Kelly (Seattle) on 06/07/2016

I began after using the MSM gel for my arthritic knees and thumb. I experienced almost immediately within 2 days better movement and no pain in my knee, hip and thumb. On the 4th day I even walked a mile with my grandchildren which I was unable to do since April of 2014. My allergies were gone, and so was brain fog, I felt fantastic and could move around and be normal but? I began experiencing heart palpitations on day 5 and felt quite uneasy. They continued until I became frightened. I wrestled with feeling fabulous or heart problems as I do not like feeling disabled at 56, but have discontinued the product. This morning my walking is worsened, the pain is coming and my allergies are terrible. So extremely sad. I was taking 1/8 teaspoon once a day and had increased to 1/4 2 times a day. Any ideas?

According to the 'inventor' of MSM, Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MSM is a "cholinesterase inhibitor. Cholinsterase is an enzyme that stops excessive passage of nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another."

https://jacoblab.com/FAQs.pdf

So if this cholinesterase enzyme is INHIBITED by MSM, then one may develop worsening anxiety, muscle twitching, cramping, and yes, heart palpitations, etc., -- all the symptoms of excess choline or acetylcholine.

I found this out the hard way, experiencing worsening leg cramps, muscle twitching and anxiety.

It may help some who have very low levels of choline, but should be avoided by others.

Replied By Trisha (Columbus, Indiana) on 07/22/2016

I believe this is my problem! I've had other issues with high acetylcholine with fish oil supplements. I never put two and two together that MSM could affect choline levels. My joints and muscles have gotten terrible since starting MSM. Did your symptoms go away quickly after stopping MSM?

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Replied By Charity (Faithville, Usa) on 07/25/2016

I use a lot of msm and vitamin c and it can deplete molybdenum and that makes some problems.

Molybdenum reduces symptoms of candida die off and also helps create enamel on teeth, from what I have read.

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Replied By Madeline (New York) on 04/08/2021

This is to Kelly. I see this is an old post but in case you see it, I wanted to suggest something. You were having such great effects from MSM, its a shame to have to go back to being disabled in so many ways. The suggestion I want to make is to try taking Magnesium. There is a supplement called "CALM". My husband gets racing heart palpitations occasionally. Especially after or during exertion (he is a Chef so working conditions can be fast paced and hot). When he drinks a dose of "CALM" during those incidents, it stops rather immediately. My best to you.

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Replied By Marsh (Colorado) on 05/10/2021

Yes, magnesium is important. I think I may have leaky gut or my system doesn't absorb what it requires. I have to take 2-3 400mg magnesium, a banana for potassium and use Himalayan salt every day or my calf cramps at night and heart palpitations can be brutal. Calm is good but after taking it for 2 years, my teeth became sensitive to the citric acid. Someone here on EC suggested Black walnut for tooth sensitivity and it works very well.

Replied By Russia (Gaborone, Botswana) on 10/08/2022

Have you tried applying magnesium oil? This absorbs very easily into the body through the skin. It might sting when you first use it, but I find very calming and helps me keep my magnesium intake optimal.