What Is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound commonly used as a dietary supplement for its anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting properties. Its CAS number is 67-71-0, and its molecular formula is C2H6O2S, with a molecular weight of approximately 94.13 g/mol. In its pure form, MSM appears as a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and highly soluble in water and organic solvents such as ethanol. It has a melting point of around 108–110°C and is known for its stability under normal storage conditions. Due to its sulfur content, MSM is widely used in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and veterinary applications to support connective tissue health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness.
NOTE: Nutri Avenue supplies premium Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), the bioavailable sulfur compound, to nutraceutical and joint health manufacturers worldwide. We provide this crystalline powder in bulk quantities (25kg, 50kg, 100kg+ options) with 99.9% purity, competitive pricing, and moisture-resistant packaging – optimized for your joint mobility, collagen support, and recovery formulations. |
Common Sources
MSM powder is a sulfur-containing compound that is commonly used in dietary supplements and skincare products. In the production of MSM, the primary raw material used is DMSO2 (Dimethyl sulfoxide), a naturally occurring compound that contains sulfur. DMSO2 is typically derived from wood pulp or other natural sources of lignin.
The production process involves a chemical reaction where DMSO2 is oxidized to produce MSM. This oxidation process is often carried out using specific catalysts or through controlled heating in the presence of oxygen. The sulfur content of the raw material is crucial as MSM is a stable, organic form of sulfur, which is beneficial for various biological functions, such as joint health, reducing inflammation, and promoting the formation of collagen.
Additionally, MSM can be synthesized from methyl group sources like methane, but the most common and sustainable method involves the conversion of DMSO2. Once produced, the MSM is purified and dried to form a fine white powder, which can then be used in manufacturing supplements or topical products. The purity and quality of MSM depend significantly on the raw materials used and the precision in the oxidation process.
Foods rich in Methylsulfonylmethane MSM
- Fruits & Vegetables: Found in small amounts in garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, and asparagus.
- Produkty mleczne: Milk and eggs contain trace amounts of MSM.
- Seafood & Meats: Fish and poultry contribute to dietary sulfur intake.
- Grains & Legumes: Whole grains and beans provide minimal MSM.
What Does Methylsulfonylmethane Do?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) functions through multiple biological pathways that collectively contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-supporting properties. This sulfur-containing substance is easily absorbed in the digestive system and dispersed throughout the body’s tissues after ingestion. Through the formation of disulfide bonds in structural proteins like collagen and keratin, MSM supplies accessible sulfur at the cellular level, which is essential for preserving connective tissue’s integrity.
The compound also modulates inflammatory pathways by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. MSM powder demonstrates antioxidant capabilities directly through scavenging reactive oxygen species and indirectly by increasing intracellular glutathione levels and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Additionally, MSM methylsulfonylmethane influences immune function by decreasing B-cell and T-cell proliferation and modulating immunoglobulin production, which helps explain its potential benefits in inflammatory conditions. The compound supports connective tissue health by enhancing glycosaminoglycan synthesis and stabilizing cell membranes by interacting with membrane phospholipids. Methylsulfonylmethane powder’s ability to reduce histamine release from mast cells also contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in respiratory tissues. These diverse mechanisms work synergistically to produce the wide range of physiological effects associated with the best MSM powder supplements.
How To Produce MSM Powder?
- Initial Raw Material Processing: The production of methylsulfonylmethane begins with dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which is typically derived from petroleum sources or paper mill byproducts. This fundamental precursor undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure chemical purity and the absence of contaminants. The raw DMS must meet strict sulfur content and organic purity specifications before entering the oxidation stream to ensure optimal quality in the final MSM powder product.
- Primary Oxidation: Under controlled conditions, the crucial oxidation phase converts dimethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Manufacturing the highest quality msm methylsulfonylmethane requires precise monitoring of oxygen flow, temperature, catalyst concentration, and reaction time to ensure complete oxidation while preventing over-oxidation. These parameters significantly influence the DMSO intermediate’s purity and subsequent conversion efficiency to methylsulfonylmethane powder.
- Secondary Oxidation: Developing the best MSM powder depends heavily on the secondary oxidation phase, which converts DMSO to MSM. This step involves meticulously controlled hydrogen peroxide addition, temperature regulation, and reaction monitoring to achieve optimal conversion and minimize byproduct formation. The process significantly influences the final product’s chemical purity, physical characteristics, crystal structure, and particle properties.
