Is it safe to take sulfur supplements? The facts on MSM and DMSO

January 13, 2026 •

2 min read

As the body's third most abundant mineral, sulfur is critical for many biological functions, including the synthesis of proteins and enzymes. For those wondering, is it safe to take sulfur supplements, the answer depends heavily on the specific type, dosage, and your overall health.

Quick Summary

The safety of sulfur supplements varies by type; MSM is generally well-tolerated at safe dosages, while DMSO carries significant risks and is largely unregulated.

Key Points

MSM is generally safe: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is the most common form of sulfur supplement and is typically well-tolerated at recommended dosages of up to 4 grams daily.
Oral DMSO is risky: The oral use of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is not reliably safe and products sold online may contain dangerous, unregulated impurities.
Mild side effects are common: MSM may cause mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, or bloating in some individuals.
Consult a healthcare provider: Due to limited long-term research and potential interactions, you should always consult a doctor before starting a sulfur supplement, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
Choose reputable, tested products: Look for third-party certifications (USP, NSF) to ensure the supplement is free of contaminants and contains the stated ingredients.
Consider natural sources first: Most individuals get sufficient sulfur from a balanced diet of protein-rich foods and certain vegetables, making supplementation often unnecessary.

Understanding Sulfur Supplements: MSM vs. DMSO

While elemental sulfur is naturally occurring and vital to the body, supplemental forms vary significantly. The two most common forms are Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO).

The Safety Profile of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is an organic sulfur compound found in nature and synthesized for supplements. It's often given a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation at moderate dosages. {Link: DrOracle website https://www.droracle.ai/articles/387692/supplement-of-msm-if-its-can-be-used} details the safety profile, potential benefits for joint pain, exercise recovery, allergy symptoms, and skin health, as well as side effects like gastrointestinal issues. It notes that while up to 4 grams daily is generally considered safe, long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks is limited.

The Risks Associated with DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)

DMSO is mainly an industrial solvent, not a recommended oral supplement. Its use as a supplement carries significant risks. {Link: DrOracle website https://www.droracle.ai/articles/387692/supplement-of-msm-if-its-can-be-used} explains that reliable information on oral DMSO safety is lacking and it's often unregulated with potential toxic impurities. Side effects can be severe, including headaches and confusion, and it can interact dangerously with medications. DMSO should be avoided by certain individuals, including pregnant women. The only FDA-approved use is for a specific bladder treatment administered by a professional.

MSM vs. DMSO: A Comparison Table


Feature	MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)	DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
Primary Use	Dietary supplement for joint and muscle health, allergies, skin care.	Industrial solvent; FDA-approved for intravesical use only.
Oral Safety	Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) at recommended dosages.	Oral safety is not reliably established; often contains dangerous impurities.
Regulation	Considered a dietary supplement, regulated less strictly than drugs.	Unregulated and potentially hazardous when sold for oral consumption.
Common Side Effects	Mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.	Potentially severe side effects including headaches, dizziness, and organ effects.
Notable Characteristic	Odorless, while DMSO can cause a garlic-like odor.	Distinct garlic-like taste, breath, and body odor.

Best Practices and Recommendations

When considering supplementation, follow these guidelines:

Consult a Professional: Talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Choose MSM, Not DMSO: Select MSM from reputable brands with third-party testing.
Start with a Low Dose: Begin with a small dose of MSM to check tolerance.
Take MSM with Meals: This can help reduce stomach discomfort.
Timing: Avoid taking MSM close to bedtime if it affects sleep.
Consistency is Key: Consistent daily intake is important for potential benefits.

Conclusion

The safety of sulfur supplements depends on the form. MSM is relatively safe at recommended doses from trusted sources, though more long-term research is needed. Oral DMSO, however, is risky due to lack of regulation and potential contamination. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements. A balanced diet is often sufficient for most people's sulfur needs.

Visit Healthline for more information on the benefits and side effects of MSM supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a solid, organic sulfur compound generally considered safe for oral consumption, while DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) is a liquid solvent with unclear oral safety and is not recommended as a dietary supplement.

Yes, most people can meet their sulfur needs through a balanced diet rich in protein-containing foods like eggs, meat, and legumes, as well as vegetables such as garlic and onions.

Possible side effects of MSM supplements are usually mild and include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. Doses above 5,000 mg may increase the risk of these gastrointestinal effects.

There is currently no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sulfur, as the majority of the population gets enough through dietary sources.

It is not recommended to take oral sulfur supplements, including MSM or DMSO, while pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data.

While MSM has no known interactions with conventional medications, DMSO can interact with blood thinners, steroids, and other drugs. Always consult a doctor to check for interactions.

No, a sulfa drug allergy is a reaction to sulfonamide, a component in certain antibiotics. It is not related to elemental sulfur or the sulfur found in supplements like MSM.