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MSM FAQ's
MSM - clear answers to frequently asked questions about MSM organic sulphur - Methylsulfonylmethane
1. What does MSM stand for?
2. Is it a drug?
3. Is it natural?
4. What does it look like?
5. Is it smelly and does it create body odour?
6. Is it a new supplement?
7. Who discovered it?
8. Where does it come from?
9. Can we get MSM from the foods we eat?
10. Why do I need to take it as a supplement?
11. Safety
12. Side Effects
13. Long Term Safety
14. Contraindications / Medications
15. Sulphates / Sulphites
16. Autism Spectrum Disorder
17. Pregnant and Lactating Women
18. Consult your GP
19. References
1. MSM - What does it stand for?
MSM stands for Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane.
Don't worry, you don't need to learn its full title! Even the researchers simply refer to it as "MSM"!
No, MSM is a naturally occurring nutrient.
Yes, New Horizons MSM is a pure form of the mineral sulphur, a naturally occurring nutrient found in nearly all living organisms, plant, animal and human.
W Martin of the Pharmakin Gmbh of ULM Germany found a significant concentration of MSM (approx 4mg) in the plasma of an average sized adult (based on 100 samples) (Ref 42)
Laboratory analysis of the urine of men, women and children found they excreted 4mg to 11mg of MSM during a 24hr period. (Ref 42)
In it’s purest form it looks like white crystals, similar in size to fine, white caster sugar crystals. It is sometimes referred to as Crystals, Flakes or Crystal Flakes. MSM is also available in capsule and tablet form.
Some people think of sulphur as being yellow and smelly, however, MSM is a pure white, odourless, essential form of the mineral.
5. If MSM is a form of Sulphur, does it create body odour ?
No, MSM is completely odourless and does not create body odour.
Although relatively new in the United Kingdom, it has been available in the USA for over 20 years.
MSM has become so popular it’s now sold by nearly every major chain store throughout America, now used by an estimated twenty million people.
The existence of MSM was discovered by a Russian scientist around 100 years ago.
The significant discoveries regarding it’s health giving properties however, have been brought to light during the last 34 years by the dedicated research of Dr Stanley W Jacob of the Oregon Health Sciences University.
8. MSM - Where does it come from?
The sulphur cycle begins in the ocean where microscopic plants called plankton, release sulphur compounds which are transformed in the ocean water into the volatile compound Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS).
This escapes as a gas and rises into the upper atmosphere. In the presence of ozone and high energy ultraviolet light, a process called photochemical oxidation occurs and the DMS is converted into it’s cousins DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which are highly soluble in water.
MSM and DMSO return to the surface of the earth in rain water where they are taken up by plants. Plants and trees concentrate the compounds in their root systems to surprisingly high levels. MSM and the sulphur it contains is incorporated into the plant structure and mineralised through plant metabolism. (2, 3)
9. Can we get MSM from the foods we eat ?
Yes, tiny amounts of MSM can be found in grains, legumes, and fresh unprocessed vegetables like garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk all contain MSM, milk for example contains between 2 and 6 parts per million (1)
10. Why do I need to take it as a supplement ?MSM is highly soluble - it is easily lost during the cooking, processing and storage of foods. Many people find it impractical to eat raw unprocessed foods on a daily basis so research has suggested that many people can benefit from taking it as a supplement.
MSM is a naturally occuring nutrient, a beneficial form of the mineral sulphur found in nearly all living organisms, plant, animal and human. It is not a drug, so rather like any other supplement, when used with common sense it may be taken safely by most people.
