In rats, between 59% and 79% of MSM is excreted the same day as administration in urine, either unchanged or as another S-containing metabolite [ 64]. Urine is the most common form of excretion as MSM has been detected in urine of rats [ 63, 67], rabbits [ 4, 5], bobcats [ 68], cheetahs [ 69], dogs [ 70], monkeys [ 66], and humans [ 4, 62, 71, 72]. Additionally, excretion of MSM can be contained in feces [ 63, 64] or several other biofluids including cow’s milk [ 54, 73], red deer tail gland secretion [ 74], and human saliva [ 75]. The recommended “therapeutic dosage” for dogs is about 50 to 100 mg MSM per 10 pounds of body weight. Risks and Side Effects Hwang JC, Khine KT, Lee JC, Boyer DS, Francis BA. Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM)-induced acute angle closure. J Glaucoma. 2015 Apr-May;24(4):e28-30. View abstract. Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by EzriCare, LLC and DELSAM Pharma. On Feb. 2, the FDA issued a warning not to use EzriCare Artificial Tears because of potential bacterial contamination. The over-the-counter product was associated with severe eye infections in 55 patients, including one death. The infections were caused by a drug-resistant bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

As mentioned previously, MSM can inhibit NF-κB transcriptional activity and thus reduce the expression of enzymes and cytokines involved in ROS production. Downregulation of COX-2 and iNOS reduces the amount of superoxide radical (O 2 −) and nitric oxide (NO), respectively [ 86]. Additionally, MSM suppresses the expression of cytokines such as TNF-α [ 86, 90, 91], which may reduce any stimulated mitochondrial generated ROS [ 98]. Decrements in cytokine expression may also be involved in reduced paracrine signaling and activation of other transcription factors and pathways. MSM has been shown to repress the expression or activities of STAT transcription factors in a number of cancer cell lines in vitro [ 99, 100, 101]. The janus kinase (Jak)/STAT pathway is involved in regulation of genes related to apoptosis, differentiation, and proliferation, all of which generate ROS as a necessary signaling component [ 102, 103, 104]. Signaling through the Jak/STAT pathway may also be stifled by reduced cytokine expression. Downregulation of the Jak/STAT pathway may further reduce ROS generation by decreasing expression of oxidases [ 105] and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) [ 106]. It’s also useful for helping treat leaky gut syndrome since it can help stop particles from leaching out the gut through small junction openings, where they can enter the bloodstream and ignite an inflammatory response. This is due in part to the sulfur in an MSM supplement, which is important for digestion.skin problems including wrinkles, sun burns (it offers some protection against UV light/wind burn), wounds, cuts, skin abrasions It is unclear at this time what kind of bacterial contamination is potentially present in these eye drops. OCUVITE ADULT 50 PLUS EYE VITAMINS: Our most advanced formula to help support eye health and replenish vital eye nutrients that you can lose as you age, with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, omega-3, zinc, copper, vitamin C and vitamin E. Eye Nutrition for Today.

Some of the suggested supportive supplements for better results with MSM that are reported on EC posts are: Dr. Berne verbally agreed on August 21, 2023, to voluntary recall the Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution. A clinical trial testing the effects of MSM supplements on joint pain in 118 patients with osteoarthritis (such as with the knee) found that compared to a placebo, MSM supplements taken over 12 weeks resulted in more improvements in pain, swelling and joint mobility. MSM supplements were given in 500-milligram doses three times daily along with glucosamine (also taken in 500-milligram doses three times daily).According to the Arthritis Foundation, based on the most reputable studies conducted so far on this supplement — such as a 2006 pilot study that analyzed the effects of 6,000 milligrams of MSM taken daily by patients with osteoarthritis — it effectively helps improve symptoms of pain and physical function without any major side effects. Ameye, L. G. and Chee, W. S. Osteoarthritis and nutrition. From nutraceuticals to functional foods: a systematic review of the scientific evidence. Arthritis Res Ther 2006;8(4):R127. View abstract. Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye diseases and can cause irritation, grittiness, redness, burning, tearing and blurred vision. Artificial tears can help with these symptoms,” Ma explained.

