Joint support ingredient OptiMSM from Balchem receives Food with Functional Claims recognition from the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency

In a July 1, 2025, press release, global specialty ingredient manufacturer Balchem announced that OptiMSM, its branded methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), has been recognized as a Food with Functional Claims (FFC) by the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency. As stated in the press release, this is the first approval of MSM in this category in Japan.

“As a source of sulfur, MSM is a critical component in the building blocks of joints and connective tissues¹, providing cartilage with much-needed nutrients² and helping maintain joint comfort,^3,4,5,6,7,8” stated Jessica Arnaly, senior marketing & business development manager, human nutrition & health, in the press release. “With a long-standing reputation in the joint health space, Balchem’s OptiMSM already stands out as the only form of MSM to have received a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) letter of non-objection in the U.S. Now, with its recognition under Japan’s Food with Functional Claims, we further solidify its role in supporting mobility, as well as its leading quality, reliability and strong scientific background.”

Additionally, with the new recognition, companies using OptiMSM can now include joint-related health claims on packaging and labels for foods or supplements.

The approval was based on a 2023 study that examined the ingredient’s role in joint support and anti-inflammatory effects in individuals with mild knee pain.⁸ In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 88 participants consumed 2,000 mg MSM per day, or a placebo, for 12 weeks. Changes in pain and mobility were measured using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) scoring and questionnaires. At the end of the study, improvements in knee health and systemic health were seen after the oral consumption of MSM.

“Joint health is a key focus in Japan's functional food and drink market, with growing product innovation aimed at both seniors and younger consumers, and an emphasis on nutritional solutions to support mobility and healthy ageing,” stated Arnaly. “MSM is already widely used in dietary supplements brands in Japan. With this approval, OptiMSM can now support our Japanese consumers, allowing for clear on-pack claims while also providing greater assurance about the health benefits of MSM-containing products.”

References

1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, 2005
2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, 2005
3. Debbi, EM.; Agar, G.; Fichman, G.; Bar Ziv, Y.; Kardosh, R.; Halperin. N.; Elbaz.; Beer, Y.; Debi, R. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med, 2011, 11(50). DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-50
4. Lubis, AMT.; Siagian, C.; Wonggokusuma, E.; Marsetyo, AF.; Setyohadi, B. Comparison of Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfate with and without Methylsulfonylmethane in Grade I-II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Acta Med Indones, 2017,49(2):105-111. PMID: 28790224.
5. Kim, LS.; Axelrod, LJ.; Howard, P.; Buratovich, N.; Waters, RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2006, 14(3):286-94. DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2005.10.003.
6. Pagonis, TA.; Givissis, P.; Kritis, A.; Christodoulou, AC. The Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane on Osteoarthritic Large Joints and Mobility. International Journal of Orthopaedics, 2014, 1(1). DOI: 10.6051/j.issn.2311-5106.2014.01.7
7. Usha, PR.; Naidu, MUR. Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis. Clin. Drug Investig. 2004, 24. DOI: 10.2165/00044011-200424060-00005
8. Toguchi, A.; Noguchi, N.; Kanno, T.; Yamada, A. Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 2023. 15(13), 2995. DOI: 10.3390/nu15132995