msm

Msm (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a dietary supplement.

Methylsulfonylmethane

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 23, 2026·How we rate

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Key facts

Active ingredient: Methylsulfonylmethane
Type: Supplement

What is Msm?

From the FDA label:A sulfur compound taken for joint comfort and skin.

What the evidence says

What Msm is

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-containing compound sold as a dietary supplement, either on its own or combined with other ingredients such as glucosamine. NCCIH describes it as chemically related to DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a separate substance that is applied to the skin. MSM products are typically marketed in connection with osteoarthritis and joint health, though that is a marketing focus rather than a proven use.

Commonly used for

Marketed for joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritisGeneral joint-health products (often paired with glucosamine)Promoted as a wellness supplement, though benefits are not established

What the evidence shows

According to NCCIH, only a small amount of research has been done on MSM (and the related substance DMSO) for osteoarthritis, and no conclusions can be reached about whether it is helpful. In short, the evidence is limited and does not establish that MSM treats, prevents, or improves any condition. People may use it for joint discomfort, but a benefit has not been demonstrated.

Typical dosage

Authoritative US-government sources do not establish a proven effective dose for MSM, so no specific amount is recommended here. Labeled doses vary widely between products. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting MSM, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other medications.

Safety

NCCIH states that the safety of MSM is uncertain because little research has been done on this topic, which also means its long-term safety has not been well studied. Anyone considering MSM, particularly for osteoarthritis, should consult their health care provider first.

Side effects

NCCIH lists possible side effects of MSM that include allergic reactions, digestive problems, and skin rashes. Because the supplement has not been thoroughly studied, other effects cannot be ruled out. Stop use and seek medical advice if you have a reaction.

Interactions & cautions

The NCCIH page reviewed here does not describe specific drug interactions for MSM, and rigorous interaction data are limited. Because supplements can still interact with medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, or other supplements you take before using MSM.

Sources

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for Osteoarthritis | NCCIH ↗

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Summarized from public health authorities; general reference, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

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Information is sourced from public FDA regulatory data. Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

What people report to the FDA about Methylsulfonylmethane

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 416 reports naming Methylsulfonylmethane — the active ingredient in Msm, and the FDA flagged 55% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:

fatigue42 reports
dizziness30 reports
arthralgia29 reports
headache24 reports
nausea23 reports
fall21 reports
asthenia20 reports
constipation19 reports

Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean Methylsulfonylmethane caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.

Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 25, 2026.

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Key facts

What is Msm?

What the evidence says

What Msm is

Commonly used for

What the evidence shows

Typical dosage

Safety

Side effects

Interactions & cautions

Sources

Ways to save

What people report to the FDA about Methylsulfonylmethane

Reviews

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