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MSM Study

Study Title: The Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on Cardiometabolic Health

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound that demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. MSM is currently available as a common dietary supplement ‘generally recognized as safe’ by the Food and Drug Administration.

The purpose of this investigation will be to determine whether MSM supplementation improves markers of lung, cardiovascular and metabolic health, and markers of inflammation in overweight and obese adults.The expected outcome is that MSM will improve metabolic health, inflammatory and oxidative status, decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

This study has been approved for human subject participation by the Washington State University Institutional Review Board

Study Design

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either MSM or a non-active control pill daily for 16 weeks. Measurements will occur at the start and after 4, 8, and 16 weeks of supplementation.
Measurements will include height, weight, percent body fat, metabolic rate, sleep duration, and blood, urine, and saliva analysis will be performed for markers of metabolic health, inflammation, and oxidative status.

Participant Qualifications

• 18-65 years old
• BMI of 25 or greater
• Free from cardiovascular, liver, renal, thyoid, muscular diseases, diabetes, and cancer
• Not taking immunosuppressants, or medication to decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar
• Not currently taking any dietary supplements, or willing to refrain from using supplements during the study
• Do not habitually smoke
• Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future

Participant Compensation

Participants will be compensated for their time with a check for $60.00 per completed visit, for a total of $240.00 with study completion. Additional testing may be completed with $50.00 compensation, for a total of up to $290.00. Participants will also receive a comprehensive health evaluation at the end of the study.