How MSM Might Help Your Arthritis

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a popular supplement among people with chronic pain. Its main benefit is as an anti-inflammatory that offers some relief to people with arthritis and other types of inflammatory, muscle, or joint pain. It's also believed to protect cartilage.

MSM is also believed to counter oxidative stress and improve antioxidant capacity. It's under investigation as a cancer treatment, as well. It passes readily through the blood-brain barrier and is distributed throughout the brain.

MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in many foods. In its pure form, it's an odorless, tasteless, white, water-soluble, crystalline solid.

Benefits of MSM

MSM has been marketed for pain and inflammation associated with:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Interstitial cystitis
• Exercise-related muscle damage

It's classified as Generally Recognized As Safe. At dosages up to four grams per day, the supplement is well tolerated by most people. It's few known side effects are typically mild.

Dietary Sources of MSM

It's not hard to get MSM via your diet. MSM is naturally found in:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Milk
• Fish
• Grains

This doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a lot through your diet, though. As foods are processed, MSM is destroyed. You may be able to increase the amount you get in food by concentrating on fresh whole foods.

Natural vs. Created MSM

While MSM exists in nature, the form that's marketed as a supplement is a chemical compound derived from DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).

DMSO is available in an industrial grade and a medical-grade. DMSO was touted as a miracle treatment for arthritis in the 1960s but became controversial because of potential problems and unpleasant side effects. As DMSO faded from use as an arthritis treatment, MSM gained momentum.

Forms of MSM

MSM is primarily sold over-the-counter as an oral formulation (solution, tablets, or capsules). It is sometimes combined with other dietary supplements, such as:

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Guava leaf extract
• Boswellic acid

Some multi-ingredient joint formulas include many other supplements, as well.

MSM is also available as a topical cream.

MSM Research

MSM not only reduces inflammation, but it also protects your cartilage from degradation, such as that seen in osteoarthritis, by suppressing interleukin 1-beta (IL-1b) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), according to a review of literature published in 2017.

The result of lowered inflammation and cartilage preservation is an improved range of motion and physical function.

MSM can also reduce exercise-related muscle damage, especially when taken before strenuous resistance or endurance exercises, the review states. This is believed to be due to its antioxidant effects.

MSM and Alcohol

MSM may increase your sensitivity to alcohol, according to anecdotal evidence. Some other sulfur-containing molecules are used to combat alcoholism due to severe side effects from the combination.

However, researchers haven't yet specifically explored MSM's relationship with alcohol. Until more is known, it's best to be cautious with alcohol while you're taking MSM.

Before Trying MSM

Be sure to inform your healthcare provider that you are going to take MSM. Interactions between MSM and other prescription medications, non-prescription medications, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies are possible but unknown.

If you are going to buy MSM, it is important to buy from a reputable manufacturer or vendor. Choose a product with a USP notation (for US Pharmacopoeia standards). It is important to select a quality brand. Different brands may vary in the amount of active ingredient they contain.

How to Take MSM

The Arthritis Foundation recommends a dosage of 1,000 to 3,000 mg a day. Note any side effects and notify your healthcare provider.

After starting MSM, allow a reasonable amount of time to notice any benefits. If, after a certain time period, you do not notice any benefit, decide along with your practitioner if you should discontinue MSM.