DMSO  vs  MSM — Which Should You Choose?

 

A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DMSO AND MSM

 

 

Sulphur is an important element in the human body, and is vital to our health and well-being.

 

DMSO and MSM are both sulphur compounds.  DMSO is the “shortened form” of Dimethyl Sulfoxide.  MSM stands for Methyl-sulfonyl-methane.

 

DMSO

 

Considerable research on DMSO was carried out by Dr Stanley Jacob (Oregon Health Sciences University) in the early 1960’s.  

 

In his writings, Dr. Jacob refers to many studies and scientific papers relating to the health benefits of DMSO.  DMSO is linked to numerous beneficial effects, including relief of muscle and joint pain, reduced inflammation, healing of skin ulcers, and a long list of other benefits.

 

DMSO has been somewhat controversial over the years, however.  In the USA, it is available only on prescription, as the FDA had concerns in the mid-1960’s over some alleged side-effects.  DMSO cannot be sold legally to the general public for health purposes.

 

DMSO itself is a powerful solvent.  It is a versatile compound, and can be found in paint thinners and antifreeze. There is some concern that “industrial grade” DMSO, used by factories, is being purchased by individuals seeking the health benefits of DMSO.  Industrial grade DMSO is about 99% pure, but is not approved for “medical” purposes.  It is the only “legal” way that DMSO can be obtained by individual consumers.

 

Outside of the USA, DMSO is approved in a number of countries for its medicinal benefits.

 

DMSO is a strong smelling compound.  One of its less pleasant side-effects is that users tend to smell of garlic or oysters!

 

Other reported side effects are itching skin, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, excess intestinal gas, nausea, and headaches, though these are not necessarily common.

 

None of these side effects are especially hazardous, but can be very annoying or uncomfortable.    Particular caution must be taken with DMSO, however, because of its very powerful effect as a solvent: it can transport almost anything through the skin or cellular membranes.   This means that it can transport germs and bacteria through the user’s skin; any impurities in the DMSO would be carried into the body’s cells.

 

MSM

 

In practice, a significant proportion of DMSO is converted into MSM when ingested in the human body.  MSM is believed to have many of the health benefits of DMSO, but can be sold directly to consumers.

 

It has no known side effects, even when consumed in significant quantities.  Many people believe it provides the body with a superior source of sulphur, more easily assimilated.

 

See our other articles on this web site for further information on the potential health benefits of MSM.

 

As DMSO can generally be sold only as a solvent, it does not have to meet the health and safety requirements of MSM.  There is a risk that it could be sold with chemical impurities in it, rendering it dangerous.

 

Since DMSO is considered to be a drug, and is only available in many countries by prescription, PLANET MSM does not stock DMSO.  

 

MSM is an excellent source of dietary sulphur, and can be considered to be a food supplement.  It is reputed to have very similar effects to DMSO, without the alleged side effects.    Dr Stanley Jacobs has authored a best-selling book on the many benefits of MSM, The Miracle of MSM (see link to Amazon elsewhere on our web site).

 

Below is a table for easy reference, showing some of the key differences:-

 

 

	MSM	DMSO
MSM vs DMSO
Naturally occurring in the human body?	YES	NO
Is easy to purchase & legal?	YES	IS HARDER TO FIND, AND ILLEGAL TO SELL EXCEPT AS A SOLVENT
Side effects?	NONE	SKIN RASHES, HEADACHES, NAUSEA, BLOATING, NASAL CONGESTION
Is used by many people to help arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle & joint pains, asthma, M.S., burns, scar tissue?	YES	YES
Available to purchase from PLANET MSM?	YES	NO