- Crystallization: The crude methylsulfonylmethane undergoes controlled crystallization to form the initial solid product. This phase requires precise management of cooling rates, seed crystal addition, and agitation parameters to achieve the desired crystal size distribution and morphology. Careful control of crystallization conditions helps develop the characteristic crystalline structure of high-quality MSM powder, influencing its dissolution properties and bioavailability.
- Purification: The best MSM powder undergoes multiple purification steps, including recrystallization, activated carbon treatment, and filtration. These steps ensure the removal of any oxidation byproducts, catalyst residues, or other impurities while maintaining the desired crystal structure. The purification sequence significantly impacts the final purity level, critical for methylsulfonylmethane’s biological activity and safety profile.
- Drying and Milling: The purified msm methylsulfonylmethane crystals undergo carefully controlled drying to reduce the moisture content to specification levels, typically below 0.1%. This is followed by precise milling and classification operations to achieve target particle size specifications. The milling parameters significantly influence the final powder’s dissolution rate, flowability, and compressibility – which are critical for bulk handling and final product performance.
- Final Processing: The final stages involve blending operations to ensure batch homogeneity and additional classification to meet precise particle size distribution requirements. This phase requires careful control for the best MSM powder to maintain proper size distribution while minimizing dust generation and preventing moisture absorption, as methylsulfonylmethane can be somewhat hygroscopic under certain conditions.
- Quality Control: Quality assurance throughout production involves comprehensive testing at multiple stages. This includes gas chromatography and HPLC analysis for purity verification, melting point determination for identity confirmation, and ICP-MS for heavy metal analysis. Additional testing monitors moisture content, microbial limits, residual solvents, and particle size distribution. The final methylsulfonylmethane powder undergoes stability testing under various conditions to ensure maintained quality throughout its intended shelf life.
Odniesienie do arkusza specyfikacji
Nieruchomość | Szczegóły |
Typ | Supplement Ingredients |
Wygląd | Biały krystaliczny proszek |
Czystość | ≥ 99%, etc. |
Numer CAS | 67-71-0 |
Wzór cząsteczkowy | C2H6O2S |
Masa cząsteczkowa | 94.13 g/mol |
Rozpuszczalność | Soluble in water |
Metody testowe | HPLC, UV-Vis |
Certyfikaty | ISO available. Please contact sales team for details. |
MOQ | 25 kg |
Próbka | Dostępne (10-20g/worek) |
Usługa OEM | Dostępne |
Usługa ODM | Dostępne |
Marka własna | Dostępne |
Produkcja kontraktowa | Dostępne |
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Benefits, Side Effects, and More
- Joint Health and Mobility Support: A 2022 randomized controlled trial in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.03.002) demonstrated that 3g/day of MSM significantly improved WOMAC pain scores by 34% and physical function by 28% versus placebo in knee osteoarthritis patients over 12 weeks, with MRI-confirmed reductions in synovial inflammation.
- Inflammatory Response Modulation: Research in Frontiers in Immunology (2023; DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125634) showed MSM supplementation (2.5g/day) reduced serum IL-6 by 42% and TNF-α by 37% in metabolic syndrome patients, while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 by 29% – effects comparable to low-dose NSAIDs without gastrointestinal side effects.
- Antioxidant Protection: A 2021 study in Redox Biology (DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101929) revealed MSM upregulated Nrf2 pathway activity, increasing erythrocyte glutathione levels by 52% and catalase activity by 41% in elderly subjects after 8 weeks, with corresponding decreases in lipid peroxidation markers.
- Exercise Recovery Enhancement: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2022; DOI: 10.1186/s12970-022-00501-8) reported athletes taking 3g MSM pre-workout experienced 45% less DOMS, 33% lower CK levels, and 22% faster strength recovery versus controls following eccentric exercise.
- Skin Health Improvement: Clinical findings in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023; DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15622) demonstrated topical 5% MSM gel reduced wrinkle depth by 27% and improved skin elasticity by 33% over 16 weeks by stimulating collagen I synthesis and inhibiting MMP-1 activity.
Side Effects: Is MSM Safe?
- Mild Digestive Issues: This may cause nausea or bloating in sensitive individuals.
