Understanding Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methylsulfonylmethane, often shortened to MSM, is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in plants and animals. It is a popular dietary supplement used by people for its purported anti-inflammatory properties, with many taking it to support joint health, reduce muscle soreness, and improve skin and hair health.
For most consumers and human athletes, MSM is widely available and legal to purchase and use. However, its history and name can lead to confusion, especially within the sports community. This is largely due to its relationship with the banned substance dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and its status within some non-human sporting bodies.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Human Athletes
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sets the global standard for substances prohibited in sport. A review of WADA's current and past prohibited lists confirms that pure MSM is not included. This means that for human athletes competing under WADA regulations, the use of MSM is permitted. Athletes can take MSM supplements without fear of a positive doping test, provided the product contains only pure MSM and no other banned substances. It is crucial, however, to address the issue of supplement contamination, a significant risk for athletes.
The Risk of Supplement Contamination
One of the biggest risks for any athlete taking supplements is the potential for contamination with banned substances. The supplement industry is not as strictly regulated as the pharmaceutical industry, and cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing. A supplement that lists only MSM on its label could theoretically contain trace amounts of a prohibited substance, leading to an inadvertent doping violation.
To mitigate this risk, athletes are advised to choose supplements that have been third-party tested and certified for purity. Programs like Informed-Sport and Informed-Choice rigorously test supplements for banned substances. For example, the brand OptiMSM has been officially registered with these programs, guaranteeing it is free of banned substances.
Historical and Current Status in Equestrian Sports
While human athletes generally have no issues with MSM, the substance has a more complicated history in equestrian sports. This is primarily due to its connection to DMSO, a banned substance in many equine competitions. MSM is a metabolite of DMSO, and its presence can indicate the use of the prohibited drug.
Historically, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) had considered listing MSM as a prohibited substance. This caused significant concern in the equestrian community, as MSM is a common feed material for horses. After extensive lobbying and technical evidence provided by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), the FEI officially removed MSM from consideration and it is not on the Equine Prohibited Substances List (EPSL).
However, some other equine sports, like those regulated by the National Horseracing Authority (NHA) in certain regions, may still list MSM as a prohibited substance for horses, with specific residue limits. This highlights the importance of checking the specific regulations of a given sporting body, as rules can vary between different jurisdictions and levels of competition.
Other Contexts Where 'MSM' Causes Confusion
To truly understand the legality of MSM, it's essential to recognize that the acronym can refer to completely different things, leading to miscommunication and incorrect assumptions.
Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM)
In the food industry, MSM stands for Mechanically Separated Meat, a paste-like meat product created by forcing bones with attached meat through a sieve. Regulations regarding this product are related to food hygiene and labeling, not doping. For instance, in the UK, special rules govern its production and use, with beef MSM being banned due to BSE concerns.
Methamphetamine Cutting Agent
In the context of illicit drug use, Methylsulfonylmethane is sometimes used as a cutting agent for methamphetamine. This is due to its appearance as a white crystalline powder. This association contributes to misunderstandings about the substance's legal status, as it links MSM to illegal drug activities, even though it is a distinct, legal supplement.
Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)
In medical and social research, MSM is a widely used acronym for 'Men who have Sex with Men'. While not directly related to substance legality, studies involving this population have sometimes included drug testing to understand usage patterns, as shown in research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This unrelated context can cause confusion if taken out of its proper setting.
Steps for Athletes and Consumers to Ensure Safety
To avoid any issues with banned substances, athletes should follow a clear process when considering any new supplement. This includes:
- Verify with WADA: Always check the latest WADA Prohibited List to confirm the status of any compound. Pure MSM is not on it, but the list should always be the primary source for verification. The 2023 version is available online.
- Choose Certified Products: Opt for supplements with third-party certification from programs like Informed-Sport, NSF Certified for Sport, or others that verify the product is free of banned substances.
- Research All Ingredients: Be vigilant about all ingredients listed on the label. Some manufacturers might include a mix of compounds, and one of them could be prohibited.
- Consider Natural Intake: Since MSM is a naturally occurring compound, it’s worth noting that some level of presence may be normal from diet, but therapeutic use via supplements requires care.
- Consult a Professional: If in doubt, speak to a sports nutritionist, doctor, or anti-doping authority. Never assume a product is safe without proper due diligence.
| Aspect | Methylsulfonylmethane (Supplement) | Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) | MSM as a Methamphetamine Cutting Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Scope | Regulated as a dietary supplement; non-prohibited by WADA for humans. | Subject to food hygiene and labeling laws by authorities like the UK's Food Standards Agency. | Associated with illegal drug manufacturing, subject to criminal law. |
| Sporting Status | Generally permitted for human athletes under WADA rules. Has had special considerations in equestrian sports. | No relevance to performance-enhancing drugs. | Use in drug trafficking is illegal and carries severe penalties. |
| Product Form | A sulfur compound sold in powder, capsule, or crystal form. | A paste-like meat product derived from bones and carcasses. | A white crystalline powder used as a filler for illegal drugs. |
| Health Context | Marketed for joint health and anti-inflammatory benefits. | Safe for consumption if produced to hygiene standards, but with specific labeling rules. | Poses health dangers when ingested with illicit substances. |
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "is MSM a banned substance?" depends on the context. For human athletes following WADA regulations, the pure Methylsulfonylmethane supplement is not banned. However, the use of supplements always carries a risk of contamination, and athletes must prioritize certified products to ensure safety. The acronym 'MSM' also has entirely different meanings in the food industry and in medical research, and has a unique regulatory history in equestrian sports. By understanding these different contexts and exercising due diligence, athletes and consumers can make informed decisions about MSM.
