How long can MSM (organic sulphur) be used?

Substances containing sulphur in their molecules perform numerous functions in the human body. One of their main functions is the formation of amino acids and sulphur proteins. While sulphur supplied to the body in the form of sulphites used as food and beverage preservatives can be harmful and lead to poor health, organic sulphur (MSM; methylsulfonylmethane), for example, is known for its health-promoting potential and high safety profile.

1. What is MSM?
2. What are the uses of MSM?
3. How long should MSM be taken?

What is MSM?

MSM, also known as organic sulphur, is a component of human sulphur metabolism. It is a small molecule compound and its absorption involves, among others, intestinal bacteria. It is present in both the bloodstream and the milk of nursing mothers. After consumption, it also reaches the brain.

Plants absorb this compound from the soil and use it for growth. Dead plants decomposing in their natural environment release sulphur, including MSM, into the soil, from where it then enters large water reservoirs. Under the influence of temperature and water evaporation, sulphur compounds enter the atmosphere and are then returned to the vegetation with precipitation.

What are the uses of MSM?

MSM contains sulphur, which the body needs to produce sulphur amino acids, i.e. methionine, cysteine, homocysteine and taurine. What is more, sulphur compounds are used by the body to produce glutathione and N-acetylcysteine. MSM has potential applications in a wide range of bodily disorders. Its involvement in the synthesis of numerous compounds translates into multidirectional effects.

To date, the results of human studies have been published, indicating a statistically significant positive effect of this compound in the context of alleviating the symptoms of seasonal inhalant allergies and improving the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol. There are also numerous indications from experiments on cells, tissues and animal organisms that MSM has the potential to prevent and inhibit cancerous changes.

How long should MSM be taken?

Organic sulphur has the ability to accumulate in the body. It is estimated that 12 hours after consumption, half of the consumed amount is still available to the tissues. For this reason, MSM is recommended to be used intermittently rather than continuously.

Although there are few publications on the upper tolerated doses of methylsulfonylmethane and the recommended duration of supplementation, it is generally not used for longer than 16 weeks, as this was the duration of the longest clinical study in which side effects on the cardiovascular and internal systems were observed.

Doses that are generally considered safe reach a maximum of 4.0 g per day, and the first effects of supplementation for various types of conditions can be observed after 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, food does not provide as much MSM as dietary supplements, even though this compound is found in quite a large number of foods. These include green leafy vegetables and meat.

Literature:

• Crawford P, Crawford A, Nielson F, Lystrup R. Methylsulfonylmethane for treatment of low back pain: A safety analysis of a randomized, controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Aug;45:85-88. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.022. Epub 2019 May 22. PMID: 31331587.
• Miller L, Thompson K, Pavlenco C, Mettu VS, Haverkamp H, Skaufel S, Basit A, Prasad B, Larsen J. The Effect of Daily Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Consumption on High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Healthy Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2021 Oct 15;13(10):3620. doi: 10.3390/nu13103620. PMID: 34684621; PMCID: PMC8540167.
• Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Apr;8(2):167-73. doi: 10.1089/107555302317371451. PMID: 12006124.
• Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 16;9(3):290. doi: 10.3390/nu9030290. PMID: 28300758; PMCID: PMC5372953.