Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as Dimethylsulfone, is still relatively unknown to the general public. Yet, it’s a powerful ally in relieving joint pain, improving muscle recovery, and maintaining youthful skin — and its benefits don’t stop there. That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article.
How do our joints work?
Methylsulfonylmethane, or simply MSM, is an organosulfur compound — an organic molecule containing mineral sulfur. It occurs naturally in various plant-based foods, especially in plants from the horsetail family (equisetum).
In our daily diet, the richest sulfur sources are onions, garlic, seeds, nuts, cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage and broccoli), and egg yolk. Smaller amounts are also found in fresh fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee, meat and dairy products, and grains.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, MSM is especially effective in relieving arthritis and other joint or muscle pain — such as in rheumatoid arthritis — and in promoting post-exercise recovery. It also helps soothe inflammatory conditions like allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, which is a common form of allergic rhinitis.
How does MSM work in the body, and what are its benefits?
MSM’s nutraceutical properties come from its bioavailable sulfur content, made absorbable thanks to its organic composition. Sulfur is an essential element for our cells and is the seventh or eighth most abundant element in the human body by weight — comparable to potassium and slightly more prevalent than sodium and chlorine.
In a 70 kg adult, the body contains around 140 grams of sulfur, mainly concentrated in:
- Muscle proteins, especially sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine, cystine, methionine, taurine, and homocysteine
- Certain coenzymes (e.g., glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme A)
- Hormones such as insulin
- Complex lipids (e.g., glycophospholipids in nerve tissue)
- Vitamins like thiamine and biotin
- Polysaccharides, including glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfate in joint cartilage
Disulfide bonds (SS) are essential in protein structures, providing strength and stability. Sulfur and sulfur-rich amino acids are also critical for hair growth. For example, sheep produce more wool when their diet includes more sulfur-containing amino acids.
That’s why MSM is valued for its ability to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Protect joints and cartilage: by stimulating the production of joint cartilage, MSM helps reduce joint pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and prevent cartilage deterioration
- Improve skin regeneration and hair growth
- Promote wound healing
- Support healthy gastrointestinal function
+ For athletes and seniors: Deep regeneration with a pain-relief action targeting the three key dimensions of joint health: cartilage, tendons, and synovial fluid.
+ Type 2 native collagen (non-hydrolyzed and sourced from chicken) and biologically active, combined with hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine: cartilage reconstruction.
+ Mucopolysaccharides, Type 1 collagen (low-molecular-weight hydrolyzed marine) and Vitamin C: tendon flexibility. Purified MSM, Boswellia Serrata extract, and manganese: pain reduction.
+ Box of 90 capsules. Duration: 1 month (3 caps/day). Vegan
What are the scientifically proven benefits of MSM?
Most published research on MSM is based on in vitro models or laboratory animal studies. Here are the health benefits of MSM that have been studied:
Relieving osteoarthritis
Numerous studies have supported the use of MSM for managing pain and inflammation related to osteoarthritis, especially in the knees.
For example, two studies explored MSM’s effects on knee inflammation. In one study, participants took 1.125 g three times daily for 12 weeks. The treatment group reported improvements in both pain and joint function.
In another study, participants received 3 g of MSM twice a day for 12 weeks. Compared to those taking a placebo, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in pain and improved joint mobility.
For bone-related concerns, Solage’s vitamin D3 K2 can be a viable option. It helps improve calcium absorption, supports immune health, and contributes to maintaining normal bones and teeth.
Enhancing post-exercise recovery
Muscle recovery is essential for every high-performance athlete facing intense training. Researchers found that MSM may speed up recovery after intense workouts. For instance, long-distance runners who took 3 g per day for 21 days before a half-marathon reported reduced joint and muscle soreness post-race compared to the control group.
Alleviating allergy symptoms
Researchers found that MSM may help relieve common symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), such as sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and coughing.
In one study, participants took 2,600 mg of MSM daily for 30 days. They reported a reduction in allergy symptoms affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, MSM could be worth considering.
Supporting youthful skin
MSM is found in many skincare products—and for good reason. It has shown potential in supporting youthful-looking skin. In one study, participants took 3 g of MSM daily for 16 weeks.
Photographic analysis revealed a visible improvement in the appearance of crow’s feet and overall facial wrinkles in the treatment group.
References:
- Matthew Butawan, Rodney L. Benjamin and Richard J. Bloomer - Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement - Nutrients. - 2017 Mar ; 9(3): 290.
- Mariè van der Merwe and Richard J. Bloomer - The Influence of Methylsulfonylmethane on Inflammation-Associated Cytokine Release before and following Strenuous Exercise - J Sports Med (Hindawi Publ Corp) - 2016 : 7498359.
- Matthew Butawan, Rodney L. Benjamin and Richard J. Bloomer - Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement - Nutrients - 2017 ; 9(3) , 290
- Eytan M Debbi, Gabriel Agar, Gil Fichman, Yaron Bar Ziv, Rami Kardosh, Nahum Halperin, Avi Elbaz, Yiftah Beer & Ronen Debi - Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study - BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - 27 June 2011 ; volume 11, Article number: 50
- Dr LS Kim, Dr L.J.Axel, Dr P.Howard, Dr N.Buratovich, Dr R.F.Waters - Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial - Osteoarthritis and Cartilage - March 2006 ; Volume 14, Issue 3, Pages 286-294