Frequently Asked Questions
Learn About MSM
Q: What is MSM?
A: MSM is an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment and in the human body. Sulfur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. And because the body utilizes and expends it on a daily basis, sulfur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health.
Q: Where Does MSM Come From?
A: MSM originates in the oceans where microscopic plankton release sulfur compounds into seawater, which is quickly converted to DMS, a volatile sulfur compound that escapes into the atmosphere. In this suspended, gaseous state, the DMS reacts with ozone and ultraviolet sunlight to create DMSO and DMSO2, known as MSM. MSM then falls to the earth with the rain, where it is collected and concentrated in plants. Although MSM is abundant in nature, even the richest natural sources only provide MSM in the level of several parts per million. Commercial extraction of MSM from trees is not possible. MSM is produced by oxidizing DMSO. This process parallels the natural oxidation of DMSO to MSM that occurs in the marine atmosphere and produces MSM that is chemically identical to that found in nature.
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Q: What is OptiMSM?
A: The premiere branded MSM ingredient produced by Bergstrom Nutrition and available at retail through various quality manufacturers. OptiMSM is held to strict product specifications, making it the highest quality and most consistent MSM available on the market. OptiMSM is organic sulfur that appears as a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder that is available in a variety of topical applications and internal dosage types. It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and always 99.9% pure. Bergstrom Nutrition, the sole maker of OptiMSM, is the original United States producer licensed under the R. J. Herschler domestic and foreign patents.
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Q: Who is Bergstrom Nutrition?
A: Bergstrom Nutrition has been in business for over 10 years. The mission has always been the same: to provide the highest quality MSM at competitive prices and to serve the growing world market for effective nutritional supplements. Located in Vancouver, Washington, Bergstrom has grown from a rented warehouse to a modern facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained technical staff. Our medical advisor, Stanley W. Jacob, M.D. has been studying the clinical effects of MSM for more than twenty years. He has chronicled thousands of case studies and personal testimonials attesting to the many positive health benefits he has seen with MSM. And OptiMSM can be mixed into a variety of forms, formulated at different dosages to meet every need.
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Q: How can I tell if a product is made with OptiMSM?
A: Simply look for the bold OptiMSM logo on the products you buy for assurance you are getting the original patented, tested, and licensed MSM. The logo may be found on the front or the back of the packaging. A full list of brand name products made with OptiMSM is available.
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Q: What does OptiMSM do for the body?
A: Primarily recognized to benefit joint health, OptiMSM provides sulfur, which is needed for the structural integrity of joint cartilage and connective tissue such as skin, hair and nails. OptiMSM has been shown in animal research to inhibit inflammation by decreasing influx of certain white blood cells. Reduced inflammation increases circulation to aid recovery of sore muscles. In addition, OptiMSM supplies methyl groups, which help lower homocysteine levels, an important factor in heart health. OptiMSM--heart-healthy joint support.
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Q: Are there any food sources of MSM?
A: Yes. MSM occurs naturally in the environment, is present in rainwater, and is absorbed by plants. So, small amounts of MSM are available in fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and even unpasteurized milk. But, because it does not occur in effective amounts in food, the most reliable dietary source for adequate MSM intake is through supplementation.
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Q: Who should take OptiMSM?
A: Because organic sulfur is a basic component for overall human wellness, most people can benefit from supplementing their diets with OptiMSM. Please consult your physician before using MSM if you are pregnant, while nursing or for children under 2 years of age.
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Q: Has OptiMSM been scientifically researched?
A: Yes. Dr. Stanley Jacob and his associates have been working with DMSO and MSM for more than 30 years. During their research, they discovered that a portion of the DMSO was converted to MSM in the body. MSM turned out to be a more stable metabolite of DMSO with similar properties. There were an estimated 50,000 articles published on DMSO, but only a handful have ever been repeated with MSM. Physicians and other health care providers have relied primarily on previous DMSO studies, lower animal studies with MSM, as well as MSM case studies and anecdotal reports. Read more here.
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Q: Is OptiMSM safe?
A: Very safe. OptiMSM is non-toxic and non-allergenic. However, taking amounts greater than your body's ability to absorb it may result in loose stools. OptiMSM is non-allergenic. In the many years MSM has been researched, no significant allergic reactions have been reported. We recommend informing your doctor you are supplementing with MSM. OptiMSM has no known contraindications with pharmaceutical drugs or over-the-counter medications. However, Dr. Jacob does recommend that it not be used by pregnant or lactating mothers, or by children under the age of two. Dr. Jacob recommends that persons taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) consult their doctor before using MSM.
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Q: How much OptiMSM should I take?
A: Follow the directions recommended on the products you buy. Dosage is generally in the range of 2-8 grams per day in 2-3 divided doses. For more definitive recommendations, read Dr. Jacob's Book, The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain.
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Q: How do I know the MSM I'm taking is OptiMSM
A: MSM products made with OptiMSM are marked with the distinctive OptiMSM logo. Sometimes the logo will be listed with the ingredients if the product is a formula. See a list of brand-name products made with OptiMSM here.
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Q: What makes OptiMSM superior to other kinds of MSM?
A: OptiMSM is the original MSM available in the United States patented as safe for human biological use. If you don't see the OptiMSM logo, you can't be certain you are getting 99.9% pure, safe, and effective OptiMSM. Learn more about the OptiMSM difference.
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Q: Is sulfur the same as sulfa drugs and sulfites?
A: Do not get confused between the two. MSM provides organic sulfur and is a nutrient. Sulfa-based drugs, also known as sulfonamides, do not occur naturally and are used as antibiotics. The sulfa molecule is much larger and can cause severe reactions in some individuals. While many people are allergic to sulfa drugs, no similar reactions have ever been reported with MSM. A third sulfur-containing compound, known as sulfites, is a form of preservative that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. MSM does not contain sulfites, and should not cause a reaction in sulfite-sensitive individuals.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.