title: Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement.
abstract: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has become a popular dietary supplement used for a variety of purposes, including its most common use as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been well-investigated in animal models, as well as in human clinical trials and experiments. A variety of health-specific outcome measures are improved with MSM supplementation, including inflammation, joint/muscle pain, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity. Initial evidence is available regarding the dose of MSM needed to provide benefit, although additional work is underway to determine the precise dose and time course of treatment needed to provide optimal benefits. As a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approved substance, MSM is well-tolerated by most individuals at dosages of up to four grams daily, with few known and mild side effects. This review provides an overview of MSM, with details regarding its common uses and applications as a dietary supplement, as well as its safety for consumption.
authors.affiliation: Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research, School of Health Studies, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA. mbbtawan@memphis.edu.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Butawan
authors.affiliation: Bergstrom Nutrition, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA. Rbenjamin@bergstromnutrition.com.
authors.forename: Rodney L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Benjamin
authors.affiliation: Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research, School of Health Studies, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA. rbloomer@memphis.edu.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bloomer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001682:Biological Availability; D002356:Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D063806:Myalgia / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D013450:Sulfones; C025910:dimethyl sulfone; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide
keywords: MSM; dimethyl sulfone; inflammation; joint pain; methylsulfonylmethane