--- title: "MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) — Evidence, Benefits & Where to… | Magellan" description: "MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) — Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also called dimethyl sulfone or methyl sulfone, is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html" type: "product" section: "Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers" evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence" evidence_tier: "moderate" citations: 19 product_id: 208 price_usd: 11.62 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) › MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/208 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) | | Category | [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) | | Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 19 | | Typical listed price | $11.62 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MSM%20%28Methylsulfonylmethane%29&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 208 | ## What it is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also called dimethyl sulfone or methyl sulfone, is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in small amounts in fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and animal products, and is also manufactured synthetically for use as a dietary supplement. It provides a source of bioavailable sulfur and is the oxidized metabolite of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Laboratory and animal research indicates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, including inhibition of NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and support of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity. It is most often taken orally, typically at about 1.5-6 g per day, for joint and muscle health. ## Its role in longevity Across human studies, MSM has been evaluated mainly for osteoarthritis, exercise recovery, and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses report statistically significant but generally small reductions in joint pain and improvements in physical function - alone or combined with glucosamine, chondroitin, or boswellic acids - while small trials suggest it may attenuate post-exercise muscle and joint pain, oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling; it is a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance well tolerated at doses up to about 4 g per day. The evidence is limited by small samples, short duration, and inconsistent results, with several trials and evidence reviews reporting null findings or effects of uncertain clinical importance; effects appear smaller and slower than NSAIDs, there is no evidence of disease modification, and no confirmed long-term benefit - 'supports joint comfort' is a fairer summary than 'rebuilds cartilage'. This evidence describes the compound methylsulfonylmethane and its mechanisms rather than this specific commercial product. ## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** 2-6 g/day (typical studied range) - **What this grade does not say:** Small randomized trials show statistically significant but clinically mild improvements in knee pain and function over 8-12 weeks, with some null results. There is no evidence of disease modification or anti-aging benefit, and effects look smaller and slower than NSAIDs. Safety is excellent (GRAS) at typical doses. ## Where it comes from without a bottle Food, exercise and behaviour routes to the same pathway, each with its citation. | Natural source | How it works | Citation | | --- | --- | --- | | Sulfur-rich whole foods (garlic, onion, eggs, cruciferous veg) | MSM is part of the dietary sulfur cycle, and you also get organic sulfur from sulfur-rich foods and the amino acids cysteine and methionine in protein. | Altern Med Rev 2002 [PMID 11896744](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896744/) | | Cow's milk | MSM (dimethyl sulfone) occurs naturally in trace amounts in cow's milk, making dairy one genuine dietary source of this organic-sulfur compound. | J Dairy Sci 2013 [PMID 24035021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24035021/) | | Coffee, tomatoes & other plant foods | Dimethyl sulfone (MSM) is detectable as a natural trace component of milk and other foods and beverages, confirming everyday foods as real low-dose sources. | Metabolites 2018 [PMID 29642378](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29642378/) | ### What those papers actually say 1. **Sulfur-rich whole foods (garlic, onion, eggs, cruciferous veg)** Altern Med Rev 2002 · [PMID 11896744](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896744/) > Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a volatile component in the sulfur cycle, is another source of sulfur found in the human diet 2. **Cow's milk** J Dairy Sci 2013 · [PMID 24035021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24035021/) · [DOI 10.3168/jds.2013-6785](https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2013-6785) > More dimethyl sulfone and toluene were found in milk of cows on pasture 3. **Coffee, tomatoes & other plant foods** Metabolites 2018 · [PMID 29642378](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29642378/) · [DOI 10.3390/metabo8020027](https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo8020027) > Milk and rumen-fluids were shown to have varying levels of dimethyl sulfone in each feeding system ## In the news - **Health benefits and possible side effects of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)** — Medical News Today 2023 [Read it](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324544) > A 2018 meta-analysis found that MSM may improve osteoarthritis symptoms in the short term, but its importance clinically was not clear. - **8 Science-Backed Benefits of MSM Supplements** — Healthline 2023 [Read it](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/msm-supplements) > Research shows that it may be helpful in reducing joint pain, lowering inflammation, improving skin health, decreasing allergy symptoms and speeding recovery after exercise. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial** Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006 · [PMID 16309928](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16309928/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.joca.2005.10.003](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2005.10.003) > Compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment (P<0.05). 2. **Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis** Br J Sports Med 2018 · [PMID 29018060](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29018060/) · [DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333) > Of 20 supplements investigated in 69 studies, seven demonstrated large and clinically important effects for [osteoarthritis] pain reduction at short term. 3. **Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.** Nutrients 2023 · [PMID 37447322](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37447322/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu15132995](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132995) > This study indicated that MSM oral consumption improved both knee and systemic health conditions in healthy participants who experienced mild pain in the knee joint. 4. **Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis.** Clin Drug Investig 2004 · [PMID 17516722](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17516722/) · [DOI 10.2165/00044011-200424060-00005](https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200424060-00005) > Glu, MSM and their combination significantly improved signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis compared with placebo. 5. **Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study** BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011 · [PMID 21708034](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21708034/) · [DOI 10.1186/1472-6882-11-50](https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-50) > Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee taking MSM for 12 weeks showed an improvement in pain and physical function (WOMAC total score difference 15.0 mm; p = 0.03). 