Methylsulfonylmethane

Methylsulfonylmethane questions and answers

Learn more about Methylsulfonylmethane at Diet & Health.net.

Q: Does the nutrional supplement methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) form ions when dissolved in water?
If so, then what is the name of the cation, and more importantly, the name of the anion? MSM powder dissolves readily in water. I am concerned about it reacting with various other ingredients found in other nutritional supplements, which could possibly be taken concommitantly. I am also cautious to add it to various cosmetics and toiletries.

A: No, MSM does not form ions in water. It is relatively inert, especially compared to DMSO, a structurally similar chemical.

Q: Is anyone taking the supplement Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and experience puffiness like me?
Or any other side effects?

A: I am not aware of any side effects from MSM beside maybe a little nausea, diarrhea or headache. However, different people that taking natural supplements can have different reactions.Strictly speaking, the concept of a “sulfur allergy” is a misconception: sulfur is an element, the third most abundant mineral in the human body. It's not possible to be allergic to sulfur because it has no protein component. When people say they are "allergic to sulfur", what they really mean is that they are allergic or sensitive to certain sulfur-containing substances, most notably to sulfa antibiotics (sulfonamides) or to sulfites (preservatives used in wines and some foods), or to foods with a high sulfur content (broccoli or cauliflower). Many individuals with allergies to sulfa drugs or to sulfites do not experience problems taking MSM, because apart from sulfur, MSM bears no relation to these substances. However, people who are allergic to one drug are more likely to be allergic to another, regardless of its chemical structure. So if you have a known allergy to sulfonamides or to sulfites, consult with your physician before taking MSM.

Q: Can anyone tell me the benefits of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Is it addictive and does it have benefits?
A friend has tried this MSM and she is amazed at how good it is but I am concerned it might be addictive. Her daughter is on it and she found if she went of it for a few days she felt felt down and depressed. I dont want to take anything that might be addictive but if it helps joint pain etc then I would be interested.

A: MSM is not additive as such, although many people have noticed a difference once they stop taking it, there are a variety of reasons for that from psychosomatic effects to an actual physiological response. The latter is possible but that is not really an issue of addiction and more the body just trying to adjust to a difference (this could happen if you were a veggie eater and stopped eating veggies - but no one talks about asparagus being addictive). MSM is good for many things, or at least that is what they say. My experience with it has been for joint pain and it seemed to have an effect but then again the possibility of the placebo effect cannot be ruled out. I have never heard of anyone having a real problem with it even those people who are allergic to sulfa drugs (some manufacturers tout the fact that even people who are allergic to sulfa can take it but many medical sources still say to use caution). Here are a couple places to look for information if you are concerned. http://www.medicinenet.com/methylsulfonylmethane_msm-oral/article.htm http://arthritis.about.com/od/msmdietarysupplement1/MSM_Methylsulfonylmethane_Supplement_Benefits_Side_Effects.htm The fact is that we live in a world where we want everything to be fixed by taking a pill and for some folks that works. As long as the long term effects are not negative, it would seem that the benefits outweigh the other issues such as cost, and in some cases risk. But taking any medication should ALWAYS be preceded by a discussion with your physician as possible drug interactions for many drugs (over the counter and prescription) can be dangerous.

Q: Who sells the combination product of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane?


A: I bought the current one I have at Wal-mart. It came with the Arthritis Foundation label on it, so I thought I'd test it. I'm still in the testing stages, and it's a pretty big bottle. It also has gelatine in it. They have on the label Knox Nutrajoint and the website www.arthritis.org and www.knox.com as well as the phone number on the box, 1-888-893-KNOX (weekdays). Their address is probably (from their labeling): Knox A Division of NBTY Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 U.S.A I don't know where I got the other bottle of something similar, at some dollar general type store I think, but that was about a couple years ago I think, and I was not consistent with it. If you can order from Wal-mart and don't have one in your area, you might want to ask for a catalog from Knox or try to see if Wal-mart will ship herbs to you. Edit: Add On: To answer the previous person, that long name is MSM and it "supplies vital ingredients that nourish joints and maintain healthy connective tissue" (got from Knox NutraJoint box label) It also has on the ingredient list that it has: Vitamin C 200 mg in it, 2000 mg Gelatine, 3200 mg Glucosamine Hydrochloride Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM, Sodium 60 mg It has shellfish ingredients and directions say to take 4 caplets each day.

Q: I like to try MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for my knee pain(arthritis), where can I buy this drug in chennai?
Recently I read a book -coauther William Regelson M.D-about MSM and its role in releaving back pain,arthritis,and muscular pain.But pharmasists do not know how to and what to supply when I approached them in Kochin Kerala,with out a Dr's prescription.And as Iam going to Chennai after a week where shall I go & ask for MSM.

