MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is gaining increasing attention as a dietary supplement thanks to its diverse uses for health and well-being. But as with any supplement, many people ask the question: Is MSM really safe? Can side effects occur, and how can the risk be minimized? In this article, we take a closer look at its safety and potential side effects – so you can make an informed decision for yourself whether MSM can be a useful addition to your daily routine.
Here you will find out...
The most important things in brief
MSM is a natural sulfur compound that supports many important functions in the body.
MSM side effects are rare and usually mild.
For safe use, it is recommended to start with small doses and observe the body's reaction.
What is MSM?
MSM ( methylsulfonylmethane ) is an organic sulfur compound that occurs naturally in small amounts in various foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. MSM is valued in dietary supplement form primarily for its versatile uses (1).
There are now numerous studies examining the effects of MSM on various areas, including its effects on bone health, acid-base balance, immune function, and much more.
What side effects can occur with MSM?
Overall, MSM is considered well-tolerated based on both preclinical and clinical studies. Animal studies have shown no serious side effects, even at high doses.
A similar picture is also evident in human studies : In one study, patients with knee osteoarthritis received 3,375 mg of MSM daily over a period of twelve weeks without any symptoms or adverse effects occurring (2).
In another study, a dose almost twice as high was administered. A few mild side effects occurred, including:
- Flatulence
- Indigestion
- fatigue
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
However, these symptoms were also observed with comparable frequency in the placebo group, suggesting that they may be triggered not only by MSM but also by other factors (3).
How does the dosage affect possible MSM side effects?
There is currently no uniform recommendation for the exact dosage of MSM. In clinical studies, the recommended dosage ranges vary between 200 mg and 6,000 mg per day, depending on the application. Doses up to 3,375 mg daily were generally well tolerated. At higher doses, particularly around 6,000 mg daily, mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been observed in isolated cases.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers MSM to be safe: a preparation with a daily dose of 4.8 g was officially classified as GRAS (“Generally Recognized As Safe”) in 2007 (4).
As with many dietary supplements, tolerance to MSM can vary from person to person. The required dosage depends on individual factors such as health status, metabolism, and the specific purpose of use.
How do I recognize an MSM overdose?
First, the good news : To date, there is no evidence that MSM is toxic at normal doses. Toxicological studies (on animals) have shown remarkably good tolerability, even at very high doses.
For example, single doses of 2 g per kg body weight were easily tolerated in rats. Long-term administration of 1.5 g/kg body weight over 90 days also resulted in no adverse effects (5). Only at extremely high doses of 15.4 g per kilogram body weight over two days were serious consequences observed (6).
These findings demonstrate that acute MSM overdose is extremely unlikely in healthy individuals and with short-term use. Nevertheless, it is advisable to adhere to the recommended dosages to minimize potential risks.
Are there any interactions between MSM and medications?
To date, no clear interactions between MSM and other medications have been demonstrated in clinical studies. However, there is some evidence from animal studies and theoretical considerations that suggests caution may be warranted.
Therefore, the intake of MSM should always be checked by a doctor, especially if blood thinners or painkillers are taken at the same time (3).
Overall, the data to date indicate a good safety profile for MSM, especially compared to many conventional medications, which can cause significantly more severe side effects.
Can MSM cause intolerances or contraindications?
Currently, there is no clear evidence that MSM causes intolerances or that there are clear contraindications that would require its use. However, it is suspected that in rare cases, individual limitations may exist, for example, in cases of certain metabolic disorders.
Before taking MSM, it is recommended to seek medical advice. This way, you can determine whether MSM is suitable for you and discuss possible risks or interactions.
Correct intake to avoid MSM side effects
There are now numerous MSM supplements on the market. To find the right product for you and avoid potential side effects, it's important to pay attention to quality and ingredients. Make sure you choose a supplement that doesn't contain unnecessary additives and meets high quality standards.
How to easily and safely integrate MSM into your daily routine
- Consult your doctor or alternative practitioner to clarify individual risks and possible interactions
- Start with a small dose and observe how your body reacts - increase the amount only if necessary
- Spread the intake throughout the day to ensure better tolerability
- If you have a sensitive stomach, it is recommended to take MSM with a meal
Conclusion
MSM is becoming increasingly popular as a natural source of sulfur in the form of a dietary supplement. Consumption is generally considered safe and rarely causes side effects. However, it is important to consider the individual body's reactions and choose the dosage carefully to avoid potential side effects. Even though no serious interactions have been reported so far, you should seek medical advice if you are taking medication at the same time. This way, you can use MSM purposefully and responsibly to benefit from its positive effects – without taking unnecessary risks.
Our expert
Robert Appuhn
Alternative practitioner, nutritionist
Focus:
Micronutrients | Orthomolecular Therapy
What is MSM and what is it used for?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur compound that is often used as a dietary supplement.
What side effects can occur when taking MSM?
Side effects are rare but may include mild indigestion, fatigue, or headache.
What is the recommended dosage of MSM?
Typical dosages range from 200 mg to 6,000 mg per day, with 2,000 to 3,500 mg usually being well tolerated.
Can I overdose on MSM?
An overdose is very unlikely, but extremely high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, follow the dosage instructions.
Are there any interactions between MSM and medications?
So far, no clear interactions are known, but in the case of blood thinners and painkillers, the intake should be discussed with the doctor
How can I avoid side effects from MSM?
Start with a low dose, increase it slowly, and take MSM preferably with meals.
References for further reading:
- Toguchi A, Noguchi N, Kanno T, Yamada A. Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15(13).
- Debbi EM, Agar G, Fichman G, Ziv YB, Kardosh R, Halperin N, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med 2011; 11:50.
- Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006; 14(3):286–94.
- Borzelleca JF, Sipes IG, Wallace KB. Dossier in Support of the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Status of Optimsm (Methylsulfonylmethane; MSM) as a Food Ingredient. Food and Drug Administration 2007.
- Horváth K, Noker PE, Somfai-Relle S, Glávits R, Financsek I, Schauss AG. Toxicity of methylsulfonylmethane in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2002; 40(10):1459–62.
- Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients 2017; 9(3).
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