MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) · Sulfur-Containing Nutrient for Joint, Mobility & Active Lifestyle Products

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as dimethyl sulfone.
• Chemical formula: (CH₃)₂SO₂.
• Form: typically a white, crystalline powder or granules, free-flowing with low odour.
• Solubility: freely soluble in water, enabling use in powders for reconstitution, shots and certain RTD beverages.
• Taste profile: neutral to slightly bitter at higher inclusion levels; usually managed with sweeteners and flavour systems in finished products.
• Function: used as a nutritional ingredient in joint, mobility, sports and active lifestyle products, within local regulatory limits and permitted claims.
• Compatibility: generally compatible with vitamin C, other vitamins, minerals, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts used in mobility formulas.
• Origin: supplied from qualified MSM production facilities in China, with detailed information on manufacturing process and origin available on request.

Atlas helps formulation teams design joint, mobility and active lifestyle products using MSM alongside other vitamins, amino acids, minerals and functional ingredients from the Atlas portfolio.

Indicative specification points

Final specifications are agreed for each project and target market. Typical nutrition and supplement-grade MSM parameters include:

• Assay: generally ≥ 99.8–99.9% MSM (on dried basis) according to recognised methods.
• Appearance: white, crystalline powder or granules, free from visible foreign matter.
• Identification tests: confirm MSM structure via infrared spectra and other standard tests.
• Melting point: within a defined range according to specification.
• Loss on drying: controlled to ensure consistent potency and flowability.
• Residue on ignition / sulphated ash: limited to align with specification and applicable regulations.
• Bulk density and particle size distribution: set to support tableting, encapsulation and blending performance.
• Related substances and organic impurities: controlled to meet nutrition and dietary supplement standards.
• Heavy metals and contaminants: limited to comply with global and local safety requirements.
• Microbiological profile: aligned with good manufacturing practice, with tighter limits available for specific applications where necessary.

Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documentation such as GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability (e.g. vegetarian/vegan where applicable), contaminant data, origin, and Halal/Kosher certificates can be provided from approved producers.

Joint & mobility supplements

• Comprehensive joint formulas – MSM used together with glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides and vitamin C in capsule, tablet and powder products.
• Single-ingredient MSM products – unflavoured or flavoured MSM powders, capsules or tablets for markets where single-ingredient positioning is appropriate.
• Senior & active adult concepts – MSM included in mobility and healthy ageing products designed for older consumers and active adults, within applicable category rules.

Sports & active lifestyle nutrition

• Sports recovery powders – MSM combined with proteins, BCAAs, electrolytes and vitamins in post-exercise formulations.
• Daily performance blends – MSM included in once- or twice-daily powders for recreational and professional athletes.
• Active lifestyle sachets & sticks – MSM-based blends packed in single-serve formats for convenient use at home, in the gym or on the go.

Functional powders & beverages

• Instant drink powders – MSM used in flavoured powders that are reconstituted with water or juice.
• RTD functional beverages – in selected applications, MSM may be incorporated in ready-to-drink mobility or active lifestyle beverages, subject to solubility, stability and regulatory assessment.
• Nutrition shakes – addition to high-protein, high-energy shakes for active adults and other target groups where permitted.

Formulation guidance

• MSM dosage depends on:
  • Product category and target consumer group,
  • Local regulatory maximum levels and any specific guidance,
  • Desired on-pack positioning and communication in line with permitted claims.
• In powders and premixes:
  • Match particle size and density with other ingredients to minimise segregation,
  • Consider anti-caking agents and flow aids when required for high-MSM blends.
• In tablets and capsules:
  • Evaluate compressibility and hardness with selected excipients,
  • Optimise binders, disintegrants and lubricants to balance tablet strength and disintegration time.
• In beverages and instant drinks:
  • Use MSM in premixes or direct addition under controlled mixing to ensure complete dissolution,
  • Adjust flavour and sweetness systems to manage any slight bitterness at higher dosages.
• Regulatory and scientific teams must confirm authorised MSM uses, maximum levels, category permissions, labelling and any warnings required by each destination market.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as nutrition or supplement-grade MSM with agreed specifications for assay, impurities and physical properties.
• Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet describing key analytical parameters and methods.
• Additional documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, contaminant and heavy metal data, dietary suitability (e.g. vegetarian/vegan where applicable), BSE/TSE statements, origin, and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on the selected producer and grade.
• Manufacturing facilities typically operate under recognised ISO and food safety management systems (e.g. HACCP, FSSC/ISO 22000), with further certifications available on request.
• Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, maximum use levels, authorised claims and labelling for MSM-containing products in each destination market.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: typically 20–25 kg bags, fibre drums or cartons with inner liners to protect against moisture and contamination; alternative pack sizes can be evaluated as needed.
• Suitable for full-container or mixed-container shipments with other vitamins, amino acids, nutritional enhancers, sweeteners and functional ingredients.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture and odour-intensive materials to maintain MSM quality and flow properties.
• Typical shelf life is specified in the product documentation and on the COA; customers should verify MSM stability and sensory performance in their own formulations via shelf-life studies.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.

To receive a tailored offer, please share your intended applications (joint & mobility supplements, sports powders, functional beverages, senior/active lifestyle products, etc.), target MSM level per serving, dosage form (powders, capsules, tablets, RTDs), annual volume, packaging needs, documentation/certification requirements and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable MSM grades and premix concepts.