On a supplement label
MSM is the abbreviation for methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfur-containing compound. Expanding the abbreviation identifies the ingredient; it does not establish that a product is effective for a particular condition. Use the full compound name when checking a label or source. [1]
In news and public-health writing
Cambridge records MSM as an abbreviation for mainstream media. CDC also uses MSM for men who have sex with men, a term referring to sexual behaviour rather than necessarily a person’s identity. These meanings are unrelated to the supplement ingredient. [2][3]
Use the context to refine a search
Imagine a search for MSM returns a news commentary, a sexual-health guideline and a supplement bottle. Add methylsulfonylmethane to the query if the ingredient is the question. Information about the other meanings is not evidence about supplement benefits or safety. [1][2][3]
| Context | Likely expansion |
|---|---|
| Supplement label | Methylsulfonylmethane |
| News commentary | Mainstream media |
| Public-health guideline | Men who have sex with men |
Sources for this article
- NCI Drug Dictionary: methylsulfonylmethane in a dietary supplement
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - MSM | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product.