What Is the Natural Form of MSM? Unpacking the Organic Sulfur Cycle

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a vital organosulfur compound that is naturally present in trace amounts throughout nature, originating as part of the planet’s dynamic sulfur cycle. This natural form of MSM is ultimately absorbed by plants and animals, providing a source of organic sulfur for living organisms.

Quick Summary

This article explains how MSM is naturally created via the Earth's sulfur cycle, discusses its trace presence in fresh foods, and contrasts it with commercial supplements.

Key Points

Origin from the Sulfur Cycle: Natural MSM is a component of the Earth's organic sulfur cycle, produced when marine plankton release sulfur compounds into the atmosphere.
Trace Amounts in Foods: While found naturally in foods like milk, vegetables, and fruit, the concentration of MSM is extremely low, and much is lost during cooking and processing.
Nature-Identical Supplements: Commercial MSM supplements are chemically manufactured but are molecularly identical to the natural compound found in nature.
Purity is Key: High-quality synthetic MSM is purified using distillation to ensure a pure, contaminant-free product that is safe for consumption.
Supplementation is Practical: To achieve a therapeutically beneficial intake, supplementation is the most practical and effective method, overcoming the limitations of dietary sources.
Bioavailability: Both natural and commercial MSM are bioavailable, but supplements provide the consistent and higher concentration needed for noticeable effects.
Supporting Overall Health: Regardless of source, MSM serves as a sulfur donor that plays an important role in supporting connective tissue, joint health, and fighting inflammation.

The Natural Sulfur Cycle: From Ocean to Organism

The natural form of MSM is intricately linked to the Earth's global sulfur cycle, a fundamental process that sustains life. The journey of organic sulfur compounds begins in the world’s oceans, primarily with marine algae and phytoplankton. These microscopic organisms absorb inorganic sulfur and convert it into a simple, organic compound known as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). Upon the death and decomposition of these organisms, DMSP breaks down, releasing dimethyl sulfide (DMS).

DMS is a volatile compound that easily evaporates from the ocean surface and enters the atmosphere. High in the atmosphere, under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) light and ozone, DMS is oxidized and transformed, first into dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and subsequently into methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Since both DMSO and MSM are highly water-soluble, they readily dissolve in atmospheric water droplets and act as condensation nuclei, contributing to cloud formation. This process provides a vehicle for MSM to return to the Earth's surface via rainfall. Plants then absorb these sulfur-rich compounds from the rainwater through their root systems, where they are concentrated within the plant's cells. Animals, including humans, then consume this organic sulfur by eating these plants, and thus MSM enters the food chain.

The Journey of Natural MSM

The natural production process of MSM follows a series of steps:

Marine Uptake: Algae and phytoplankton absorb sulfur from the oceans to create DMSP.
Atmospheric Release: Decomposing marine organisms release DMS, a volatile gas, into the atmosphere.
Oxidative Conversion: Sunlight and ozone oxidize DMS into DMSO and then into MSM.
Rainfall Deposition: Water-soluble MSM falls back to earth in rainwater, often contributing to cloud formation.
Plant Absorption: Plants absorb the bioavailable MSM and store it within their tissues.
Food Chain Integration: Animals and humans consume MSM by eating these sulfur-rich plants.

Natural Sources vs. Commercial Supplements

While the concept of consuming MSM from natural food sources is appealing, the reality is that its concentration in these foods is extremely low—often only a few parts per million. Furthermore, MSM is highly volatile and easily destroyed by cooking, pasteurization, freezing, or other food processing methods. This makes it virtually impossible to obtain therapeutically effective amounts of MSM from diet alone. For this reason, the commercial production of MSM supplements is necessary to provide a concentrated, stable, and effective product. All commercially available MSM is chemically produced but is molecularly identical to the MSM found in nature, a concept referred to as “nature-identical”. Reputable manufacturers use a careful purification process, such as distillation, to ensure high purity and remove heavy metals or other contaminants, which is a key differentiator in quality.

Natural vs. Synthetic MSM: A Comparison


Feature	Naturally Occurring MSM	Commercially Produced (Synthetic) MSM
Origin	Created via the Earth's global sulfur cycle, starting with marine microorganisms.	Manufactured via chemical synthesis using the element sulfur.
Concentration	Found in extremely tiny, trace amounts in raw foods.	Purified and highly concentrated to deliver effective therapeutic doses.
Processing Impact	Easily degraded or lost during cooking, freezing, and pasteurization.	Stable and not affected by standard food preparation or storage.
Bioavailability	Absorbed by plants and animals from rainwater or soil.	The same molecular structure as natural MSM, with high bioavailability.
Purity	Trace amounts can be volatile and difficult to preserve.	High-quality versions are purified through distillation to remove potential contaminants.
Practicality	Impractical to consume enough food to achieve therapeutic intake.	Provides a convenient and reliable source for consistent dosing.

Natural and Endogenous Sources of MSM

While supplementation is the most reliable method for obtaining MSM, the compound is found in various natural sources. Early research and modern analysis have identified its presence in several foods, albeit in minimal amounts. Cow's milk, for instance, has been noted to contain small quantities, as have certain fruits, vegetables, and grains. Studies have also indicated that MSM can be endogenously produced by the body, potentially with the help of gut bacteria. However, these endogenous and dietary sources are insufficient for producing a therapeutic effect and are quickly metabolized and excreted by the body. This rapid turnover means that for sustained benefits, consistent external supplementation is required. For those interested in the broader context of MSM's function, further research on the molecule's applications and safety profile can be found in publications such as those from the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion: The Complementary Nature of MSM Sources

In conclusion, the natural form of MSM originates from a critical component of the Earth's sulfur cycle, making its way from ocean organisms to the plants we consume. However, due to its low concentration and volatility in food, relying on dietary sources alone is not a practical way to achieve a beneficial intake. The commercially produced, nature-identical version of MSM offers a stable, concentrated, and reliable way to supplement this essential compound. This allows individuals to harness MSM’s anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting benefits without the limitations of natural food sourcing. By understanding both the natural origin and the necessity of high-quality supplementation, consumers can make informed choices to support their health and wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, commercially produced MSM is 'nature-identical,' meaning it has the exact same molecular structure as naturally occurring MSM. The main difference is that commercial supplements provide a stable and concentrated dose, whereas natural sources contain only trace amounts.

Cow's milk is considered one of the most abundant natural sources of MSM, containing approximately 3.3 ppm. Trace amounts are also found in fresh fruits, vegetables, coffee, and tea.

MSM is formed as part of the Earth's sulfur cycle. Marine algae release sulfur compounds that enter the atmosphere, where they are converted into MSM by sunlight and ozone before returning to Earth in rain.

Most foods contain only trace amounts of MSM, and much of this is lost during cooking, freezing, or other processing methods. This makes it impractical to consume enough food to achieve a therapeutic dose.

Yes, MSM is a volatile substance and is quickly diminished or lost when foods containing it are heated or stored for long periods.

Research suggests that some MSM may be produced endogenously within the body, potentially with the help of gut bacteria, but this production is limited and does not provide sufficient amounts for therapeutic effects.

To ensure purity, look for supplements from reputable manufacturers who use multi-stage distillation for purification. Distillation removes heavy metals and other contaminants, ensuring a higher quality product.