Don't take any chances if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. So far, studies have shown minimal side effects when MSM is taken orally in a dosage of 3 grams daily for six months, but some people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects such as discomfort or diarrhea. There isn't enough information about MSM's safety when you apply it to the skin. Very small amounts of MSM can be found in:īut the amounts in these foods are a small fraction of the amount in supplements.Ĭhances are it is safe if you take up to 6 grams of MSM by mouth for six months or fewer. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.

And quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. However, optimal doses of MSM have not been set for any condition. People have tried taking from 500 milligrams of MSM twice times daily to 3 grams once daily for osteoarthritis. MSM has shown some effectiveness for treating allergies, repetitive stress injuries, certain bladder disorders like interstitial cystitis, and wounds, but more research is needed before it can be recommended for any of these conditions. But researchers have more work to do to confirm this. Limited small studies also show that MSM may help with exercise recovery. Also, early animal research shows some promise for decreasing joint degeneration. However, there is evidence that MSM in combination with other supplements may help a bit with the pain and swelling of knee osteoarthritis. The evidence to support taking MSM for these is lacking. This includes obesity and liver problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gum disease, snoring, infections, lung problems, Alzheimer's, HIV, and cancer. There is a whole range of other reasons people take MSM. Or they may take it to try to treat gastrointestinal problems such as: People also apply MSM to the skin to try to treat problems such as: They take MSM to try to relieve pain or swelling from:

People take MSM by mouth or apply it to the skin, mostly using it to lessen inflammation. MSM can be produced in a lab, where it is sometimes combined with other supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin. People use it most often to try to treat arthritis. MSM is a chemical in animals, humans, and many plants.

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