What is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound found naturally in plants and animals. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement for joint comfort, inflammation support, and skin health.

Does MSM help with osteoarthritis joint pain?

MSM may modestly reduce pain and improve physical function in some people with knee osteoarthritis. Effects can vary, and it is typically used as part of a broader joint-care plan.

What is a typical MSM dosage?

Common supplemental amounts range from about 1,000 to 6,000 mg per day. Many people start with a lower dose and increase gradually based on tolerance.

Can MSM reduce exercise-induced soreness?

MSM may help reduce perceived soreness and support recovery after strenuous exercise. Benefits, if present, are usually seen with consistent use over time.

What are common MSM side effects and precautions?

MSM is generally well tolerated, but some people report mild gastrointestinal upset, headache, or sleep changes. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take medications, consult a clinician before use.

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Methylsulfonylmethane
(MSM)

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound used as a supplement primarily for joint pain and inflammation.

Exercise Recovery Anti-Aging Anti-inflammatory Joint Healt Skin Health

dose range

1000–6000 mg

Divided in 2–3 doses per day

Consumption

Take with or without food. Start at lower doses to assess tolerance.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

No strict timing; morning usage is common. Can be taken any time of day.

Description

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur compound found naturally in plants and animals. As a dietary supplement, MSM is widely used for joint health, inflammation reduction, and skin support, with growing clinical evidence supporting these uses.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

There is moderate-quality clinical evidence for MSM’s benefits in osteoarthritis, joint pain, exercise recovery, and skin health, but large-scale, long-term trials are limited.

Reduces joint pain and improves function in osteoarthritis

Moderate

MSM supplementation may modestly reduce pain and improve physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with osteoarthritis · Individuals with joint discomfort

2 · PubMed (Kim et al., 2006)5 · Examine.com – MSM

Decreases exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness

Moderate

MSM may help reduce markers of muscle damage and perceived soreness after strenuous exercise, aiding recovery.

Particularly relevant for: Athletes · Physically active individuals

3 · PubMed (Nakhostin-Roohi et al., 2011)5 · Examine.com – MSM

Supports skin health and appearance

Limited

Oral and topical MSM may improve skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration, partially by supporting collagen and keratin production.

Particularly relevant for: Adults seeking skin health improvement

4 · PubMed (Anthonavage et al., 2020)5 · Examine.com – MSM

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

MSM is generally considered safe for most adults at recommended doses, with rare reports of mild side effects.

warning notices

May occasionally cause mild side effects such as bloating, gastrointestinal upset, or headache.
Safety has not been established in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Use only with clinician supervision if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Known interactions with medications

Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

MSM is generally well-tolerated, but may interact with anticoagulant medications and should be avoided in pregnancy.

Caution: MSM may increase risk of bleeding if combined with blood thinning medications.

drug · anticoagulant (blood thinner)

CautionLimited

Why

MSM may have mild blood thinning effects, potentially enhancing the action of anticoagulant drugs.

recommendation

Use MSM only under clinician supervision if taking anticoagulants.

1 · WebMD 5 · Examine.com – MSM

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

MSM inhibits inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6) and oxidative stress markers, reducing inflammation and tissue damage.

3 · PubMed (Nakhostin-Roohi et al., 2011)5 · Examine.com – MSM

Sulfur donation for connective tissue synthesis

Provides biologically active sulfur, supporting collagen and keratin formation for joint and skin health.

4 · PubMed (Anthonavage et al., 2020)5 · Examine.com – MSM

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

WebMD

PubMed (Kim et al., 2006)

Randomized controlled trial on MSM and osteoarthritis.

PubMed (Nakhostin-Roohi et al., 2011)

Study on MSM supplementation and exercise recovery.

PubMed (Anthonavage et al., 2020)

MSM and skin health clinical outcomes.

Examine.com – MSM

Comprehensive scientific review of MSM.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS): Fact Sheet on MSM

Consumer fact sheet on MSM.

Laatst bijgewerkt: 2 april 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.