
Pure OptiMSM® Flakes by Bergstrom Nutrition
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Learn about how OptiMSM® can strengthen and protect hair, skin and nails.
Learn about how OptiMSM® can support joint health.
Learn about how OptiMSM® can reduce recovery time after a workout.
Learn about how OptiMSM® nourishes the skin from within.
Click here for a comprehensive list of FAQs about OptiMSM®.
Q. WHAT MAKES OPTIMSM® DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MSM AVAILABLE? IS IT MADE IN THE USA?A. OptiMSM® is the purest and only GRAS-designated MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Bergstrom Nutrition uses a proprietary multi-stage distillation process, and every batch is third-party tested, ensuring optimal purity, quality, and consistency. In contrast to OptiMSM®, other commercially-available MSM uses crystallization to isolate the MSM molecule. As this crystallized material cools, occlusions can develop that trap contaminants within the MSM and lead to material that may contain heavy metals, residual water, and other impurities.
OptiMSM® is made exclusively in the USA and manufactured in a single purpose cGMP-certified, ISO-registered facility to help provide essential transparency and traceability.
Kosher and Halal certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, allergen-free, non-shellfish-derived, and vegan, our OptiMSM® is backed by extensive toxicology data.
Q. IS OPTIMSM® NATURAL? IS THERE A NATURAL SOURCE OF MSM?
A. MSM is a naturally occurring substance found in the human body and many foods. The highest concentration of MSM in nature is in mammal milk, but these sources contain MSM in parts per million. Therefore, you cannot extract, isolate or grow the compound. Commercially available MSM does not come from wood, plants or fossil fuels. You can’t squeeze MSM from a tree, extract it from plants or remove it from petroleum or other fossil fuels. A chemical reaction is required to make MSM. All commercially available MSM is synthetic and created through a chemical reaction of DMSO and hydrogen peroxide. Since all commercial MSM produced comes from DMSO, and all commercial DMSO is produced synthetically, the origin of the DMSO is insignificant.DMSO is produced using several starting materials: methanol and hydrogen sulfide, or methanol and carbon disulfide. Whichever starting materials used, chemical reactions are required to produce DMSO.
There is a misconception that one supply of MSM is more natural than another. All MSM produced for commercial use utilizes the same raw materials—but there is a difference, and that boils down to the purification process, testing levels, specifications and quality of the manufacturing.Bergstrom Nutrition’s focus on purity sets OptiMSM® apart. Bergstrom Nutrition pioneered the distillation process of MSM ensuring the highest levels of purity and safety. Chemical engineers and other experts recognize the multi-stage distillation process used to purify OptiMSM® as the superior method on the market. The end product is biomimetic, which means the same as that found in nature.
Every batch of OptiMSM® is is distilled, ensuring optimal purity, quality, and consistency. In contrast to OptiMSM®, other commercially available MSM uses crystallization to isolate the MSM molecule.
At Bergstrom, we are driven to develop innovative uses for our products to benefit a variety of industries. Whether utilized as MSM, Methylsulfonylmethane or under other recognized names such as Dimethyl Sulfone, DMSO2, or Methyl Sulfone, we work to identify new, unique applications for multiple channels, including dietary supplements, personal care, food and beverage, agricultural and industrial.
Click here for more information on OptiMSM®.Published Clinical Studies on the Efficacy of MSM Using OptiMSM®
Click here for a comprehensive listing of published studies on the efficacy of MSM.
Skin Studies
Anthonavage, M. et al. 2015
Natural Medicine Journal
Effects of Oral Supplementation With Methylsulfonylmethane on Skin Health and Wrinkle Reduction
Two-part study. Part one was a pre-clinical evaluation of gene expression in a 3D skin model. Results supported the design of clinical portion. Part two was a double-blind placebo controlled design. 20 healthy females randomized to take 3g MSM per day or placebo for 16 weeks. Significant improvements in skin appearance and condition were found in the treatment group when evaluated by expert grading, instrumental analysis, and participant self-assessment.
Exercise Recovery Studies
Melcher et al. 2017
Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Arch per le Sci Mediche 2017, May; 176(5): 271-283
Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on oxidative stress, muscle soreness, and performance variables following eccentric exercise
A double-blind placebo controlled study evaluating 3g of MSM/day for 28 days in healthy exercise-trained males. MSM supplementation provides some degree of muscle protection following exercise by reducing muscle soreness by approx 15-20% over placebo and providing faster recovery of isometric quadriceps force. Oxidative stress did not increase following exercise in this model.
