What Is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)? Other Names: Crystalline DMSO, Dimethylsulfone, Sulfonyl Sulfur

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What is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in various foods and used as a dietary supplement. It is known for its potential health benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This article explores the various effects and applications of MSM based on recent scientific research. Other names include: Crystalline DMSO, Dimethylsulfone, Diméthylsulfone, Dimethyl Sulfone MSM, DMSO2, Methyl Sulfone, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, Methyl Sulphonyl Methane, Méthyle Sulfonyle Méthane, Méthyle Sulphonyle Méthane, Méthylsulfonylméthane, Metilsulfonilmentano, MSM, Sulfone de Diméthyle MSM, Sulfone de Méthyle, Sulfonyl Sulfur.

Chemical Composition and Sources

MSM is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO₂. It is present in small amounts in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk. MSM is also available as a dietary supplement, often marketed for its purported health benefits.

Health Benefits and Applications of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relief Properties

MSM is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects, which have been demonstrated in several studies. For instance, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that MSM supplementation significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee4. Another study reported that MSM improved knee quality of life in participants with mild knee pain, suggesting its potential for managing joint health3.

Exercise-Induced Muscle and Joint Pain

MSM has also been studied for its effects on exercise-induced muscle and joint pain. A study involving participants in a half-marathon found that MSM supplementation attenuated post-exercise muscle and joint pain at clinically significant levels, although the results were not statistically significant1. Another pilot study supported these findings, indicating that MSM could help reduce muscle and joint pain associated with physical exertion10.

Cardiometabolic Health

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, MSM may have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health. A randomized controlled trial involving overweight and obese adults found that daily MSM consumption elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, which is a positive indicator of cardiovascular health2.

Antioxidant Capacity

MSM’s antioxidant properties have been demonstrated in various studies. For example, research on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats showed that MSM treatment improved oxidative stress markers and hemodynamic functions, suggesting its potential in managing oxidative stress-related conditions5. Another study on Pekin ducks found that MSM supplementation enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved meat quality9.

Neuroprotective Effects

Emerging research suggests that MSM may also have neuroprotective effects. A study investigating the modulatory role of MSM in combating neurodegenerative alterations induced by bisphenol-A and gamma-radiation exposure found that MSM treatment ameliorated oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative markers in rats7.

Safety and Toxicity

MSM is generally considered safe for consumption. A safety analysis of a randomized controlled trial on low back pain patients found no significant adverse effects on hematologic, liver, or kidney functions, nor on blood pressure and weight6. Another study on broilers confirmed that MSM did not cause any adverse effects on growth or clinical outcomes, even at high doses8.

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Adverse Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

No Significant Adverse Effects on Metabolic and Physiologic Parameters

Studies have shown that MSM does not significantly affect hematologic, liver, or kidney function, nor does it alter blood pressure or weight in patients with musculoskeletal disorders3.

In broilers, even high doses of MSM did not cause adverse effects on growth or clinical outcomes, indicating a high safety margin4.

No Significant Adverse Effects on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage

MSM supplementation did not significantly reduce oxidative stress or muscle damage markers in humans following exercise, suggesting it does not exacerbate these conditions2 9 10.

Potential Mild Hematologic Changes at High Doses

In broilers, very high doses of MSM (1,000 to 2,000 mg/kg BW) led to increased lymphocyte counts and decreased heterophil counts, as well as reduced hematocrit levels, indicating some hematologic changes at extremely high doses4.

No Significant Adverse Effects on Cardiometabolic Health

MSM supplementation did not negatively impact cardiometabolic health markers in overweight and obese adults, and even showed some beneficial effects on cholesterol profiles6.

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How has Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Reduction in Osteoarthritis Pain and Improvement in Physical Function

MSM significantly reduces pain and improves physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and other assessments1 2 6.

Combination therapy of MSM with glucosamine shows even greater efficacy in reducing pain and swelling and improving joint function compared to MSM alone2.

Improvement in Quality of Life

MSM improves overall health-related quality of life, including the ability to perform daily activities, as indicated by the SF-36 evaluation1 6.

In healthy individuals with mild knee pain, MSM consumption improves knee and systemic health conditions, as measured by the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM)3.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

MSM demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving joint health4 8.

In animal models, MSM has shown to improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and oxidative stress markers, suggesting potential benefits in conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension8.

Safety and Tolerability

MSM is generally well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects on hematologic, liver, or kidney functions, even with long-term use1 2 10.

Studies confirm that MSM can be safely used without major adverse events, making it a viable option for managing osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions1 10.

Limited Efficacy in High-Impact Activities

MSM does not significantly improve knee pain or mood states in active individuals performing high-impact activities, such as military trainees5 7.

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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Mechanisms of Action

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

MSM reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by lowering levels of malondialdehyde (MDA)1 6 10.

It decreases the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)1 7.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms

MSM ameliorates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, potentially through the modulation of the TREM-2/DAP-12/Syk pathway, which is involved in microglial activation and neurodegenerative processes1.

Pain Reduction

MSM supplementation is associated with significant reductions in pain and physical function impairment in conditions like osteoarthritis and exercise-induced muscle and joint pain2 3 8 9.

Cardiometabolic Health

MSM improves lipid profiles by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, which may contribute to better cardiometabolic health4.

Skin Health

MSM reduces signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and skin roughness, and improves skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity5.

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Common Complaints Associated with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Use

Pain and Inflammation Reduction

MSM supplementation has been shown to reduce pain and improve physical function in individuals with osteoarthritis and exercise-induced muscle and joint pain1 2 3.

MSM has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its pain-relieving effects1 2 3 10.

Safety and Adverse Effects

Studies indicate that MSM is generally safe and well-tolerated, with no significant adverse effects on hematologic, liver, or kidney function, even at high doses4 9.

No major adverse events were reported in trials involving MSM for osteoarthritis, low back pain, and allergic rhinitis2 8 9.

Metabolic and Physiological Effects

MSM supplementation did not significantly alter metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, lipid profiles, or blood pressure in healthy overweight and obese adults6 9.

MSM was found to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults6.

Neuroprotective Effects

MSM has shown potential neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative alterations induced by environmental contaminants in animal models5.

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