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MSM, commonly known as methylsulfonylmethane, is a dietary supplement synthesized using DMSO or dimethyl sulfoxide, a sulfur-based compound extracted from lignan. The presence of organic sulfur in both compounds makes them identical in use. But our body converts most of DMSO into MSM because it's easily available as a biological form of elemental sulfur.
MSM is readily available in small amounts in the plants we eat, like fruits, green vegetables, and grains. You can also find this odorless compound in dietary supplements as it is an essential source of elemental sulfur. Sulfur plays an important role in several bodily functions. It helps synthesize specific chemicals, repair connective tissues or develop new ones, absorb nutrients in the digestive tract, and process specific foods.
The challenge is that it's difficult to get sulfur from a regular diet since most of our meals lack green vegetables and fresh fruits, which are generally a common source of this compound. Because most diets are inadequate to meet the standard requirements of sulfur, taking an MSM supplement can be helpful. This supplement makes up for these inadequacies and provides the body with an adequate amount of sulfur to function properly.
If you’re searching for the most effective MSM supplements of 2024 that can benefit your health, we can help you select the right one for your needs. Read on to learn more!
Comparing the Top MSM Supplements of 2024
Nutricost Pure — Best Overall
The Nutricost Pure MSM Powder is a high-quality MSM supplement that uses sulfur, the third largest mineral in the body, to make up vital amino acids that help create tissue, antibodies, and protein for cells and enzymes. This supplement is available in powder form and contains 500 grams of pure MSM powder per bottle, which is tested in a laboratory setting. This supplement is known to help with inflammation due to blocked immune cell receptor activation.
Regular intake of this MSM powder decreases pain and improves immune function. Plus, this MSM supplement is also helpful in keeping your hair, nails, and skin healthy thanks to its pure formula that contains no added fillers. The white crystalline powder is easy to dissolve in water and it comes with a measuring scoop that makes it simple and quick to measure out. We chose this MSM supplement as our best overall pick because it’s suitable for those with a sulfa allergy, containing a high purity ratio and an absence of sulfonamides. Because of this, there's a low chance of it causing an allergic reaction.
Pros
- Non-GMO formula
- Free of gluten
- Made in the USA
- Manufactured in an FDA-registered facility
Cons
- Taste is bitter
Solgar — Premium Choice
The Solgar MSM Supplement helps improve joint health by supporting cartilage health and reducing joint pain due to ingredients like glucosamine and MSM. The former ingredient supports a wide range of motion, mobility, and flexibility in the body. It also helps ease joint stress due to physical activity and exercise.
This supplement is available in tablet form, including 120 tablets per jar, which is enough to last you for more than a month. The tablets are free of additives, preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial flavoring, which makes them safe for those who are allergic to lactose or other ingredients. The manufacturer has over 70 years of reputable history in the market and their brand name is synonymous with health, quality, and well-being. When purchasing this MSM supplement, you can rest assured that you’re getting the finest quality nutritional boost made using premium raw materials.
Pros
- Includes glucosamine for added mobility
- Free of gluten, soy, and dairy
- Shellfish-free formula
Cons
- More expensive than others
Doctor's Best — Highly Recommended
Backed by various clinical studies for efficacy and safety, the Doctor's Best MSM Supplement includes a natural sulfur compound that helps boost the formation of healthy connective tissues. It supports overall mobility, joint health, and extended range of motion. In certain cases, this supplement can also help reduce oxidative damage to help promote a healthy immune system.
The natural sulfur compound in MSM also helps form glutathione and N-acetylcysteine, which serve as crucial structural nutrition in building healthy joints, reducing joint pain, and protecting cartilage. Sulfur is also known for being nature's beauty mineral, as it restores collagen production and supports healthy skin. This makes it an important building block for beautiful nails, hair, and skin. This MSM supplement provides support for immune function and boosts the body's overall protective capabilities, making the body strong enough to resist different diseases.
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive supplement
- Manufactured in GMP-certified facility
- Free of gluten
Cons
- Not available for free trial
NOW — Most Affordable
The NOW MSM Supplement creates a chemical link between the body's sulfur cycle, helping it maintain and form several structural tissues in the human body, such as articular skin and cartilage, and connective tissues. Available in capsule form, this supplement adheres to strict manufacturing guidelines and is examined using extensive testing and laboratory methods.
As a result, this MSM supplement is GMP-certified and tested for potency, stability, and product formulation. The manufacturer has been in the supplement market since 1968 and has established a reputation as a leader in the natural products industry. The company strives to offer customers an effective and affordable way to improve their health and well-being. When you purchase this MSM supplement, you can take comfort in the fact that you’re making a purchase from a company that is tested and trusted by many.