A: YOU can get it from KHM, HOSPITAL,( oPPOSITE iYAPPAN TEMLE), ANNANANAGAR WEST, CHENNAI 40

Q: Where can i get MSM / Methylsulfonylmethane?
I need some of this for my dog, but anyone know where i could pick this up. (specific stores)

A: I've seen it at Walmart in the vitamins & minerals isle.

Q: Is aqueous methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) a coupling agent?
I'm aware that the related compound DMSO is a coupling agent. When MSM is dissolved to saturation in water, can it couple both polar and nonpolar liquids? If so, then how would it be expected to compare (as a coupling agent) in comparison with the following coupling agents? Ethanol, DMSO, acetone, glycerine, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol -- between which of them would aqueous MSM be rated? See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylsulfonylmethane http://www.chemicalland21.com/industrialchem/solalc/DIMETHYL%20SULFONE.htm

A: Methylsulfonylmethane is just another name for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is a solvent. They are the same. I don't know what you mean by coupling agent. DMSO is not a reagent. Mixed with water, it could aid in dissolving organic compounds in the mixture.

Q: what is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and what is it used for?


A: Look http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/msm.html

Q: Is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) safe for pregnant women?


A: No its not. Stay away from it. It causes birth defects and miscarriages.......

Q: How much glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM should i give my 14 year old weimaraner?
He's been having pretty bad hip problems for the past few months, so I picked up a bottle of "Triple Flex" pills at Walgreens. He is a pretty big dog, around 100 pounds. They have 500 mg of Glucosamine Hydrochloride, 400 mg of Chondroitin Sulfate, and 125 mg of Methylsulfonylmethane in each pill.

A: Have you checked if a animal can be given this with a vet? Your best bet is to check with your vet as certain things good for humans aren't good for fido

Q: What Is Powerful (and safe) enough to penetrate the cornea ???
What Is Powerful (and safe) enough to penetrate the cornea to reach the iris ? i have heard of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) but what else is ??? to lighten the iris...i know it is possible i have seen it

A: They use special needles to penetrate the cornea sometimes, but you have to be more specific on what you want to do.

Q: Are aqueous sulfones ionic?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) powder dissolves readily in water as a colorless transparent solution. I am curious as to whether it contains ions. If so, then what does it dissociate as?

A: no it is not ionized . Its structure is (CH3)2SO2 which has the polarized S=O groups = S+-O- which can bond with the slightly positive Hs of water to effect dissolution

Q: Calling Dog Experts! Need Info On MSM!?
my pom has a minor luxating patella in one back leg. i've been giving her glucosamine to help with joint movement and cartilage growth. recently i came across one breeder who said it is great to give dogs with these conditions MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) or better known as organic sulfur. anybody have any knowledge/experience about this?? thanks a bunch :)

A: That will make your dog sick. Dumb idea. The only way you can treat Luxating Patella is surgery.

Q: Difference between Glucosamine Chondroitin and Glucosamine MSM???
The MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane. I went to get the first combo, they didn't have it, so I got gluco-msm. I'm taking it for cracky joints and joint pain. They sound similar, so I will perhaps experiment and see which works for me or just take both. What do you think? Thanks

A: Chondroitin Sulphate is a natural compound found in joints, although in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis its presence diminishes as cartilage erodes. It is thought to block the enzymes that can destroy cartilage tissue as well as promote water-retention in the cartilage found in joints, thereby making it more elastic. Research has shown that supplementing your diet with Chondroitin Sulphate may promote joint-healing, relieve symptoms and possibly slow the progression of osteoarthritis. As a form of organic sulphur, MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane) is believed to aid arthritic joints, which studies have shown to have lower sulphur levels than healthy joints. It may also help to maintain and repair cartilage, the gel like substance that cushions the joints and that is a key ingredient of connective tissue. It’s natural analgesic (pain-killing) and anti-inflammatory properties further explain its use for combating the symptoms of arthritis.

Q: Make Stretch Marks Disappear...?
I heard about MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). I saw this on a previous post... If you take this supplement along with using the cream version, any stretch mark you have will be repaired until you can no longer see it. This substance is the only one I know of which can penetrate deep into the skin to reach the stretch mark. Is this true...? What do you think about supplements that repair scars on the body? Also, tell me what you use... Thanks...

A: If you massage your body regularly with coconut and almond oil, it will keep stretch marks away. Consult a doctor to start with a daily dose of Vitamin E capsules. Vitamin E is believed to improve stretch marks. Or, add a couple of vitamin E capsules to your body massage oil. It is believed that smearing the area with egg white and letting it dry before washing off with ice cold water regularly can help in getting rid of stretch marks completely.