Methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulphur compound found in small amounts in foods.
Why it’s used: Supplies sulphur used in joint cartilage, hair and skin.
MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane, is a simple organic sulphur compound. Sulphur is a building block of the amino acids cysteine and methionine, and of connective tissues such as cartilage, hair, skin and nails. MSM is sometimes called dimethyl sulfone, and it is closely related to DMSO.
Small amounts of MSM occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, grains, cow's milk, coffee, tea and even beer. The levels are low, and cooking and processing reduce them further. The MSM in supplements is made commercially, and you may see branded forms on labels alongside the plain name methylsulfonylmethane.
MSM is sold as capsules, tablets and powder, and it often turns up in joint formulas alongside glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen, as well as in hair and skin blends. Researchers have studied it in small trials looking at joint comfort and exercise recovery, with mixed results, and they note that the ideal amount and long-term effects are still not established.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Randomised, double-blind trial of 49 adults aged 45–90 with knee osteoarthritis. MSM improved WOMAC physical function, WOMAC total score and pain VAS versus placebo, though the authors note the improvements were small.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 88 Japanese adults taking ten 200 mg MSM tablets or placebo daily. The total JKOM knee score at 12 weeks differed significantly in favour of MSM (p = 0.046).
Two-part study: 20 people took 3 g MSM or placebo for 16 weeks, then 63 took 1 g or 3 g. MSM reduced wrinkles and roughness versus placebo and improved firmness, elasticity and hydration from baseline.
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MSM occurs in small amounts in fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, cow's milk, coffee and tea. Food levels are low and cooking or processing destroys some of it. Sulphur-containing foods such as eggs, onions, garlic and broccoli supply sulphur in other forms.
No, but they are related. DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a solvent, and the body converts part of it into MSM. MSM is the more stable, odourless compound sold as an oral supplement. They should not be swapped for one another.
Both supply building blocks of connective tissue: MSM provides sulphur, and glucosamine is a component of cartilage. Joint formulas often pair them for that reason, and some small trials have studied the combination, but the evidence is not strong enough to promise results.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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