Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an oral nutritional supplement commonly used for joint health, skin health, and inflammation reduction. When taken at appropriate dosage levels it's generally safe for most people; however, as with any supplement or medication there can be mild side effects - in this instance methylsulfonylmethane may include the following side effects.
Digestive Issues:
Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomforts when taking MSM supplements, including bloating, diarrhoea or stomach cramps. These effects typically depend on dosage; decreasing it should reduce these symptoms.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, MSM allergies can occur and could result in symptoms like itching, rash or difficulty breathing. If this occurs to you, discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance immediately.
Headache:
While headaches from MSM supplements are rare, if they become persistent you should discontinue use immediately.
Insomnia:
MSM may occasionally lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia in individuals taking supplements; for these cases it should be used only under medical advice.
Interaction With Medications: Before taking MSM, if you are currently taking other blood-thinners such as warfarin or have specific medical conditions it's wise to speak to a healthcare provider as MSM could interact with certain drugs or conditions that you are taking or have.
Reactions on Skin:
Topical MSM products like lotions or creams may cause skin irritation in some people, so it is recommended that a patch test be conducted prior to applying such products over larger areas.
Before beginning any supplement regimen, it is crucial that MSM supplements are used appropriately and in consultation with a healthcare provider, especially if there are existing medical conditions or taking other medications. Furthermore, those suffering from kidney issues should utilize MSM with caution and under medical supervision.
Always bear in mind that MSM usually causes mild and uncommon side effects; many individuals use it without experiencing any serious adverse reactions. Individual responses may differ, so it is essential to pay close attention to how your body reacts and seek medical advice if any side effects appear.
What does the research say
MSM is a substance that most people can use without any problems. Researchers have studied its effects on animals like rats, mice, and dogs to see if it's harmful. In one early study, a female rat died after getting a very large amount of MSM by mouth, but when they checked inside the rat, they didn't find any major health issues.
Sometimes, if you put MSM on your skin or in your eyes, it might cause a bit of irritation. However, when you take it as a supplement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes it's safe as long as you don't take more than 4845.6 milligrams per day.
 Source: NCBI
