Regulatory Definitions and Labeling Requirements for MSM
Introduction
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, animals, and humans. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain. As with any supplement, regulatory definitions and labeling requirements play a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety and product quality.
Regulatory Definitions
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements, including MSM. According to the FDA, a dietary supplement is defined as a product intended to supplement the diet that contains one or more dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other substances.
MSM falls under the category of dietary ingredients and is considered a “new dietary ingredient” if it was not marketed in the United States before October 15, 1994. New dietary ingredients require pre-market notification to the FDA, unless they have been present in the food supply as an article used for food in a form in which the food has not been chemically altered.
Labeling Requirements
Proper labeling of MSM supplements is essential to provide consumers with accurate information about the product. The FDA requires that all dietary supplements, including MSM, have a Supplement Facts panel on the label. This panel must include the serving size, number of servings per container, amount per serving of each dietary ingredient, and percent Daily Value (%DV) for each ingredient.
In addition to the Supplement Facts panel, MSM supplements must also include the following information on the label:
– The name of the product (e.g., MSM Dietary Supplement)
– The net quantity of contents (e.g., 60 capsules)
– The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
– A list of all ingredients, including the source of the dietary ingredient (e.g., MSM derived from pine trees)
Labels must also adhere to FDA regulations regarding health claims and structure/function claims. Health claims describe a relationship between a dietary supplement ingredient and reducing the risk of a disease or health-related condition. Structure/function claims describe the role of a dietary supplement in maintaining normal structure or function in the body.
Industry Insights
The market for MSM supplements has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by increasing consumer awareness of natural health products and the benefits of MSM for joint health and inflammation. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global MSM market was valued at $636.3 million in 2020 and is expected to reach $889.6 million by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%.
Major players in the MSM supplement market include NOW Foods, Doctor’s Best, and Natural Factors, among others. These companies offer a wide range of MSM products, including capsules, powders, and topical creams. With the growing demand for natural health products, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance to gain consumer trust and loyalty.
In conclusion, regulatory definitions and labeling requirements for MSM supplements are essential to ensure consumer safety and product quality. By following FDA regulations and providing accurate information on product labels, manufacturers can build trust with consumers and contribute to the growth of the MSM supplement market.
