MSM (methylsulfonylmethane, dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2) is a naturally occuring
thiol compound and one of the more popular dietary supplements. It is 34%
elemental sulfur and has a metabolic relationship with methionine, and is
found in small amounts in the diet in sources including milk, grains, meat,
eggs, fish, fruit, tea, coffee, and raw vegetables [2-3]. MSM is a metabolite
of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a compound that has been researched for a wide
range of therapeutic purposes. About 17% of orally administered DMSO metabolizes
into MSM [1], and the two compounds have many related properties. DMSO inhibits
certain aspects of the inflammatory response, and preliminary evidence suggests
that MSM shares this property [1]. However, MSM may pose a few advantages,
as it does not metabolize into the volatile compound dimethyl sulfide as
DMSO does, and also does not cause the garlic-like body odor associated with
DMSO use [1-2].
There are many claims made for MSM supplements, including relief of pain,
inflammation, arthritis, allergies, parasitic infections, asthma, constipation,
hyperacidity, emphysema, carpal tunnel, acne, fibromyalgia and memory loss
[2-4]. There are few studies to support most of the claims for MSM supplements,
and even less information in peer-reviewed journals. The two uses with solid
scientific evidence are treatment of arthritis and interstitial cystitis
[2, 4]. A preliminary study assessed the effect of 2,250 mg of MSM on ten
arthritis patients compared to six treated with placebo. Eight of the MSM-treated
patients had pain relief within six weeks, compared to minimal improvement
in one in the placebo group [2]. Although this study is promising, it should
be followed by further studies before a conclusive relationship is assumed.
A 30-day open trial with 30 subjects indicated that 2600 mg MSM provided
relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), which affects
over 23 million Americans [1]. However, not only was this an open trial,
it was funded by a company that sells MSM, and it has been pointed out that
it omitted some important data such as measures of symptom severity [5].
In other studies, MSM has been reported to improve drug sensitivity to aspirin,
oral antibiotics, and NSAIDS; prevent round worm, Giardia, and Trichomonas
infections by competing for binding sites at the mucus membrane; and speed
the treatment of athletic injuries and reduce the duration of and need for
chiropractic visits [2]. Although most of these studies were arguably biased
or had design flaws, there are still a number of possible promising roles
for MSM supplementation.
There have also been a few animal studies with MSM. In genetically susceptible
mice, it was effective in preventing autoimmune disease and inflammatory
joint disease, and in other studies it delayed the onset of colon cancer
and mammary cancer [2]. These studies may lend some further credence to the
existing human data.
It is important to note that although the evidence for the claims made for
MSM is still weak, it is an extremely safe supplement. A toxicological study
in rats found no adverse effects from 2 g/kg acutely or 1.5 g/kg for 90 days;
this is about the equivalent of six times the maximum recommended human dose
[3]. Toxicity has not been reported in animal studies, adverse effects have
not been noted in human studies, and long-term users of 2 g or more daily
have reported no ill effects [2]. However, there is one concern. MSM has
been detected in the brains of humans taking MSM supplements, where it is
not normally detectable [3]. This was not associated with changes in the
concentrations of important cerebral metabolites, and this combined with
the animal data would indicate that it is unlikely that MSM has any important
effect on the brain [4].
The recommended dosage for MSM is in the range of 1-6 grams daily, although
some physicians have recommended up to 20 grams daily [3]. A study in 1975
indicated that MSM recovery after oral administration was only 3%, suggesting
utilization or modification in the gut or liver [3]. This may be why a high
dose is needed, but it is also noteworthy that the presence of detectable
MSM in the brain after supplementation would indicate that a supplement is
enough to significantly increase plasma levels of the compound. Given the
present information, it can be concluded that MSM is a safe supplement that
may be effective for a variety of purposes, primarily the reduction of pain
and inflammation, but further studies are needed to prove efficacy.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, please email
dvdtlsn@bulknutrition.com.
No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the permission of David Tolson or Mike McCandless.