6. **Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.** Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008 · [PMID 18417375](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18417375/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002) > The data from the more rigorous MSM trials provide positive but not definitive evidence that MSM is superior to placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate OA of the knee. 7. **Effects of dietary supplements on patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.** J Integr Med 2025 · [PMID 40425393](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40425393/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.008](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.008) > In the WOMAC pain score, the SUCRA of passion fruit peel extract was 91% (mean difference [MD]: -9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-16.0, -2.3]), followed by methylsulfonylmethane (89%) 8. **Comparative Efficacy of Glucosamine-Based Combination Therapies in Alleviating Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.** J Clin Med 2024 · [PMID 39685902](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39685902/) · [DOI 10.3390/jcm13237444](https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237444) > Glucosamine with omega-3 (G + omega-3, SMD -2.59 [95% CI -4.42 to -0.75], moderate quality) and glucosamine with ibuprofen (G + ibuprofen, SMD -2.27 [95% CI -3.73 to -0.82], moderate quality) significantly reduced overall pain compared to placebo. 9. **A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees.** US Army Med Dep J 2017 · [PMID 29214616](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29214616/) > Three grams of MSM administered daily did not provide significant improvements in the 5 KOOS subscales or the 6 POMS subscales at 30 days or 60 days. 10. **Dietary Ingredients as an Alternative Approach for Mitigating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Practice and Research in the Military.** Pain Med 2019 · [PMID 30986309](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30986309/) · [DOI 10.1093/pm/pnz040](https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz040) > Recommendations were made against the use of collagen, creatine, devil's claw, l-carnitine, methylsulfonylmethane, pycnogenol, willow bark extract, and vitamin E. 11. **Efficacy and safety of a supplement combination on hand pain among people with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis an internet-based, randomised clinical trial the RADIANT study.** Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021 · [PMID 33617972](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617972/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.joca.2021.01.011](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2021.01.011) > There were no significant differences in symptomatic relief between the two groups over 12 weeks. These findings do not support the use of the supplement combination for treating hand pain in people with HOA. 12. **The "MESACA" study: methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids in the treatment of gonarthrosis.** Adv Ther 2011 · [PMID 21986780](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21986780/) · [DOI 10.1007/s12325-011-0068-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-011-0068-3) > Although the combined administration of MSM and BA in the treatment of gonarthrosis was not shown to be more efficacious than placebo in the management of the clinical and functional picture, it significantly reduced patients need for anti-inflammatory drugs. 13. **Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and pain following a half-marathon: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.** J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2017 · [PMID 28736511](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28736511/) · [DOI 10.1186/s12970-017-0181-z](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0181-z) > MSM supplementation attenuated post-exercise muscle and joint pain at clinically, but not statistically significant levels. 14. **Influence of methylsulfonylmethane on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men: a pilot study.** J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2012 · [PMID 23013531](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23013531/) · [DOI 10.1186/1550-2783-9-46](https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-46) > MSM, especially when provided at 3.0 grams per day, may favorably influence selected markers of exercise recovery. 15. **Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation.** Cytokine 2014 · [PMID 25461402](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25461402/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.11.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2014.11.001) > MSM significantly attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in lipopolysaccharide-primed macrophages, although it had no effect on NLCR4 or AIM2 inflammasome activation. 16. **Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement.** Nutrients 2017 · [PMID 28300758](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28300758/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu9030290](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030290) > 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. 17. **Methylsulfonylmethane for treatment of low back pain: A safety analysis of a randomized, controlled trial.** Complement Ther Med 2019 · [PMID 31331587](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31331587/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.022](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.022) > MSM has no effects on WBC, platelets, Hb, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, creatinine weight, DBP, or SBP in this study. 18. **A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.** J Altern Complement Med 2002 · [PMID 12006124](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12006124/) · [DOI 10.1089/107555302317371451](https://doi.org/10.1089/107555302317371451) > Day 7 upper and total respiratory symptoms were reduced significantly from baseline (p < 0.01 and p < 0.005, respectively). 19. **Dietary Polyphenol and Methylsulfonylmethane Supplementation Improves Immune, DAMP Signaling, and Inflammatory Responses During Recovery From All-Out Running Efforts.** Frontiers in physiology 2021 · [PMID 34531760](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34531760/) > In healthy adults, an MSM-plus-polyphenol supplement blunted immune, damage-associated (DAMP) and inflammatory signaling during recovery from exhaustive running - a combination formula, not MSM alone. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MSM%20%28Methylsulfonylmethane%29&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html","name":"MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)","description":"Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also called dimethyl sulfone or methyl sulfone, is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in small amounts in…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html"}]},{"@type":"Product","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html#product","name":"MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)","category":"Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/208.html","description":"Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also called dimethyl sulfone or methyl sulfone, is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in small amounts in fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and animal products, and is also manufactured synthetically for use as a dietary supplement. 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).