MSM
Research reviewed: 2023-2025
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a dietary supplement with 13 published peer-reviewed studies involving 230 participants, researched for Joint Health, Anti-inflammatory Effects, Exercise Recovery and 5 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Joint Health
StrongAnti-inflammatory Effects
ModerateExercise Recovery
StrongAllergy Relief
ModeratePain Relief
ModerateMood & Mental Health
ModerateGeneral Health
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Joint Health
To evaluate MSM supplementation for knee osteoarthritis pain and function.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate MSM supplementation for knee osteoarthritis pain and function.
Dose
3,000 mg/day MSM
Participants
50 adults with knee osteoarthritis
Duration
12 weeks
Results
MSM significantly reduced WOMAC pain scores by 25.1% compared to 13.7% for placebo. Physical function also improved significantly. MSM was well tolerated with a good safety profile.
How They Measured It
WOMAC pain and function scores, pain VAS
To assess MSM on pain, stiffness, and physical function in osteoarthritis patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess MSM on pain, stiffness, and physical function in osteoarthritis patients.
Dose
6,000 mg/day MSM
Participants
118 patients with knee osteoarthritis
Duration
26 weeks
Results
MSM significantly improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores vs placebo at 26 weeks. SF-36 quality of life scores also improved. The higher dose was well tolerated.
How They Measured It
WOMAC, SF-36 health-related quality of life
Anti-inflammatory Effects
To investigate MSM on inflammatory markers in adults with knee pain.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate MSM on inflammatory markers in adults with knee pain.
Dose
3,000 mg/day MSM
Participants
90 adults with knee pain
Duration
12 weeks
Results
MSM significantly reduced CRP (-30%), IL-6, and TNF-α compared to placebo. Reductions in inflammatory markers correlated with improvements in pain scores.
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, pain VAS
To examine the mechanism of MSM's anti-inflammatory effects in immune cell models.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To examine the mechanism of MSM's anti-inflammatory effects in immune cell models.
Dose
Varying MSM concentrations
Participants
RAW264.7 macrophage cell line
Duration
N/A
Results
MSM dose-dependently inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) in LPS-stimulated macrophages, providing mechanistic support for its anti-inflammatory activity.
How They Measured It
NF-κB activation, cytokine production in macrophage cell cultures
Exercise Recovery
To evaluate MSM supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate MSM supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery.
Dose
3,000 mg/day MSM
Participants
40 trained men performing eccentric exercise
Duration
3 weeks
Results
MSM supplementation significantly reduced creatine kinase levels and muscle soreness at 24 and 48 hours post-exercise. Strength recovery was faster in the MSM group, suggesting reduced exercise-induced inflammation.
How They Measured It
Creatine kinase, muscle soreness VAS, muscle strength recovery
To assess the effect of MSM on antioxidant status and oxidative stress following aerobic exercise.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the effect of MSM on antioxidant status and oxidative stress following aerobic exercise.
Dose
3,000 mg/day MSM
Participants
18 healthy men
Duration
2 weeks pre-exercise
Results
MSM supplementation significantly attenuated exercise-induced decreases in total antioxidant capacity and reduced post-exercise lipid peroxidation. Glutathione levels were better maintained with MSM.
How They Measured It
Blood glutathione, MDA, uric acid, total antioxidant capacity post-exercise
Allergy Relief
To evaluate MSM supplementation on allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate MSM supplementation on allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Dose
2,600 mg/day MSM
Participants
55 adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Duration
30 days
Results
MSM significantly reduced total nasal symptom scores and improved quality of life compared to placebo. IgE levels were also modestly reduced, suggesting anti-allergic effects.
How They Measured It
Total nasal symptom score, IgE levels, quality of life
To investigate MSM's anti-allergic mechanisms in an ovalbumin-induced allergy model.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate MSM's anti-allergic mechanisms in an ovalbumin-induced allergy model.
Dose
200 mg/kg/day MSM
Participants
Balb/c mice
Duration
4 weeks
Results
MSM significantly reduced IgE, histamine, and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in ovalbumin-sensitised mice. Airway hyperresponsiveness was also attenuated, supporting anti-allergic properties.
How They Measured It
IgE, histamine, airway hyper-reactivity, bronchoalveolar cytokines
Pain Relief
[Combination therapy for exacerbations of pain in osteoarthritis with non-fixed combinations].
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
[Combination therapy for exacerbations of pain in osteoarthritis with non-fixed combinations].
Dose
See study
Participants
60 participants
Duration
5 days
Results
CONCLUSION: The combination of CS/GL/MSM/HA with collagen significantly outperforms collagen-free therapy in reducing pain, improving joint function, and decreasing symptomatic treatment needs in pa.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40561485. Ter Arkh
Efficacy and safety of an oral complementary medicine combination in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for the double-blind, rando
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Efficacy and safety of an oral complementary medicine combination in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for the double-blind, rando
Dose
See study
Participants
82 participants
Duration
12 weeks
Results
CONCLUSION: This RCT will provide credible evidence about the efficacy and safety of this complementary medicine combination and inform updates to international clinical practice standards on the us.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39315296. Osteoarthr Cartil Open
Mood & Mental Health
Using the Rise and Fall of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Post-Exercise to Evaluate the Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane Supplementation on Immune R
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Purpose
Using the Rise and Fall of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Post-Exercise to Evaluate the Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane Supplementation on Immune R
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
30 days
Results
Conclusions: Based on the physiologic actions of the mRNA that changed, some logical potential health effects of MSM may be that it helps with the following: (1) supports muscle recovery by improvin.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40507030. Nutrients
General Health
A chewing gum containing ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA), methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and xylitol works comparable to chlorehexidine mouthrins
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
A chewing gum containing ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA), methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and xylitol works comparable to chlorehexidine mouthrins
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
14 days
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 39548253. Sci Rep
Anti-Inflammatory
Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
88 participants
Duration
12 weeks
Results
significantly different (p = 0.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 37447322. Nutrients
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MSM research
There are currently 13 peer-reviewed studies on MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), involving 230 total participants. Research covers Joint health, Anti-inflammatory effects, Exercise recovery and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (11 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
MSM has been researched for: Joint health, Anti-inflammatory effects, Exercise recovery, Allergy relief. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 11 out of 13 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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