Dimethyl Sulfone and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Dimethyl sulfone (methylsulfonylmethane; MSM) is a normal oxidative metabolite found in the bloodstream and breastmilk. It is a metabolic product of endogenous methanethiol metabolism and intestinal bacterial metabolism. No studies have been done on the use of dimethyl sulfone (MSM) orally in nursing mothers, but its topical use and low toxicity indicate that it is unlikely to harm the breastfed infant.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. Four human milk samples were obtained from four healthy nursing women (one sample from each mother) at a mean of 80 days postpartum. The amounts of dimethyl sulfone were less in their milk than in infant formulas derived from cow’s milk.[1] In a study of the milk of 429 Finnish mothers, milk levels of dimethyl sulfone ranged from 0.9 to 1.2 mcg/L.[2] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in breastfed infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1. Meoni G, Tenori L, Luchinat C. Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic comparison of breast milk and organic and traditional formula milk brands for infants and toddlers. Omics 2020;24:424-36.32522087 PubMed
2. Kortesniemi M, Slupsky CM, Aatsinki AK, et al. Human milk metabolome is associated with symptoms of maternal psychological distress and milk cortisol. Food Chem 2021;356:129628.33836356 PubMed