SYS ONLINE
SUPPLEMENT_SCHOLAR
evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

MSM

aka Methylsulfonylmethane

Organic sulfur source studied for joint pain and exercise recovery.

Joint & Connective TissueRecovery Optimization

Overview

Organic sulfur source studied for joint pain and exercise recovery.

Natural sources
  • Vegetables
  • Beer
  • Coffee
Common forms
  • MSM powder

Mechanism of action

Sulfur donor for connective tissue proteins; mild anti-inflammatory.

Pathways
  • · Sulfur metabolism

Effects on the body

Decreases
Joint pain
Decreases
DOMS

Organ system effects

Joints

Reduces WOMAC pain.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces OA pain

Moderate evidence

Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      No notable interactions reported.

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with

      None listed.

      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      1.5–6 g/d

      Where to buy

      Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Compound
      MSM
      Amazon
      Wide selection · fast shipping
      Compound
      MSM
      iHerb
      Global delivery · curated brands
      Compound
      MSM
      Thorne
      Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

      Scientific evidence (9)

      Systematic reviewOsteoarthritis Cartilage · 2011

      MSM for osteoarthritis pain

      Brien S, et al.

      Review of MSM RCTs in OA.

      Key findings

      Reduced pain and improved physical function at 3–6 g/d.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — Reduces OA pain

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM Reduces OA pain" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "Reduces OA pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: MSM — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "MSM dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MSM and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: MSM — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for MSM as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.