The Presence of MSM in Milk
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a natural organosulfur compound found in various foods, including vegetables, fruits, and meat. While the presence of MSM in cow's milk is well-documented, the quantity is exceptionally small. Specifically, raw cow's milk contains a concentration of about 3.3 ppm. This is part of the Earth's natural sulfur cycle, where MSM is formed in the atmosphere and returned to the earth via rain, where it is then absorbed by plants.
For a healthy individual with a balanced diet, the trace amounts of MSM from milk and other foods may contribute to the body's overall sulfur balance. However, relying on milk alone to obtain the kind of dosages used in clinical studies for joint pain or inflammation would be completely unrealistic due to the low concentration. A person would have to consume an impractical and excessive volume of raw milk to obtain a dose equivalent to a standard dietary supplement.
Factors Affecting MSM Content in Milk
Understanding that milk contains MSM is only part of the story; the other is recognizing that this compound is highly volatile. This means it is easily lost or destroyed during common food handling and processing methods.
The Natural Sulfur Cycle and MSM
The journey of naturally occurring MSM starts in the oceans, where marine algae produce dimethyl sulfoniopropionate (DMSP). When this DMSP is broken down, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is released into the atmosphere, where it undergoes chemical reactions to form MSM and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The MSM is then carried back to the earth's surface via rain and absorbed by plants, which animals, including dairy cows, then consume. This cycle means that the MSM in a cow's diet influences the amount that ends up in its milk, though in a very diluted form.
Processing's Impact on Nutrients
Commercial milk undergoes significant processing, most notably pasteurization. This heat-based treatment is vital for food safety, as it eliminates harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, MSM's volatile nature means it is particularly susceptible to being destroyed by heat. Therefore, the pasteurized milk typically found in grocery stores contains virtually no MSM. Drying and other processing methods for dairy products like powdered milk also contribute to MSM loss. Consequently, anyone hoping to gain MSM's benefits from store-bought dairy products will be disappointed, as the minimal amounts present in raw milk are effectively removed.
Milk vs. MSM Supplements: A Comparison
To highlight the difference between relying on natural food sources like milk versus utilizing targeted supplements, here is a comparison:
| Feature | Natural MSM (from milk) | Synthetic MSM (from supplements) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Naturally occurring, trace amounts in raw dairy and other foods | Synthetically manufactured via chemical reactions for purity |
| Concentration | Extremely low (approx. 3.3 ppm in raw cow's milk) | High, typically in grams per serving, allowing for therapeutic doses |
| Processing Impact | Largely destroyed by heat pasteurization and other processing | Stable and unaffected by heat; purity is assured by manufacturing standards |
| Bioavailability | Readily absorbed, but total amount is negligible | Rapidly absorbed in humans for targeted therapeutic effects |
| Purpose | Part of a balanced diet's trace sulfur intake; not a therapeutic source | Used to obtain medically relevant doses for conditions like joint pain |
Other Natural Dietary Sources of MSM
While raw milk is a documented source, other foods also provide small amounts of MSM, and some may retain more of it depending on preparation. These food sources should be seen as part of a general, healthy diet rather than as therapeutic sources of MSM. A diverse list includes:
- Fruits like apples and raspberries
- Vegetables such as corn and Swiss chard
- Grains and cereals
- Certain beverages, including tea, coffee, and beer
- Meats and seafood
Crucially, as with milk, the MSM content in these foods can be compromised by heat and processing. The boiling or cooking of vegetables, for example, will reduce or eliminate any naturally occurring MSM.
The Case for MSM Supplementation
Given the minimal and fragile nature of MSM in food sources, supplementation is the only way to achieve the dosages shown to be effective in clinical research. High-quality MSM supplements are typically manufactured synthetically and purified to remove contaminants. They offer a consistent and bioavailable source of the compound. Health benefits supported by studies and commonly associated with MSM supplements include:
- Reduced Joint Pain: Often used for osteoarthritis, MSM has been shown to reduce joint pain and swelling.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in conditions like allergic rhinitis.
- Exercise Recovery: Supplements can help reduce muscle damage and oxidative stress after strenuous exercise.
- Skin Health: MSM contributes to collagen and keratin, supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- Immune Support: As a sulfur source, MSM plays a role in immune function.
For more detailed information on the benefits and safety of MSM supplementation, authoritative resources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide comprehensive reviews.
Conclusion: Milk as an MSM Source
In short, does milk contain MSM? Yes, but only in a very literal, academic sense. The organic sulfur compound is present in trace amounts in raw milk but is largely destroyed during pasteurization, making commercially available milk an insignificant dietary source. For those seeking the documented therapeutic benefits of MSM, relying on milk or other processed foods is not an effective strategy. Instead, high-purity, synthetically produced supplements are the reliable and efficient method for obtaining bioactive quantities. While natural food sources contribute to overall dietary sulfur, they cannot provide the concentrated doses required to support joint health, reduce inflammation, or aid in exercise recovery in the way supplements can.
Note: All claims regarding MSM benefits apply specifically to concentrated, therapeutic doses obtained through supplementation, not the trace amounts found naturally in food.
How does MSM get into milk?
MSM is part of the natural sulfur cycle. Marine algae produce sulfur compounds that are aerosolized and eventually return to earth as rain, where they are absorbed by plants. Dairy cows then consume these plants, and trace amounts of MSM end up in their milk.
Does pasteurization remove all MSM from milk?
Yes, pasteurization and other processing methods, such as drying, use high heat which largely destroys the volatile MSM compound. This means commercially sold milk contains virtually no MSM.
Is it possible to get enough MSM from a normal diet?
No, it is nearly impossible to get therapeutically significant doses of MSM from food alone. Even raw milk and other rich food sources contain only trace amounts, which are often further reduced by cooking or processing.
What are the main benefits of taking MSM supplements?
MSM supplements are primarily used to reduce joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis. Other purported benefits include exercise recovery, skin health support, and allergy relief.
How do natural food sources of MSM compare to supplements?
Natural food sources like milk contain only minimal, trace amounts of MSM, while supplements are designed to provide concentrated dosages (typically in grams). The purpose of MSM in supplements is therapeutic, whereas the trace amounts in food are not.
Why is MSM used in supplements if it's in food naturally?
MSM is used in supplements because the amounts found naturally in foods are far too small to have a therapeutic effect on conditions like joint pain and inflammation. Supplementation is necessary to provide a bioactive quantity.
Is it better to get MSM from natural sources or a supplement?
For general health, getting sulfur from a balanced diet is good, but for targeted therapeutic benefits, a supplement is the only practical option. The concentration in natural sources like milk is too low to be effective.
How is MSM for supplements made?
MSM for supplements is produced synthetically via chemical reactions, often through the oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This process ensures a high-purity, concentrated product, chemically identical to the naturally occurring compound.
