Natural Products

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane, sulfonyl sulfur, DMSO₂

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Ostheoarthritis
  
• Used for these indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Analgesic
  Hay fever
  Lupus
  

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
• Adverse Effects: Low

What is it?

MSM is a compound found in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and milk. MSM is a derivative of DSMO, a produt that could have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM is a source of sulphur. It appears to be involved in the production of immunoglobulins, which play a role in the preservation of the immune functions. It also appears to act as a catalyser of biochemical reactions in the body. Preliminary data suggest that this product may attenuate certain degenerative changes brought on by arthritis. The product can be taken orally or applied to the skin, even though we do not know if it's absorbed through the skin.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

Few scientific data supports the use of MSM in humans. There is insufficient information to recommend a specific dose. However, doses of 2000 to 6000 mg daily can be used.

• Hay fever:
  A small study has shown improvement of symptoms in people taking 2.6 g of MSM daily.
• Osteoarthritis:
  500 to 2000 mg three times a day has been used.

Is it safe?

• MSM may be safe when used for a short course of treatment. Adverse effects are rare but diarrhea, nausea and headaches may occur. No reliable information exists to support the topical use of this product.
• Pregnant and breast-feeding women as well as people with renal impairment or undergoing chemotherapy should avoid MSM.

References

1. Lexi-comp, Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
3. Passeportsanté.net. MSM. http://www.passeportsante.net