Joints and bones

MSM

Also called: methylsulfonylmethane

A sulphur compound.

Why people take it
Joint pain.
What the evidence says
Small studies only.
How it is usually taken
Usually 1.5 to 6 g a day.
Be careful
Generally safe.
Medicines it can interact with
No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.

Other joints and bones

ChondroitinHyaluronic acidUndenatured type II collagenEggshell membraneAvocado soybean unsaponifiablesCalcium with vitamin DVitamin D with K2

Common questions

What is MSM?

A sulphur compound.

Why do people take MSM?

Joint pain.

Does MSM work?

Small studies only.

How much MSM do people take?

Usually 1.5 to 6 g a day.

Is MSM safe?

Generally safe.

Does MSM interact with medicines?

No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.