MSM has one of the lowest toxicity levels in biology and pharmacology. It has a similar toxicity rating to water (ref 1, 3)
W Martin of the Pharmakin Gmbh of ULM Germany found a significant concentration of MSM (approx 4mg) in the plasma of an average sized adult (based on 100 samples) (Ref 2)
Laboratory analysis of the urine of men, women and children found they excreted 4mg to 11mg of MSM during a 24hr period. (Ref 2)
MSM has been in use for over 20 years. During this time there have been no reports of serious side effects. If an individual takes too much, or builds their daily intake up too quickly, they may experience symptoms of gastro intestinal intolerance e.g. temporary mild headache, loose stools or skin eruptions. This is not peculiar to MSM, for example, an individual taking larger dosages of vitamin C may experience similar GI intolerance symptoms. If you should experience any GI symptoms, stop taking MSM for a day or two then resume on a lower daily intake. (ref 7)
If you should experience any unusual reaction however, always consult your GP or a nutritionally oriented health professional who will be able to advise you appropriately.
MSM has been used by leading pain specialists and notable members of the International Association for the Study of Pain for over 20 years (ref 2)
MSM is a metabolite (a cousin, a direct relative) of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) which is now used in 120 countries by an estimated half-a-billion people. Russian Doctors are reported to write over 30 million prescriptions a year for DMSO. (ref 4)
MSM has many of the properties of DMSO which is considered to be of extremely low toxicity, similar to that of water. (ref 1, 3)
14. Contraindications / Medications
MSM (Organic Sulphur) has natural blood thinning properties!
For many people this is extremely beneficial however, consultation with a healthcare professional is especially advised when using medications or supplements which also have blood thinning properties such as:
- Warfarin (commonly known as Coumadin), Heparin, Dicumarol
- Aspirin (when used daily)
- Herbals such as ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- And other supplements such as fish and flax oils, which contain Omega-3. An essential fatty acid, Omega-3 also has blood thinning properties.
15. I'm allergic to Sulphates and Sulphites - can I take MSM?
MSM is not related to the common sulphurs, sulphates, sulphites (ref 6) or sulphur drugs which are known to cause allergic response and irritation to membranes in some individuals.
MSM is a beneficial form of the mineral Sulphur. It's true scientific name is Dimethyl Sulphone. Although commonly referred to as MSM or Organic Sulphur, technically it is a Sulphonyl.
i.e. Methyl "Sulfonyl" Methane or, Dimethyl "Sulphone"
To Clarify: MSM is a "Sulfonyl". It is not related to the common sulphurs, sulphates, sulphites or sulphur drugs which are known to cause irritation to membranes.
MSM has one of the lowest toxicity levels in biology and pharmacology. It has a similar toxicity rating to water (ref 1, 3)
People suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder can have difficulty metabolising a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Please consult your GP or a nutritionally oriented health care professional.
17. Pregnant and lactating women
Many pregnant and lactating women choose to take a variety of vitamins and minerals, before, during and after the birth of a child. There are no specific safety guidelines or recommendations regarding the use of supplements during this time - it is a matter of personal choice and responsibility.
If you are in any doubt at all whether you should take MSM always consult your GP or a registered nutritionally oriented health professional. Your GP will have your full medical history and be able to advise you appropriately.
If your GP is not aware of MSM, suggest the book:
"The Miracle of MSM - The Natural Solution for Pain" Co Authored by Stanley W Jacob MD., Ronald M Lawerence MD., and Martin Zukker.
Both Dr Jacob and Dr Lawrence are members of the International Association for the Study of Pain with many years experience of the clinical use of MSM.
Dr Lawrence is the Assistant Clinical Professor of the UCLA School of Medicine and former Physician for the American Olympic Sports team.
Ref 1. Deichman, W.B. and Gerarde, H.W. Toxicology of Drugs and Chemicals, 4th Edition, Arcadia Press, 1969
Refs. 2, 3, 4, 5 - The Miracle of MSM - The Natural Solution for Pain - (ref 2 - p26), (ref 3 - p24), (ref 4 - p 21) (ref 5 - p46) (ref 6 p47/48) (ref 7 - p42) - Jacob, Lawrence & Zukker - Dec 1999 - ISBN: 0-425-17265-1
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