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Dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO is a colorless, sulfur-containing
organic compound (liquid) with a faint scent of sulfur and mixes
readily with a wide range of water-insoluble and water-soluble
substances. DMSO is rapidly absorbed into the body if ingested or
even if touched by the hands, very quickly producing a garlic-like
taste. DMSO occurs naturally in many plants icluding vegetables,
grains, fruits and even in some animal products.
In the past
DMSO has been sold in vitamin stores and used both externally and
internally, marketed as treatent for aches and pains. DMSO is
approved by the FDA for the palliative treatment of interstitial
cystitis and for limited veterinary use. It is not allowed for use
as a dietary supplement. A second-generation DMSO,
methylsulfonylmethane or MSM (see Methylsulfonylmethane), which is a
metabolite of DMSO, is marketed as a dietary supplement.
DMSO
is also known as sulfinylbismethane and methyl sulfoxide. The
inclusion of DMSO, which is not a nutritional supplement in this
PDR, is for historical and informational purposes, and because one
of its metabolites, methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, is marketed as a
nutritional supplement. The claims for MSM are related to claims
made for DMSO.
Usage
Recommendations
DMSO is neither a nutritional
supplement nor an over-the-counter product; its use for the
treatment of interstitial cystitis - performed by interstitial
instillation - and requires a physician with expertise in this
procedure. The potential for contamination exists in some DMSO
products designed for industrial uses. DMSO used topically is
rapidly absorbed through intact skin. Therefore, the area of skin
(and the hands applying DMSO) must be clean, because anything on the
skin will also be absorbed along with the
DMSO.
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