Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular dietary supplement used in a variety of 
conditions including pain, inflammation, allergies, arthritis, parasitic 
infections and the maintenance of normal keratin levels in hair, skin and nails. 
Despite its popularity, there is little published toxicology data on MSM. The 
objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of MSM 
in rats at a dose five to seven times the maximum recommended dose in humans. 
MSM administered in a single gavage dose of 2 g/kg resulted in no adverse events 
or mortality. MSM administered as a daily dose of 1.5 g/kg for 90 days by gavage 
resulted in no adverse events or mortality. Necropsy did not reveal any gross 
pathological lesions or changes in organ weights. Renal histology of treated 
animals was normal. It is concluded that MSM is well tolerated in rats at an 
acute dose of 2 g/kg and at a subacute chronic dose of 1.5 g/kg.