Withee E et al. 2017
Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017) 14:24 doi 10.1186/ s12970-017-0181-z
Effects of MSM on exercise induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and pain following a half- marathon: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial
Double blind, placebo controlled study design. 22 healthy adults randomly assigned to take either 3g of MSM per day or placebo for 21 days before running a half marathon. MSM group saw clinically significant reductions in both muscle and joint pain.
van der Merwe, M et al. 2016
Journal of Sports Medicine, vol 2016, Article ID 7498359
The Influence of Methylsulfonylmethane on Inflammation- Associated Cytokine Release before and following Streneous Exercise.
Double-blind, placebo controlled study. 40 healthy, resistance trained males received 3g MSM or placebo for 28 days before eccentric knee exercise. In-vivo cytokine analysis was performed before and through 72 hours post-exercise. Additional cytokine analysis was performed in-vitro and ex-vivo on whole blood and isolated single blood cells from a subset of subjects, with and without LPS stimulation. Results indicate MSM dampens inflammatory expression following exercise and reduces post-exercise immunosuppression.
Peel S. et al. 2015
Presented at American Society for Biomechanics Conference Aug, 2015 At Columbus,OH
The Effects of MSM Supplementation on Knee Kinetics during Running, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Soreness following Eccentric Exercise- Induced Quadriceps Damage.
Double-blind, placebo controlled study. 40 healthy resistance-trained men; 3 g/day for 28 days before eccentric knee exercise. Testing occurred before exercise (Baseline) then at 0hr, 24hrs, 48hrs and 72 hrs post exercise. @ 72 hrs Maximum Isometric Force (MIF) normal in MSM group but still 8% below BL for Placebo. Absolute change in muscle soreness during passive knee flexion was smaller in MSM group. Some findings of this study suggest individuals may be able to return to regular training more quickly following knee extensor damage with MSM supplementation.
Kalman D. et al. 2013
FASEB J, 2013, 27:1076.7
Published abstract and
poster presentation
A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Evaluation of MSM for Exercise Induced Discomfort/Pain
Double-blind, placebo controlled study. 24 healthy adult males randomly assigned to receive either treatment or placebo for 14 days. Intervention of 3 grams of MSM per day for the 14 day period resulted in significantly lower (1.55 + 0.82 vs. 3.75 + 2.58 p=0.012) pain/discomfort 2 hours following a leg extension exercise to muscle failure when compared to the placebo group.
Kalman D. et al. 2012
J. of Int. Society of Sports
Nut. 2012, 9:46
Influence of MSM on Markers of Exercise Recovery and Performance and Total Antioxidant Capacity
8 subjects were randomly assigned either 1.5 or 3.0g of MSM per day for 30 days. Leg extension exercise to exhaustion. TEAC increased in a dose-dependant manner. Fatigue and homocysteine decreased in dose dependant manner. MSM may favorably influence selected markers of exercise recovery, especially at 3g/day.
Exercise Studies- Animal
Marañón et al. 2006
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2008; 50:45 doi:10.1186/1751-0147-50 -45
The Effect of MSM Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Sport Horses Following Jumping Exercise
24 jumping horses divided into 3 groups; control, MSM@ 8mg/kg BW and combo of 8mg/kg MSM and Vit C 5mg/kg. Blood samples collected before and after exercise. NO, CO, Lipid Hydroperoxides, and Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase and glutathione reductase measured. Exercise induced significant increase in lipid peroxidation, NO, and CO. Reduced glutathione, and antioxidant enzyme activity was decreased. MSM significantly ameliorated all of these exercise-related changes and the combo of MSM/Vit C potentiated this effect with some of the parameters close to pre-exercise levels.
Oxidative Damage Protection Studies
Radwan et al. 2016
J of Biomed and Pharma Res, 2016, 5(3):10-17
Actions of Taurine, Methylsulfonylmethane and Silymarin Against Acetaminophen Induced Neuro- and Hepato-Toxicity in Rat
This study evaluated the effects of pretreatment (14 days) with either MSM (400mg/kg/day), taurine, or silymarin on acetamino- phen (APAP)-induced liver and brain injury in rats. MSM pretreatment resulted in significant amelioration, over control, of APAP-induced changes in liver enzymes AST and ALT; brain and liver markers of oxidative stress - MDA, GSH, GSSG, NO, and 8-OHdG; and 2 brain monoamines - norepinephrine, and serotonin. MSM significantly outperformed taurine and silymarin pretreatment in liver NO levels and brain 8-OHdG.
