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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Anticancer Research"; Aspirin and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A Search for Common Mechanisms, with Implications for Cancer Prevention; K. Ebisuzaki; Jan.-Feb 2003
- "Anticancer Research"; Aspirin and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A Search for Common Mechanisms, with Implications for Cancer Prevention; K. Ebisuzaki; Jan.-Feb 2003
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How Much MSM to Take Daily for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a sulfur-based compound that can relieve chronic joint pain resulting from inflammation, according to "Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise." Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility in various joints around your body and usually occurs due to over-stressing the cartilage within your joints 45. You should only take MSM under the supervision of your doctor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
How It Works
MSM can relieve arthritis pain by reducing the chronic inflammation that surrounds your affected joints. MSM is broken down by your liver into metabolites, including sulfur, which has a stimulatory effect on your vascular system, causing vasodilation, or an increase in the circumference of your blood vessels, similar to the effect of aspirin. An increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery promotes healing in tissues damaged by arthritis by removing the inflammation that is inhibiting your body's natural healing process.
Research
What Are The Side Effects of MSM?
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According to "The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain," by Dr. Stanley Jacob, a professor at Oregon Health Sciences University, if you have a sulfur deficiency, your risk of developing arthritis increases 2. After administering MSM to approximately 18,000 patients, Dr. Jacob concludes that MSM supplementation can improve symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to an article published in the Jan.-Feb. 2003 issue of "Anticancer Research," investigators found that, like aspirin, MSM exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosing
According to Drugs.com, MSM is typically taken in 2 to 3 divided doses for a total of 2 to 6 g per day. The optimal dosage for MSM for the treatment of arthritis and other conditions has not been clearly established. According to eMedTV.com, some studies using MSM for arthritis have shown effectiveness when taking as little as 500 mg per day, while other studies indicate that 2 g twice per day for a total of 4 g is more effective. Consult with your doctor about MSM to see what dosage is right for you.
- According to Drugs.com, MSM is typically taken in 2 to 3 divided doses for a total of 2 to 6 g per day.
- According to eMedTV.com, some studies using MSM for arthritis have shown effectiveness when taking as little as 500 mg per day, while other studies indicate that 2 g twice per day for a total of 4 g is more effective.
Precautions
MSM & Weight Loss
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MSM supplementation may have some side effects, which may increase in frequency and severity the higher the dosage you take. According to "Anabolic Primer," common side effects of MSM supplementation include upset stomach, headache, or a rare allergic reaction. Many liquid MSM products also contain sugar and alcohol; therefore, you should use caution with liquid MSM products if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Due to a lack of research, you should not use MSM if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- MSM supplementation may have some side effects, which may increase in frequency and severity the higher the dosage you take.
- Many liquid MSM products also contain sugar and alcohol; therefore, you should use caution with liquid MSM products if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.
Related Articles
References
- "Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise"; Mike Greenwood, Douglas Kalman and Jose Antonio; 2010
- "The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain"; Stanley Jacob, R.M. Lawrence, M. Zucker; 1999
- "Anticancer Research"; Aspirin and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A Search for Common Mechanisms, with Implications for Cancer Prevention; K. Ebisuzaki; Jan.-Feb 2003
- Drugs.com; Methylsulfonylmethane
- eMedTV; Methylsulfonylmethane Dosage; July 2008
- "Anabolic Primer"; Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne; 1998
- Joint Index, Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/joint_index
Writer Bio
Joe King began writing fitness and nutrition articles in 2001 for the "Journal of Hyperplasia Research" and Champion Nutrition. As a personal trainer, he has been helping clients reach their fitness goals for more than a decade. King holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from California State University, Hayward, and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from California State University, East Bay.