What is MSM good for? My experience on MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). I started using MSM about two years ago. To be exact somewhere in the summer of 2010. Review and 2 years experiences on MSM benefits and side effects.
Methylsulfonylmethane a.k.a. MSM is white crystalline or powderous like compound. Its called an organic form of sulfur because it is in the form in which it appears in nature and all living organisms. MSM is found in rain water, fresh fruit and vegetables and every cell of the human body. It’s especially concentrated in nerve tissue, skin, hair and joints. People use MSM to detoxify and to strengthen especially joints, hair and skin. It’s also used to control pain. MSM will help to maintain adequate cell membrane permeability which allows cells to absorb nutrients and expel waste products out of the cell.
MSM takes part in sulfur metabolism and so it might also elevate body’s natural super-antioxidant glutathione levels. In one study MSM administration raised liver glutathione levels by 78% and partially inhibited liver injury caused by chemical agent (source).
Chemical formula of Methylsulfonylmethane is CH3SO2CH3 so it contains two methyl groups bonded to sulfur with single bond and two oxygen builded to sulfur with double bond. MSM is oxidized form of DMSO which has a molecular structure of CH3SOCH3.
Is MSM safe?
Before starting to use MSM I did some research and concluded that it’s been used with horses for a very long time so it shouldn’t make a problem. After using it for years I don’t have anymore any doubts about its safety. Just make sure to get the best quality of MSM which is Opti-MSM.
MSM supplementation benefits (what is msm good for?)
-It has significantly lessened joint pains and allowed me to run even on asphalt or hard rock surfaces
-Increased mobility and flexibility
-Increased hair and nail strength and appearance
-Improved skin health and complexion
-Increased energy and better recovery from exercise
-Stops neck pains and headaches for me if used long-term
There are a lot more benefits beyond this. Read more about the MSM benefits from top natural health advocate Dr. Mercola’s site.
First MSM product I tested was normal MSM and not Opti-brand. Didn’t get much benefits at all. I can’t really recommend anything else than Opti-MSM brands. They are distilled at least four times and are MUCH better at their purity levels. If interested read more info about Opti-MSM here (pdf).
As a chemist I know that one time distillation really isn’t enough to remove all the side-products MSM might contain. Opti-MSM also tastes better and more natural.
One thing to consider if you start to use MSM in the long-term (over year) is that it might deplete your molybdenum levels.
Molybdenum is important trace mineral for the full metabolism of sulfur. You might want to consider using a good whole food multivitamin supplement that contains molybdenum, here’s a good recommendation for whole food multivitamin supplement including molybdenum – this is likely the best raw organic whole food multivitamin supplement on the market. Or alternatively you should once in a while test your trace mineral levels if you use MSM for years. I wouldn’t worry about molybdenum if you just use it occasionally.
It’s really important to start with small dosages, for me it was only about half of a teaspoon which I increased to one teaspoon or a bit more. Nowadays I just go with the feeling and dose how much I feel like. I don’t even use MSM every day anymore, just when feeling like I need it.
Possible MSM side effects
If you are first time MSM user and take too big dosages you might experience: nausea, diarrhea, bloating, headache, fatigue, insomnia and trouble on concentrating.
Did I experience any MSM side effects? Not really, I experienced only a bit sour feeling in my mouth when using big dosages.
On the other hand one positive side-effect from MSM usage is weakened ability to consume alcohol. Used to drink 3-4 drinks to get the buzz going but now need only 1 or max 2 drinks to get that buzz. Also the craving for alcohol has lessened significantly.
How to use MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane doesn’t exactly taste heavenly, it’s a bit bitter-tasting so many people might have problems getting MSM down…
What I do is that I mix Methylsulfonylmethane powder to water, for example teaspoon of MSM powder to 1 litre of water and you do not really notice any bitter taste on it. It also goes just fine with just one glass of water (might taste a bit acrid). Another option which I use is to put MSM on smoothies.
Good rule is that if something tastes bad(but is super good for us) – mix it in smoothie with sweet fruits. Easy and simple.
Where to get MSM?
You can probably buy it in any well equipped natural health shop, just remember that it needs to be Opti-MSM.
You can also order MSM from the Internet. I recommend Doctors Best Best OptiMSM Powder which is the best OptiMSM powder product I’ve found so far.
iHerb carries other MSM products aswell, so if you rather prefer it in capsule form then take a look at http://www.iherb.com/MSM-Capsules
If you like to order from Amazon.com here is link: MSM products at amazon.com
And for anyone who is heavy Methylsulfonylmethane user, I recommend to take the Molybdenum supplement on use also – here is options for that 
For better MSM absorption Vitamin C is highly advised. Some people say that you shouldn’t even take MSM without Vitamin C. I myself use this all natural Vitamin C powder product, in my opinion by far the best and most high quality Vitamin C product on the market: Madre Labs, Madre-C, Vitamin C
If you are new customer on iHerb you can get $5 discount using my iHerb coupon code which is already included in the links. If you order more than $40 you get $10 discount.