)
    7. Nasal Congestion - Eleanor Barrager, Joseph R Veltmann Jr, Alexander G Schauss, Rebecca N SchillerA multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitisJ Altern Complement Med.(2002 Apr)