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Treatments > Supplement Guide > Supplements > Supplement Guide: MSM
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Supplement Guide: MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane

Origin: Organic sulfur compound found naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains, animals and humans.

Dosage: Tablets, liquid, capsule or powder, topical and oral. Typically 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily with meals. 

Claims: Reduces pain and inflammation.

What we know: MSM is an organic sulfur compound. Sulfur is needed to form connective tissue. MSM also seems to act as an analgesic by lessening nerve impulses that transmit pain.

Studies: A 2006 pilot study of 50 men and women with knee osteoarthritis showed that 6,000 mg of MSM improved symptoms of pain and physical function without major side effects. No large, well-controlled hum­an studies have been performed.

 MSM may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Don’t use MSM if you are taking blood thinners. 

Marilyn
26 Sep 2011, 10:02
I have used MSM for several years & do not take any arthritis meds at all. It works great for me for the pain. I am also allergic to Sulfa drugs, so this is not the same it is sulfur, not sulfa. It is inexpensive from Swanson Health Products. I take 6 caps a day which is 3 grams. Have told others about it, works for me very well.
Janet Williams
20 Apr 2011, 12:52
Joanne, I think you mean synvist if it was an injection,
I was told That I needed surgery on my knee 3 years ago and have been doing well after the injection, it is made from the red thing on the chickens neck, so it is pretty natural,my sister has had the same injection.
connie rae
15 Mar 2011, 18:44
I have pretty severe psoriatic arthritis that required 3 foot surgeries. I have been taking supplements including msm , fish oil etc for a few years now and I have been able to avoid needing biologic drugs taking only methotrexate and sulfasalazine. Quitting a high stress job has helped, but I thouroughly believe in supplements. I have an incredibly healthy 86 year old father who has taken supplements my whole life. I hope to learn even more about nutrition and supplements. I would like to try managing my arthritis with only diet and supplements as I have no health insurance currently and blood tests alone are difficult to pay for.
Rick V
30 Dec 2010, 21:52
I have been taking MSM for about 10 years now and I have experienced remarkable results. I take about 2 grams in the morning and before bedtime. If I forget to take any I remember when my body begins to feel stiff and painful . I will always take this supplement.
cOURTNEYmALONE
16 Dec 2010, 23:41
This is an excellent value for a really good product. I swear by MSM as a beauty product as well as a health product. My hair and nails grow so fast and strong when I'm taking it and I believe everyday wear and tear skin abrasions and cuts heal more quickly. I have never experienced any gastro upset, ever. Some believe this is beneficial for joint health and comfort. I have a history of hip and knee arthritis which for the most part is no longer bothersome, but I take glucosamine so I don't know if both, time or etc has had that nice effect. Many of these products are labeled as 1500 mg but once you purchase and read the label you see you must actually take multiple tablets to get that amount- this product gives 1500 mg in just one tablet, making this an excellent value. They are a touch large, but I get them down with no trouble. Hard to find a comparable bargain for MSM at this level- I've looked and compared all over the place!
L LeSane
10 Nov 2010, 09:19
I have seen several doctors for a diagnosis of my pain in my muscles and joints. Finally a new Rheumy dxd me as having Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis. I am on Cymbalta,Neurontin,Flexeril,and Vicodin as needed,with an occasional boost of Xanax. I feel like a walking Zombie at times. The results of these meds is bleeding. So my Ortho put me on Celebrex and my Internist put me on Toprol because I now have high blood pressure. I was also put on Prilosec for Duodenitis. I don't like taking all these Meds as I feel they are making my health worse. Any suggestions from anyone?
I am thinking of weeding out the Cymbalta, the Vicodin and the Flexeril and try only my vitamins(multi,vitc 1000mg,vite 500mg,iron and B complex and Magnesium. The MSM sounds good for the pain. If it works I will drop the Xanax too.
Eli
05 Nov 2010, 13:18
Diana:
Whenever the body is detoxing you will experience Flu-like symptoms maybe that is what happened to you. Try using less until your body gets used to it. The Bee pollen also has to be adjusted to.
emily johnson
11 Oct 2010, 05:16
does anyone know the name of that study and who it was by?
caryn st john
12 Aug 2010, 09:17
there is an otc product with msm that works for arthritis pain, penetran+Plus. not an digestible, a topical lotion. worth trying.
Bill
17 Jul 2010, 22:57
I was recently diagnosed with advanced severe arthritis in my right heel my heel is deteriating so it is bone on bone the pain is horrible anyone have a remedy I have started taking msm for about 2 weeks so far not alot of relief. wondering if the heel wedges would help.....
Diana
10 Jul 2010, 22:02
I started taking a 1500 mg tablet of MSM with a large breakfast, porridge + yoghurt & blueberries, for severe inflammation, arthritis & joint deterioration & constant pain. Within 3 days I started to feel unwell, tummy unwell all day. By the fourth & fifth day I felt very unwell like & extremely fatigued. I stopped taking it on the sixth day & started to feel better. By the seventh day I'm feeling significantly better. If it really helps the problems I've listed I'd like to take it however I can't if it's going to make me feel sick. Do you have any suggestions? Also I think it's important the any potential side effects of anything ingested is clearly indicated on the product labeling. I phoned the manufacturer & the customer service person said there were no side effects whatsoever which is untrue.
stephanie j
10 Jun 2010, 18:46
try www.msm.com.
Krista Jones
03 Jun 2010, 22:15
I have recieved amazing treatment from the doc's at The Center for Health Improvement and Human Functioning in Wichita KS. After extensive testing one of the many suppliments they started me on was MSM powder. Riches MSM is the original, and is the only one carried at the Center. The Center requres extensive testing on anything they carry and all suppliments must be pharmaseautical grade. I have been fighting JRA/Adult RA/Fibromyalgia for 33 years...I am 36. Due to the treatment at the Center I have seen remarkable improvement. My pain level is under control and without any perscription medications. My fatigue is still ridiculous, but I'm not done fighting. I drive 6 hours to get to treatment, but it is worth it.
Ana Silvia
02 May 2010, 12:40
Hi
How can I know that I'm getting pure msm without aditives. Would you recomend any brand name?