The adjacent vasculature plays a role in mediating the acute immune response primarily through the activation of mast cells. Histamine release from mast cells is inhibited by DMSO [ 116]; however, the effects of MSM on histamine release remain unexplored. Previous studies indicate that MSM has an inhibitory role on vascular function [ 117, 118]. Other in vitro studies demonstrate that MSM has the ability to dampen the expression of vasodilating agents such as NO and prostanoids [ 86]. A reduction in NO protects macrophages against NO stimulated apoptosis [ 107]. Nieman DC, Shanely RA, Luo B, Dew D, Meaney MP, Sha W. A commercialized dietary supplement alleviates joint pain in community adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled community trial. Nutr J 2013;12(1):154. View abstract. These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses,” said the FDA in their announcement. In addition to arthritis, MSM improves inflammation in a number of other conditions. For example, MSM attenuated cytokine expression in vivo for induced colitis [ 142], lung injury [ 143], and liver injury [ 143, 144]. Hasegawa and colleagues [ 131] reported that MSM was useful in protecting against UV-induced inflammation when applied topically and acute allergic inflammation after pre-treatment with a 2.5% aqueous drinking solution. It’s called the miracle supplement because it’s been shown to lower inflammation, fight the effects of stress and pain, raise immunity and increase energy.However, there is evidence that MSM in combination with other supplements may help a bit with the pain and swelling of knee osteoarthritis. Also, early animal research shows some promise for decreasing joint degeneration. The company issued a voluntary recall after FDA investigators found unsanitary conditions, which poses a potential risk of eye infections or other eye-related issues. Previous eye drop products that were slapped with recalls in March, May, August and October of this year were due to either bacterial contamination or unsanitary conditions; they were sold at popular retailers such as CVS, Target, Rite Aid and Walmart, as well as online. The first batch of recalled eye drops from March caused eye infections in dozens of eye drop users and several cases of blindness; a handful of individuals required eyeball removal surgery and there were at least four associated deaths. On August 22, the FDA issued a warning on eye drops containing the active ingredient methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) due to bacterial or fungal contamination or both.

Because studies show it can help to reduce inflammation and decrease the release of cytokines and prostaglandins, this supplement can be useful for managing allergic reactions. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that currently affects approximately 58 million adults, with an estimated increase to 78.4 million by 2040 [ 130]. This inflammation is characterized by pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion with regards to the arthritic joint(s). MSM is currently a CAM treatment alone and in combination for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. MSM, as a micronutrient with enhanced penetrability properties, is commonly integrated with other anti-arthritic agents including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and boswellic acid. MSM has been used in a number of combination therapies with positive results. Supplementation with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, guava leaf extract, and Vitamin D improved physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis based on the Japanese Knee OA Measure [ 137]. A GCM supplement was successful in increasing functional ability and joint mobility [ 138]. MSM in combination with boswellic acid was also shown to improve knee joint function as assessed through the Lequesne Index [ 140]. MSM with arginine l-α-ketoglutarate, hydrolyzed Type I collagen, and bromelain taken for three months daily post-rotator cuff repair improved repair integrity without affecting objective functional outcomes [ 153]. Layman, D. L. and Jacob, S. W. The absorption, metabolism and excretion of dimethyl sulfoxide by rhesus monkeys. Life Sci 12-23-1985;37(25):2431-2437. View abstract.

How to Avoid MSM Side Effects

The eye is like a water balloon. The optical tissue normally allows fluids to flow through the membrane wall, which acts like a filter, supplying nutrition and cleaning out particles, keeping the eye clear so that vision is good. After months of eye drop recalls, there’s more. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of 27 eye drop products after another mass recall, this time by the manufacturer Kilitch Healthcare India Limited. FDA is not aware of any adverse event reports associated with use of either products at this time. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care professional or otherwise seek medical care immediately.