Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound that is found naturally in different levels in many fruits, vegetables, grains, and in animals. Trace amounts of this compound are also found in human beings. Significant amounts of MSM have also been found in common medicinal herbs such as horsetail. The biological role of MSM, if any, is not entirely understood. MSM is a metabolite of dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO. It is believed that some of the possible effects of DMSO may be attributed to MSM.

A few animal studies indicate that sulfur from oral supplementation of MSM is incorporated in body proteins. These same studies have shown that joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA) have lower sulfur content, and animals with arthritis given MSM appear to experience less joint deterioration. According to a preliminary report, a human study of patients suffering from osteoarthritis found that MSM, in the amount of 2,250 mg daily, alleviated pain after only one and a half months.

Dosage and Administration

Some health professionals anecdotally have said that 250-500 mg per day may be beneficial when used in connection with a variety of health problems. However, the only somewhat reputable studies have employed MSM at 2000 mg per day for osteoarthritis. There are no reliable recommendations for MSM supplementation due to a lack of reliable information.