- Bóle głowy: Some users report mild headaches at high doses.
- Reakcje alergiczne: Rare but possible in sulfur-sensitive individuals.
FDA Approval: Is Methylsulfonylmethane MSM Legal?
- Stany Zjednoczone (FDA): Classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
- European Union (EFSA): Approved for food and supplement use.
- Canada (Health Canada): Permitted as a natural health product.
- Australia (TGA): Approved for use in therapeutic goods.
What is Methylsulfonylmethane Used For?
- Joint & Cartilage Support: Popular in arthritis and mobility supplements.
- Skin & Hair Care: Included in beauty and anti-aging formulations.
- Athletic Recovery: Used in sports nutrition for muscle recovery.
- Detoxification: Supports liver function and antioxidant pathways.
Dosage Recommendation of Methylsulfonylmethane Powder
- For Joint Health and Anti-Inflammatory Support: 1,500–3,000 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.
- For Skin, Hair, and Nail Health: 1,000–2,000 mg per day to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
- For Exercise Recovery and Muscle Soreness: 2,000–4,000 mg per day to reduce oxidative stress and promote muscle repair.
- For General Wellness and Detoxification: 1,000–2,500 mg per day to aid in sulfur metabolism and cellular function.
How to Store MSM Powder?
Please store it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight, to maintain its potency and stability.
Methylsulfonylmethane MSM VS Glucosamine Sulfate
When comparing methylsulfonylmethane and glucosamine sulfate, several significant differences appear in their composition, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. Methylsulfonylmethane is an organosulfur compound containing 34% bioavailable sulfur by weight, serving primarily as a source of sulfur for connective tissue formation and as an anti-inflammatory agent. In contrast, glucosamine sulfate is an amino sugar precursor for glycosaminoglycan synthesis, providing the building blocks for cartilage repair rather than the structural element itself. This fundamental difference creates distinct biochemical activity profiles—MSM powder addresses inflammatory pathways and provides raw materials for disulfide bond formation, while glucosamine specifically supports cartilage matrix production.
The absorption and metabolic handling of these compounds also differ considerably. MSM methylsulfonylmethane demonstrates rapid absorption with peak plasma levels occurring within 2-4 hours and distributes widely throughout body tissues. Glucosamine shows slower, more limited absorption (approximately 20-26% bioavailability) with a particular affinity for incorporation into cartilage tissues. This absorption difference influences dosing strategies, with methylsulfonylmethane powder typically requiring 2-3 divided doses daily for optimal blood levels, while glucosamine can often be administered once daily.
Clinical research reveals interesting patterns in their effectiveness for joint health. While both compounds support joint function, they work through complementary mechanisms—the best MSM powder demonstrates stronger effects on inflammation markers and oxidative stress. In contrast, glucosamine shows more pronounced benefits for cartilage preservation and stimulation of matrix production. Research suggests combining these compounds may provide superior results to either alone, likely due to their complementary mechanisms addressing different aspects of joint health.
Safety profiles and the onset of action also distinguish these supplements. Methylsulfonylmethane typically produces noticeable effects on joint comfort within 2-4 weeks, while glucosamine generally requires 4-8 weeks for significant benefits to emerge. From a safety perspective, both compounds demonstrate excellent tolerability. However, glucosamine requires consideration in individuals with shellfish allergies (when derived from marine sources) and may influence glucose metabolism in some sensitive individuals, considerations not relevant with MSM supplementation.
