By: Theraysa J. Richardi

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a supplement that proponents claim can reduce inflammation and relieve muscle and joint pain related to arthritis. Proponents believe that MSM works by replenishing a sulfur “deficit” similar to how vitamin supplements replenish any deficiencies in vitamins.

The human body is ½ to 1% sulfur, which is a mineral element essential to the body’s normal function and structure. Some believe it to have a role in enhancing tissue pliability and the reparation of damaged tissue.

Found naturally in common foods such as raw milk, meat, fish and a variety of fruits and vegetables, MSM is quite fragile and destroyed by processing, cleaning and cooking.

MSM proponents believe that because bioactive sulfur is so fragile and because sulfur levels decline in humans as they age, most of us have a deficiency, though this has not been proven. \

Our “deficiency” may cause symptoms of fatigue, tissue and organ malfunction and increased susceptibility to disease. The belief is that a replenishment of this element via MSM can help reduce some of these symptoms.

Generally, MSM may be safe, but there is no scientific evidence that proves it helps with arthritis symptoms. MSM is a bioactive sulfur source and different from the sulfa-drugs of which some have allergies to.

Proponents also claim that MSM is natural, but the MSM sold as a supplement is a compound derived from a processed chemical called DMSO (Dimethylsulfoxide). To understand this chemically-derived MSM, let us turn to its predecessor, DMSO.

DMSO has long been used as an industrial solvent but was found to have medical benefits in the 1960’s. Those qualities include the ability to transport other substances through cell membranes, relieve inflammation, and reduce pain. Initially believed to be a “wonder treatment”, DMSO fell out of favor when animal studies showed it caused changes to the eye lenses.

DMSO’s solvent qualities were also deemed a potential problem. When used topically, DMSO can also carry unwanted substances such as toxins across the cell membranes and directly into the body. If that wasn’t enough to pull the drug from the shelves, it also received many complaints about its distinctive oyster-garlic smell.

Today, medical-grade DMSO is only available in the United States as a prescription drug for the treatment of interstitial cystitis (a painful inflammation of the bladder wall), and is not approved for arthritis treatment However, in other countries, medical-grade DMSO is approved as an arthritis treatment.

Since it is a prescription in the US, medical-grade DMSO cannot be sold as a dietary supplement. It is important to note that the DMSO offered without a prescription to the public is the same quality used in industrial solvents and therefore unfit for human consumption. Industrial-grade DMSO should never be ingested and is not a substitute for its prescribed form.

MSM is believed to have similar characteristics as DMSO but without its predecessor’s unwanted checkered past. MSM can be derived from any grade DMSO, so be wary of whom you buy this supplement from.

Here are some general recommendations for the use of MSM supplements:

· Start with a low dosage such as 500 mg or less twice a day and work your way up in strength until you notice an affect. The typical dosage recommendation is 1,000 mg twice daily. MSM can be found in capsule, liquid, powder or topical form.

· If you decide to experiment with MSM it is important to inform your doctor, especially if you are on Heparin or other blood thinners, including herbs and aspirin, because both substances may have some blood thinning effects. Also, be sure to let your doctor know if you get diarrhea, stomach upset or other side effects common at higher doses of MSM.

· Buy MSM only from an established company. Remember that MSM is only as pure as the DMSO it comes from.

[Back]