Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a synthetic organosulfur compound used as a dietary supplement. It is believed to offer benefits primarily related to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, includi...
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a synthetic organosulfur compound used as a dietary supplement. It is believed to offer benefits primarily related to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, including potential support for joint health, muscle recovery, allergy relief, and skin health. While generally safe, gastrointestinal upset and headache are possible side effects. Research supports some benefits, particularly for joint health and muscle recovery, but further studies are needed to confirm efficacy and fully elucidate mechanisms of action across all purported health applications.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
1-6g daily
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
MSM is produced industrially by reacting dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with hydrogen peroxide. The resulting MSM is then purified by crystallization or distillation.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
This benefit focuses on decreasing inflammation throughout the body by lowering inflammatory markers, alleviating symptoms of chronic inflammation, and promoting healthy tissue and organ function. It aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and lower the chances of developing long-term diseases related to inflammation.
Joint Health enhances joint function by supporting cartilage and reducing inflammation. It alleviates pain and stiffness associated with conditions like osteoarthritis.
This benefit aims to improve overall skin health and appearance through increased hydration, reduced inflammation, improved elasticity, and protection from environmental damage. Healthy skin exhibits a smooth texture, even tone, and strong barrier function.
Reduces joint pain by targeting inflammation, supporting cartilage, and modulating pain signals, leading to improved mobility and quality of life. This can be achieved through a variety of methods.
Joint mobility enhances the range of motion, reduces stiffness and pain, and improves the ability to perform physical activities by improving flexibility, reducing inflammation, and optimizing joint lubrication. This results in easier and more extensive joint movement.
Reduces allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and skin rashes through antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, or immune-modulating effects. Suitability varies based on the allergy and individual response.
Glutamine may aid muscle recovery by reducing soreness, promoting tissue repair after intense exercise, replenishing glycogen stores, and minimizing muscle protein breakdown. It potentially achieves this by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health. They neutralize these unstable molecules by donating electrons and preventing them from damaging cellular structures.
MSM may decrease muscle soreness and damage after exercise by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially speeding up recovery. This allows for more frequent and intense training.
Possible Side Effects
Gastrointestinal upset involves a variety of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate an underlying condition if persistent.
Headache is pain in the head ranging from mild to severe, potentially with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, or dizziness. It can be caused by tension, dehydration, stress, or medication side effects, and persistent headaches require medical evaluation.
Digestive upset includes various gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, stemming from factors such as medication, diet, or infections. The severity and duration vary depending on the cause and individual sensitivity.
A mild, typically non-itchy skin rash, characterized by small bumps or red patches, can occur in some individuals, especially with high doses. It usually resolves spontaneously within a few days to weeks.
Scientific Evidence
Key research areas include studies on osteoarthritis (e.g., randomized controlled trials assessing pain reduction and function improvement), exercise-induced muscle damage (assessing markers of muscle damage and recovery), allergy symptom relief (investigating its role in histamine response), and skin health (examining its impact on collagen production and antioxidant capacity). Specific studies can be found in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords like "MSM osteoarthritis," "MSM muscle recovery," "MSM allergy," and "MSM skin health."
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