Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)









Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)


Natural product category
Nutraceutical
What is this natural product used for?
MSM is used most often to assist people with pain, inflammation, swelling, arthritis, allergies, and to help with immune support.
How does it work?
MSM is a source of biologic sulfur, which is an important component of proteins, enzymes, connective tissues, and hormones. It may relieve pain by preventing the transmission of pain impulses along the nerve fibers by increasing blood flow or by reducing muscle spasms. Through other properties, it provides support to the immune system which may benefit people with allergies.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Since the effects of this product may take several weeks of regular use, you are encouraged to use it for a minimum of 1 month before determining whether it has been effective.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
None known.
What should I monitor?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Dietary sources
Fruits, vegetables, and grains. However, MSM is usually destroyed during food processing. Commercially available MSM is extracted from natural sources prior to any processing procedure.
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
None known.
General statements
  • Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement that provide a specific amount of a substance that offers possible health benefits.
  • Nutraceutical products are almost always obtained from plant or animal sources.
  • In general, nutraceutical doses are much higher than the amount that could be obtained from food sources.
  • These products have the potential to provide significant benefits and possible risks. Use nutraceuticals with caution if you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), herbs, or other natural products. Always review for potential nutraceutical-drug, nutraceutical-herb, and nutraceutical-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
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