Bohlooli et al. 2013
Iran J. of Basic Med Sci, 2013, 16:896-900
Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane Pretreatment on Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
The study evaluated effect of pretreatment of MSM on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rats. Dosage of MSM pre-treatment = 100 mg/kg BW for one week. On day 7 rats received acetaminophen @ 850mg/kg to induce liver injury. Blood serum levels of AST and ALT measured 24 hrs post dose. Tissue samples of liver were evaluated for MDA, GSH, SOD and MPO activity. Results show acetaminophen caused a negative impact on all measured biological indices and pre-treatment with MSM significantly attenuated this negative impact.
Mohammadi et al. 2012
Adv in Pharma Sci 2012, doi:10.1155/2012/507278
Protective Effects of MSM on Hemodynamics and Oxidative Stress in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertensive Rats
MSM administered to rats at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day for 10 days before a single dose of 60 mg/kg, IP, MCT. Blood samples analyzed for CAT, SOD, GPx, GSH and MDA. MSM treatment showed potential protective antioxidant effects by a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and associated reducing agents.
DeSilvestro et al. 2008
FASEB J, 2008, 22:445.8
Published abstract and poster presentation
MSM intake in Mice Produces Elevated Liver Glutathione and Partially Protects against CCl4 Induced Liver Damage
MSM administration (5 weeks, 80 mg/100 ml drinking water) produced a statistically significant increase in liver GSH (mean increase of 78%). A similar effect was not seen in lung or skeletal muscle. Also, MSM partially inhibited liver injury after injection of CCl4, which induces liver oxidative stress.
Allergy/ Immune Studies
Godwin, S. et al. 2015 Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Published abstract and poster presentation
MSM enhances LPS- induced inflammatory response after exercise
Supplementation of MSM blunted the increase in systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 & IL-1ß) immediately after exercise. However, Ex vivo incubation of blood from various time points with LPS caused a dramatic increase in inflammatory cytokines after exercise only in the group treated with MSM. Also, a 2-3 fold increase in IL-10 was seen only in the MSM group after LPS stimulation despite lower IL-10 levels before exercise.
Hasegawa T, Ueno S, Kumamoto S 2005
Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2005;33(12):1217-1223
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in Mice
3 aspects of anti-inflammatory effects of OptiMSM evaluated: 1) Skin damage by UV, 2) Skin inflammation by ovalbumin injection and 3) Itching from histamine. Results: 1) OptiMSM suppressed skin inflammation from UV light. 2) Mice that consumed 2.5% OptiMSM in solution suppressed immediate-phase swelling reaction. 3) Scratching behavior was considerably less in mice following ingestion of 2.5% MSM solution for 1 week before histamine injections. Conclusion: Study confirms MSM is an anti-inflammatory agent, and it mitigates abnormal immune reactions that trigger inflammation.
Barrager E, Veltmann JR, Schauss AG, Schiller RN 2002
J Altern Complement Med 2002; 8:167–73.
A Multi-Centered, Open Label Trial on the Safety and Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
50 person study consumed 2600mg/day MSM orally for 30 days. Clinical respiratory symptoms and energy levels evaluated by questionnaire at the beginning and @ days 7, 14, 21, and 30. Immune and inflammatory reactions were also determined by lab tests. After 1 week, frequency of upper respiratory symptoms were significantly improved. At 3 weeks, participants also had significant improvements in lower respiratory symptoms. All respiratory improvements were maintained through day 30. Energy levels improved significantly by day 14, and were maintained through day 30. Minimal side effects reported during trial.
Sulfur Donation Studies- Animal
Wong et al.2018
Nutrients,2018,10(19):1-
Small Intestinal Absorption of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Accumulationof the Sulfur Moiety in Selected Tissues of Mice
This study used radiolabeled S(35) to evaluate the absorption and metabolism of MSM using mice. The study found that MSM is easily and readily absorbed in the small intestine, creating a pool of sulfur available to the body, relieving the bioburden on SAAs. It found that MSM sulfur in incorporated into proteins, likely though post-translational sulfation.

Product Overview
U.S. made OptiMSM® is the premium branded form of MSM that is GRAS – designated and supported by safety data and published clinical research.
Trusted by manufacturers and consumers alike, OptiMSM has earned the reputation as the purest, safest, most consistent quality MSM in the world.
OptiMSM is Kosher and Halal certified, GRAS-designated, vegan, non-shellfish-derived, gluten-free, non-GMO and allergen-free.
Data reflects that products containing branded ingredients inspire consumer confidence and increase customer retention, leading to improved sales and higher margins.
General Details
Product Highlights
- Appearance: White flake
- Starting Material: Dimethylfulfoxide
- Processing Method: Distillation
Properties
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
*All product pictures are for display purposes only, it may not reflect the exact product color or mesh size, please refer to spec sheet for details.