"This considerable achievement is evidence of Cardinal Nutrition’s continuing commitment to methodically advance the scientific support for MSM," said Michael D. Levin, vice president of business development.

Researchers at the Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, AL, and the Institute for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Control and Development Laboratory in Budapest, Hungary, performed a two-part acute toxicity study. In the first part, 20 rats were given a single oral dose of 2 grams of OptiMSM per kilogram of body weight. This is equivalent to a single human dose exceeding 140 grams. No mortality, adverse effects or clinical signs of toxicity were observed in any of the rats or their 36 organs and tissues that were examined.

The same researchers performed a 90-day subchronic oral toxicity study. They administered OptiMSM to 80 rats at a daily dose of 1,500 mg per kilogram of body weight. This is equivalent to more than 100 grams per day for a person weighing 150 pounds. The recommended intake of MSM in humans is 2 to 10 grams per day. Toxicity was not expected based on the results of previous acute oral toxicity studies. No deaths, toxic symptoms or adverse changes in general state, appearance or behavior were observed. In addition, no adverse effects were observed on blood tests or urinalysis.

Both studies were conducted in compliance with the principles of the Good Laboratory Practice Regulations for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies of the United States Food and Drug Administration.

"The acceptance of this study for publication in a peer-reviewed journal validates the results of the previous toxicity studies we have sponsored," stated Jeremy Appleton, ND, director of scientific affairs at Cardinal Nutrition. "The study results confirm the superior safety profile of OptiMSM, even at extremely high intakes. Knowing that OptiMSM is safe for daily consumption is likely to strengthen consumer confidence."

Cardinal Nutrition, headquartered in Vancouver, WA, is the most experienced manufacturer of MSM and operates the world’s only facility dedicated to production of licensed MSM. It is also the only MSM production facility that is both kosher- and NNFA GMP-certified. Their branded ingredient, U.S.-made OptiMSM, is distilled for purity and supplied to quality manufacturers in global markets.