Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM organic is a substance used to relieve chronic pain and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory diseases. Its uses along with the properties of glucosamine are very common, and it can be taken in the form of capsules and tablets sold as a nutritional supplement. It is important to know its dosage, as well as the side effects and contraindications it may have.
What is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)?
It is a natural substance found in plants, where the largest amount is obtained, which you can buy in online stores. MSM is also present in animals and, of course, in humans.
This substance, known in the clinical field by the name “Methylsulfonylmethane” is actually a sulfur compound developed by many brands like Lamberts, Solgar, Energy, Bonusan, Salud Viva, and Complex.
Physical and Chemical Properties
While there are many properties and benefits of methylsulfonylmethane, the most common uses are as an anti-inflammatory and mild pain reliever. These properties are due to the contribution of organic sulfur to the body, acting as a natural analgesic.
There are scientific publications indicating it can be used for other purposes, but in reality, data and studies related to other conditions are scarce. However, the properties of MSM include:
- Analgesic.
- Relieves chronic pain.
- Speeds up wound healing.
- Improves post-training recovery.
- Prevents muscle damage from physical exercise.
- Formula:
- Melting point: 109 °C.
- Molar mass: 94.13 g/mol.
- Density: 4.45 g/cm3.
- Boiling point: 238 °C.
- Trade names:
- Dimethyl sulfone.
- Methylsulfonylmethane.
Human muscles have a high concentration, with nearly 50% of the bioavailable sulfur in the elastic tissues we use every day for normal life or sports activities.
At the same time, MSM and sulfur are essential for the synthesis of natural collagen, the foundation for building all connective tissue in the body, including skin, tendons, vital organs, and they also play a role in bone formation.
To Eliminate Pain and Reduce Inflammation
MSM’s property to relieve pain has been known for several years, serving as an adjunct in the treatment of musculoskeletal degenerative diseases.
In this regard, some osteoarthritis patients have reported reduced discomfort caused by joint inflammation, less pain in the knees, shoulders, and hips, but also in other parts of the human body.
It is often recommended to facilitate recovery from joint bursa injuries, such as bursitis, as well as to improve rehabilitation in cases of tendinitis and tenosynovitis.
Perhaps the most important feature or one of the benefits of MSM is its action as an anti-inflammatory.
MSM Side Effects
- Rash.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Redness.
- Feeling nauseous.
Most MSM side effects are related to having a food allergy to it or one of the ingredients used in the capsules.
In general, it is a very safe substance. You should always follow the recommended daily dose of methylsulfonylmethane to avoid adverse reactions or unwanted effects. However, some people may experience discomfort, in which case it should be stopped, and other analgesic remedies or medicinal plants should be used.
Contraindications of Methylsulfonylmethane
- Diabetes
- Use of anticoagulants.
- Allergy to fish and shellfish.
- Glaucoma.
- High triglycerides.
- High cholesterol.
- High manganese dosage.
- Allergy to sulfonamides if taken with glucosamine.
Since some laboratories manufacture the supplement by extracting glucosamine from the shells of small shrimp and mollusks, it is not recommended for people with a shellfish allergy. MSM contraindications also apply if you suffer from diabetes as it may alter blood glucose levels.
At the same time, you should avoid consumption if you have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Daily Dose
Although the maximum or minimum amount a person can take is not established, there are recommendations for the MSM daily dose:
- From 2 to 6 grams per day.
The recommended daily amount (RDA) is 2,000 to 6,000 mg per day. Keep in mind that the higher amount is recommended for larger individuals with greater body volume.
Excretion Path
If there is one important thing, it is to avoid the accumulation of substances in the body, and in this case, MSM is expelled through the urine.
It is easy to reduce overdosing or excess in the blood as, through kidney filtration, it will disappear within a few days.
How to Take MSM
- Start with a dose of 1.5 g.
- Increase to a dose between 2 and 3 g per day.
- Include a juice with vitamin C.
The first dose should always be conservative, gradually adjusting the body to a higher amount of MSM and glucosamine. Even if you take it alone, you should follow these instructions and read the leaflet.
After a week of taking a reduced dose, that is, 1,500 mg per day, you can increase it up to double. Always observe how you feel and ensure you don’t experience any of the side effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) mentioned.
An important observation is that, if possible, instead of taking the entire dose at once, split it into several doses throughout the day. This helps with better absorption, as other nutrients like vitamin C are necessary for optimal absorption.
MSM in Capsules or Powder
It all depends on the amount you take each day. If you are someone who only takes the minimum MSM dose, you can do so with capsules or tablets.
However, if you increase to a higher dose, it’s better to take MSM in powder form. This way, besides saving a good part of the price of capsules, you can mix it with juice to improve its taste or dilute it in a large glass of water. This makes it much easier to consume.
Taking MSM, Chondroitin, and Glucosamine
Part of its properties are related to taking it along with two other substances that help cartilage regeneration and provide symptomatic pain relief. Taking MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine sulfate restores the body’s amino-saccharide levels, essential elements for joint regeneration that directly impact joint health.
Meanwhile, chondroitin helps provide elasticity to cartilage, which is necessary to prevent cracks in the knee and other parts of the human body with semi-rigid tissues.
Chondroitin is a proteoglycan naturally found in living organisms and, like MSM and glucosamine, is necessary for good health. All these natural substances help prevent the impact on joints from causing wear and chronic injuries. In general, MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine are used to:
- Help in the rehabilitation of cartilage injuries.
- Reduce inflammation in tendons and muscles.
- Assist in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hip dysplasia.
- Slow down joint wear.
In most cases, it is recommended to take glucosamine and MSM along with chondroitin to reinforce their properties. The action mechanism, though different, is interconnected.
Increasing levels in the body may provide benefits for many types of disorders and injuries that cause pain, especially inflammatory and degenerative musculoskeletal diseases.
Is it Better to Buy MSM Solgar, Lamberts, or Other Brands?
In reality, there is no one better than the other as long as the proportions provided are the same.
When buying MSM, you should pay attention to the percentage provided in each capsule or look at the total content reference and buy a jar of methylsulfonylmethane powder. This way, you can ensure you’re taking the recommended daily dose.
It is true that some brands are more expensive than others. Regarding Solgar MSM, it is of good quality, just like Lamberts. Both food products are in a similar price range. The differences you may find when buying MSM online are the number of tablets in each bottle, so when you do the math, the final price is similar.
However, you can often find good deals and discounts, so that’s the moment to buy one brand of methylsulfonylmethane over the other.
Other Brands and Trade Names
- Solgar.
- Lamberts.
- Salud Viva.
- Pro Energy.
- Alva.
- Bonusan.
- MSM Complex.
- Plus.
- Artro.
- Solaray.
Does it Have Other Benefits?
We’ve already mentioned all its properties and uses, but in addition, because after ingestion it releases sulfur into the body, it stimulates the formation of collagen and keratin.
This is beneficial for both skin and hair. The benefits of MSM for hair and nails can stimulate faster growth. Although it is not specifically indicated for this purpose, it can indirectly strengthen the hair.
