What Is MSM? A Clear, Evidence-Informed Guide To This Popular Supplement

MSM (short for methylsulfonylmethane) is commonly included in wellness formulas designed to support joint comfort, connective tissue, skin health, and overall structural integrity of the body. But despite its popularity, many people aren’t quite sure what MSM is, how it works in the body, or how to use it.

This guide breaks down what MSM is, where it comes from, what it’s known for supporting, and more! 

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound. Sulfur is one of the body’s essential minerals and plays a foundational role in the structure of many tissues (1), including connective tissue, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails.

Sulfur is also a component of important molecules used by the body in normal physiological processes. One well-known example is glutathione, a sulfur-containing compound that is naturally produced in the body and involved in normal cellular function. MSM serves as a bioavailable source of sulfur that the body can use as part of its everyday metabolic and structural needs (1).

Small amounts of MSM occur naturally in certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk, but dietary intake is typically low. For this reason, MSM is often used as a dietary supplement to help support the body’s normal sulfur needs.

In supplement form, MSM is typically produced through a purification process to ensure consistency, stability, and safety.

You might like this article, too: The Use of Garlic in Home Remedies and Herbalism

Sulfur plays an important role in the body by helping provide building blocks needed for everyday structure and function. It is used to form certain amino acids that the body relies on to build proteins (1), which support the structure of tissues like joints, skin, hair, and nails.

Sulfur is also part of compounds that help maintain healthy connective tissue and supports normal processes happening inside cells every day.

Because sulfur is involved in these foundational systems, getting enough of it helps the body maintain normal structure and function. MSM serves as a bioavailable source of sulfur, meaning the body can easily use it as part of its day-to-day processes.

MSM is frequently paired with ingredients like glucosamine or chondroitin in joint-support formulas. Scientific interest in MSM largely focuses on its role in supporting joint comfort and mobility in healthy individuals (2).

To learn more, read this article: Our Top Supplements For Achy Joints

Because sulfur is a key component of keratin and connective tissue, MSM is also commonly associated with beauty-from-within formulations (3). Supplemental MSM may help support:

• Healthy skin
• Hair strength and integrity
• Nail resilience

To learn more about supporting skin health, read this article: 5 Common Toxins In Skin Care Products, and check out our ultra-clean & gentle skin care products here.

MSM has been widely studied and is generally recognized as well tolerated when used as directed. It is commonly used by adults in a range of supplemental doses. As with any supplement:

• Start with the lowest effective dose. 
• Follow label directions carefully.
• Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition.

Quality matters. Choosing a pure, well-sourced MSM supplement with third-party testing helps ensure safety and consistency.

To learn more about choosing quality supplements, take a look at this page, and read this article: Choosing A Supplement Delivery Method For Your Family

MSM may be considered by individuals looking to nutritionally support:

• Active lifestyles 
• Aging joints and connective tissues 
• Skin, hair, and nail health 

You might like this article, too: Omega Fatty Acids: Nutritional Sources & Health Benefits Explained

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-containing compound that helps support the body’s normal structure and everyday function. Sulfur is an essential mineral the body uses to maintain tissues like joints, connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails, as well as to support normal processes happening inside our cells.

Because we typically get only small amounts of sulfur from food, some people choose MSM as a dietary supplement to help meet their body’s normal sulfur needs. Research on MSM has mainly looked at how it supports joint comfort and mobility in healthy individuals, along with its role in supporting skin, hair, and nail health from the inside out.

When used as directed, MSM is generally well tolerated and can be a helpful option for those who are looking to support active bodies, growing families, or the natural changes that come with aging. As with any supplement, choosing a high-quality product and using it as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle matters most.

1. 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.

2. 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 Jun 30;15(13):2995. doi: 10.3390/nu15132995. PMID: 37447322; PMCID: PMC10346176.

3. Muizzuddin N, Benjamin R. Beauty from within: Oral administration of a sulfur-containing supplement methylsulfonylmethane improves signs of skin ageing. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2022 Jul;92(3-4):182-191. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000643. Epub 2020 Feb 21. PMID: 32083522.