Pros
- Packaged in the USA
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Free of dairy and eggs
Cons
- Don't dissolve easily
Kala Health — Best Value
The Kala Health MSM Supplement is suitable for joint pain and mobility enhancement. The supplement is quadruple distilled and can be used to treat pain associated with the back or joints. This supplement includes MSM in its purest form, known as OptiMSM, which is free from contaminants and optimally absorbed. Plus, it contains organic sulfur, which is essential for the body to facilitate several biochemical processes.
Free of artificial additives and side effects, the Kala Health supplements are manufactured and patented by Bergstrom Nutrition and include a minute (0.1%) trace of silicon dioxide. Each serving provides 4000 milligrams of MSM, and each container contains up to 114 servings. You can take this supplement with liquids or meals and they’re completely safe for people of all ages.
Pros
- Contains organic, naturally occurring MSM
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Lemon lime provides a naturally sweet taste
Cons
- Lacks minerals and vitamins
Buying Guide: MSM Supplement
When buying an MSM supplement, you should pay attention to a few things that will help you ensure maximum safety when taking this helpful, life-changing supplement. Below, we’ll go through each of these factors in detail.
What Are the Types of MSM Supplements?
MSM supplements are available in different forms, including powders, capsules, tablets, and even creams and gels. Here are some of the benefits associated with each type:
- MSM capsules: Within each capsule, a standardized amount of methylsulfonylmethane is present, which makes the exact intake easy. The capsule form is suitable for traveling or those who are on the go. Plus, if you can’t take pills, you can open up these capsules and dissolve the powder in any liquid.
- MSM powder: MSM is suitable in powder form when you want to take it in a high dose. You can adjust the dosage quantity according to your own requirements, even in large quantities. In powder form, MSM may taste salty or bitter, so it's best to stir it into juice or water.
- MSM tablets: The tablets contain powder in a compressed form. Similar to capsules, the active ingredient is present in a standardized form, so it's easy to take the target dosage.
- MSM gel: The gel form is meant for external use only. It’s generally used for inflamed skin or blemishes.
- MSM cream: The active ingredient in MSM cream is generally applied in the case of blemishes, bruises, or injuries. If you mix this cream with powder and olive oil, you can get an inexpensive ointment to treat skin irritations.
What Are the Factors To Consider When Choosing MSM Supplements?
Before choosing an MSM supplement from the list above, we recommend that you read through the following factors to make an informed decision.
Allergens and additives
Many people take MSM supplements because MSM is good for the body and overall health. This is why it's necessary to ensure that the supplements are free of harmful additives, like preservatives, chemicals, or colorants. You should make sure that your MSM supplement is free of allergens like lactose, gluten, and soy, especially if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
Tolerance and dosage
An MSM overdose is not something that's commonly heard of because this ingredient has a high tolerability level. You should take methylsulfonylmethane throughout the day to get the best results and most experts recommend taking MSM for a longer rather than a shorter period. For chronic pain, you might even consider making it a permanent addition to your daily supplement routine.
If you don't want to take the active ingredient permanently, you can take a treatment course over a six week period at regular intervals. Unlike other nutrients, it’s hard to find any official recommendations for taking MSM. Most physicians recommend starting with a dose of 1,500 milligrams per day. Keep in mind that this dose may be too high for some as methylsulfonylmethane can detoxify your body, resulting in side effects such as nausea or headache. Once you build up a tolerance, you can gradually increase the dose to 2,000 milligrams and eventually 6,000 milligrams.
Some recommend pairing this supplement with other joint-active substances, like chondroitin or glucosamine. This will help relieve musculoskeletal system aches and pains as these ingredients support and complement each other.
Cost-performance ratio
If you make a cost comparison of different MSM supplements, it will become instantly clear that there are both expensive and cheap options available on the market. If you’re considering a product that’s available at a cheaper rate than others, be sure to look closely at its ingredients. It's common for these nutrition supplements to include fillers, additives, and flow aids. But you can still find high-purity MSM products at a good cost-performance ratio.
Guaranteed satisfaction
Sometimes, even if you find an MSM powder or capsule that doesn’t cause you any negative side effects, you can still experience intolerance. It's best to look for manufacturers that offer a satisfaction guarantee. This ensures that you can get a refund if the product doesn't suit you.
Ingredients
High-quality MSM supplements include pure methylsulfonylmethane obtained from vegetable oils, such as linseed, rapeseed, or corn. This makes the supplement ideal for vegans and vegetarians. The dosage in each capsule depends on the respective preparation. For instance, a fine-quality capsule contains approximately 1,000 milligrams MSM.