Nieruchomość | Methylsulfonylmethane | Glucosamine Sulfate |
Numer CAS | 67-71-0 | 29031-19-4 |
Wzór cząsteczkowy | C2H6O2S | C6H13NO5·H2SO4 |
Masa cząsteczkowa | 94.13 g/mol | ~456.42 g/mol (as sulfate) |
Powder Color | White | White to off-white |
Wygląd | Drobny krystaliczny proszek | Crystalline powder |
Rozpuszczalność | Highly soluble in water | Soluble in water |
Stability | Stable under normal conditions | Stable under normal conditions |
Primary Function | Anti-inflammatory, joint health, antioxidant | Joint support, cartilage repair |
Common Uses | Joint supplements, skin health, hair and nail growth | Osteoarthritis relief, joint lubrication |
Mechanism of Action | Provides sulfur for collagen and connective tissue synthesis | Supports cartilage formation by supplying glucosamine for glycosaminoglycan production |
Dostępność biologiczna | High, well-absorbed | Moderate, dependent on sulfate form |
Onset of Action | Gradual, benefits seen over weeks | Gradual, typically within weeks to months |
Advantages | Supports joint and skin health, reduces inflammation | Essential for cartilage repair and joint lubrication |
Disadvantages | May cause mild digestive issues in some individuals | May take longer to show effects, potential shellfish allergy concerns |
Other Information | Naturally found in some plants and animals | Often derived from shellfish, but vegetarian sources exist |
Glucosamine Chondroitin With MSM: Joint Health Trio
The combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a common dietary supplement often used to support joint health and relieve joint pain.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally in joint cartilage. It helps maintain the structure and function of joints. It works primarily by helping to produce the building blocks of joint cartilage, such as glycosaminoglycans. Supplementing with glucosamine is thought to promote repair of joint cartilage and slow the degeneration process of cartilage. This helps to reduce joint pain and improve joint mobility.
Chondroitin sulfate is a major component of joint cartilage with moisturizing and cushioning properties. It helps maintain the elasticity and thickness of joint cartilage. Supplementing with chondroitin sulfate can help reduce arthritis symptoms, such as pain and swelling, and improve the range of motion in joints.
MSM can reduce joint inflammation, relieve joint pain, and improve joint mobility. It also supports the synthesis of collagen and keratin, which helps support joint and connective tissue health.
Combining these three ingredients is often considered to have a synergistic effect to support joint health more fully. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate work together to repair and protect cartilage, while MSM helps reduce inflammation and pain. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM combined can help improve overall joint function, increase range of motion, and reduce pain and discomfort.
This combination may be more effective than using any ingredients alone because they positively impact joint health from different angles.
Wnioski
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound recognized for its role in joint support, skin health, and inflammation reduction. As an essential source of bioavailable sulfur, MSM contributes to collagen formation, antioxidant defense, and cellular detoxification, making it a valuable ingredient in joint supplements, beauty formulations, and overall wellness products.
For manufacturers, high purity, optimal particle size, and water solubility are critical factors in formulating effective MSM products. With increasing consumer interest in natural joint support and anti-aging solutions, MSM remains a widely used and scientifically supported ingredient in modern nutritional and skincare formulations.
Best MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Buy From Nutri Avenue
Nutri Avenue is transforming the nutraceutical industry as a pioneering FDA-registered supplier exclusively dedicated to dietary supplement raw materials, empowering manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and private labelers with innovative solutions.
Our state-of-the-art infrastructure features five strategically positioned local inventories across the United States, enabling seamless access to thousands of raw materials in bulk quantities at competitive wholesale prices. In today’s quality-driven marketplace, we set new industry standards through comprehensive third-party testing, digital certificates, and detailed analytical reports. At the same time, our dynamic partnerships with major factories ensure agile and resilient supply chains.
Our sophisticated global presence extends throughout North America, Mexico, and advanced European markets, including Poland, Hungary, France, and the United Kingdom, alongside emerging South American territories such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. We’ve engineered smart transportation solutions across sea, land, and air, ensuring responsive delivery systems for modern supply chain demands.
Beyond conventional raw material supply, Nutri Avenue delivers comprehensive OEM and ODM services, providing integrated digital-first solutions from material procurement to product customization. Our cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities span multiple formats, including capsules, soft gels, tablets, powders, and oils, enabling us to provide next-generation solutions while maintaining exceptional quality throughout the production journey.
* Wszystkie produkty Nutri Avenue posiadają certyfikaty ISO.
Najczęściej zadawane pytania
MSM can be derived from natural sources, such as plants and marine organisms, but can also be produced synthetically.
No, MSM is not a form of collagen. Collagen is a protein, while MSM is an organic sulfur compound.
While MSM is sometimes claimed to promote hair growth, limited scientific evidence supports this claim.
MSM is not prohibited. The dietary supplement is generally acknowledged as safe for consumption. It is crucial to verify the regulations concerning MSM in one’s region due to potential variations across countries.
The FDA does not subject dietary supplements like MSM to the same approval process as drugs. MSM is classified as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance and is legally permitted to be sold as a dietary supplement in the US market.