Kenya
Bioforce
Six-ingredient joint capsules with glucosamine, chondroitin and boswellia for over-40s
KES 6,750
Order pageStructural ingredient
MSM: What It Is, What It Brings and How to Choose a Supplement
Also known as Methylsulfonylmethane, dimethyl sulfone
MSM is an organic sulphur compound found in almost every modern joint formula. It supplies sulphur, a building block of connective tissue, and its research points in a consistently positive direction.
What is msm?
Methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring sulphur compound found in small amounts in plants and produced industrially for supplement use.
Sulphur is a structural component of connective tissue proteins, which is the rationale for including MSM in joint products.
Traditional and regional use
MSM is a modern industrial compound with no traditional use.
What is msm known for?
Good to know. Supplements containing msm are food supplements, so their labels describe support for everyday wellbeing.
Several randomised trials have examined MSM for knee comfort and for muscle soreness after exercise, generally reporting improvements.
Its results have been consistent in direction, which is why MSM has become a standard partner for glucosamine and chondroitin.
How is it used in supplements?
MSM is used in joint complexes at doses typically between 1 g and 3 g per day, often with glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric. It also appears in skin, hair and nail formulas.
Forms and sources
- MSM powder
- MSM capsules and tablets
- Combination joint formulas
- Topical creams
Safety
- Generally well tolerated at the doses studied.
- Keep to the daily amount on the label.
- The powder has a distinctly bitter taste, which capsules avoid.
Possible side effects
Digestive upset, bloating, headache and occasional skin reactions.
Interactions
No well-documented interactions.
Who should seek professional advice
Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should ask a doctor or midwife before use.
How to choose a supplement containing msm
- Trials used 1–3 g a day; the amount per capsule is printed on the pack.
- Look for MSM combined with glucosamine and chondroitin in a joint complex.
- Take it daily with water and a meal.
Products containing msm
Products documented in African markets whose supplier material names this ingredient.
Kenya
Perfect X Cream
Joint and bone care cream with collagen, chondroitin, vitamin K2 and MSM
KES 5,500
Order pageSupplement categories using this ingredient
Related health topics
Frequently asked questions
Is MSM the same as sulphur tablets?
No. MSM is a specific organic sulphur compound, not elemental sulphur, and the two are not interchangeable.
Why is MSM in skin and nail formulas?
Sulphur is a building block of keratin and collagen, the structural proteins of skin, hair and nails, which is why MSM appears in beauty-from-within formulas.
Related ingredients
References
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance — US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: plain-language summaries of what is known about individual botanicals.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — fact sheets — Nutrient-by-nutrient fact sheets with intake levels and interaction notes.
- How we choose sources
Medical disclaimer. BioMedic Africa publishes consumer health information and supplement research summaries. It is not a pharmacy, a clinic or a medicines regulator, and nothing here is a diagnosis, a prescription or a treatment plan. Dietary supplements are foods, not medicines: they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak with a pharmacist or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, living with a long-term condition, or taking prescription medication.