What Is MSM?

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing

compound found in small amounts in various foods, including fresh vegetables,
meat, and dairy products. It is also produced synthetically and sold as a dietary
supplement in capsule, powder, or topical form. MSM supplies the body with
sulfur, which is important for biological functions such as collagen and
glucosamine synthesis, supporting healthy joints, skin, and connective tissue[1][2]
[3].

Indications: What Is MSM Used For?

MSM is commonly used for several health-related purposes, though scientific
support varies for each indication. Below are the most recognized and researched
uses:

1. Joint and Muscle Health

Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis: MSM is widely used to relieve joint
pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis. Some studies report
moderate improvements in pain and physical function in people with knee and
hip osteoarthritis[1][2][3].

Joint Inflammation & Bursitis: May reduce inflammation in conditions such as

bursitis and tendinitis[4][5].

Muscle Recovery: Often used to help speed muscle recovery, reduce

soreness, and manage muscle damage after exercise or intense physical
activity[2][3][6].

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
MSM may reduce levels of inflammatory molecules and boost antioxidant
defenses in the body. This is why it's used by people seeking a natural way to
manage chronic inflammation and pain[3][6][5].

3. Skin, Hair, and Wound Health

What Is MSM? 1
 Topical Use: MSM is sometimes applied to the skin to help treat issues like
scar tissue, stretch marks, wounds, sunburn, and rosacea[1][4].

Skin Aging: Used in cosmetics for its purported effects on wrinkles and skin
vitality, though robust evidence is lacking[1].

4. Allergies
Some users take MSM supplements for seasonal allergy relief, particularly hay
fever, based on its anti-inflammatory effects. Limited clinical research
supports this benefit[1][2][3].

5. Other Indications (With Limited Evidence)

Digestive Issues: Chronic constipation, ulcers, and diverticulosis[1][4].

Detoxification: Sometimes used as a “detox” supplement due to its sulfur

content, which plays a role in liver and cellular detox enzymes[7].

Additional Uses: PMS, migraine, snoring, gum disease, and more, though
scientific evidence is very limited, and its effectiveness for these conditions is
unproven[1][4][3].

Summary Table: Main Indications for MSM

Strength of
Category Common Indications
Evidence

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tendinitis,

Joint Health Moderate
Bursitis

Muscle Recovery Exercise-induced soreness Emerging/limited

Skin/Wound
Scars, stretch marks, rosacea, wound healing Limited
Health

Allergy Relief Hay fever, allergies Limited

Digestive Health Constipation, ulcers, diverticulosis Very limited

Detox/Other Uses Detox, PMS, migraine, gum disease, etc. Little/no evidence

Important Notes

What Is MSM? 2
 Quality and Dosing: There is no universal recommended dose for MSM, as
amounts used in studies vary. Quality and strength can differ between
supplement brands[1].

Scientific Support: While there is reasonable evidence for joint pain relief,
most other uses either require more research or have little scientific support at
this time[1][2][3].

Safety: MSM is generally considered safe for most people when used as
directed, though it can interact with other medications and may cause mild
side effects (e.g., stomach upset)[3].

Consult a healthcare provider before starting MSM, especially if you have

underlying health conditions or take other medications.

Sources
[1] MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Uses and Risks - WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/msm-
methylsulfonylmethane-uses-and-risks
[2] MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) health benefits: Joint pain and more
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324544
[3] Top 8 Health Benefits of MSM Supplements - Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/msm-supplements
[4] MSM: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings - RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/msm/generic-drug.htm
[5] MSM benefits, dosage, and side effects -
Examine.com https://examine.com/supplements/msm/
[6] Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary ...
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5372953/
[7] MSM supplements: What it is, benefits & recommended dosage
https://biogena.com/en/products/msm
[8] Methylsulfonylmethane (Msm) - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-
522/methylsulfonylmethane-msm
[9] Metilsulfonilmetano (MSM): MedlinePlus suplementos
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/natural/522.html
[10] MSM methylsulfonylmethane : benefits, origin, sources, properties
https://www.therascience.com/en_int/our-assets/autres/msm-

What Is MSM? 3
 methylsulfonylmethane
[11] Methylsulfonylmethane - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylsulfonylmethane
[12] Msm - Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/msm
[13] Methylsulfonylmethane, MSM Oral Dosage Forms - Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20454-methylsulfonylmethane-msm-
oral-dosage-forms

What Is MSM? 4