Thanks.

Ana
MARCELLA ARROYO
26 Apr 2010, 16:47
IS OSTROBI-FLEX IS RECOMMENED FOR THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION ? OR THERE ANY THING BETTER FOR PAIN BUT NOT MEDS! PLEASE E-MAIL ME ///GOD BLESS ALL,,
Rex
26 Jan 2010, 10:56
For Joanne

I was told I needed a full knee replacement by one surgeon. I sought a second opinion and the second surgeon suggested that I first try a $20.00 set of heel wedges due to my alignment. I have bone on bone, but had immediate and noticeable relief. I later went ahead with orthotics from a cast prepared by a podiatrist as they are more permanent than the softer heel wedges. It has been two years since I have used the inserts as well as an injection of a synthetic fluid (Systnex?). My knee is better than it has been in over five years in respect to mobility and pain reduction. I hope you give the wedges a try; I wouldn't think they could hurt. I use the wedges for different shoes as the orthotics are fairly expensive. Hope this helps.
Gina
31 Aug 2009, 18:39
As far as I know, the Sulphur in MSM is not the same as that which affects those who are allergic to Sulfa antibiotics. I personally use MSM topically and I am also allergic to Sulfa antibiotics. I've had no ill affects thus far. As always, your best bet is to check with your physician.
Nelton Latigue
16 Jun 2009, 14:30
I am allergy to sulfur. Can I take MSM the organic sulfur. Is it the same. Let me know because I want to get off of medicine for
Ra.
ROBERT JONES
03 Jun 2009, 21:59
i am taking exforge 5mg should i take MSM
for my knee arthritis ?
Del
09 May 2009, 19:04
Does baby aspirin qualify as "blood thinners" referenced as a reason to avoid taking msm?

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