Both MSM an DMSO are naturally occurring substances found in the human body and many foods, primarily raw seafood and, to a lesser degree, in fresh fruits and vegetables. The highest concentration of MSM in nature is found in mammal's milk. MSM is made by oxidizing DMSO. This is true both in nature and in commercial production. All DMSO and MSM in commercial quantities is produced synthetically.

Trying to reproduce some naturally occurring substances can be a very difficult challenge, even for the most sophisticated organic chemist. Complex botanicals are very difficult to reproduce synthetically, but simple, pure substances like DMSO and MSM, result in exactly the same molecular compounds as those found in nature.   Synthetic production also allows products like DMSO and MSM to be made available at reasonable prices.

Since all commercial MSM is produced from DMSO, and all commercial DMSO is produced synthetically, the origin of the DMSO is somewhat insignificant. DMSO is produced using several starting materials: (1) Kraft black liquor, a by-product of paper pulp mills; (2) methanol and hydrogen sulfide, or (3) methanol and carbon disulfide. Whichever starting materials are used, chemical reactions are required to produce DMSO. Each process has its advantages and disadvantages, but the resulting DMSO is the same. The origin of the DMSO is not important in the production of food grade MSM, provided it meets certain quality standards. There are a number of DMSO plants located throughout the world that produce an excellent quality product suitable for food grade MSM production.

OptiMSMTM has been produced using DMSO from a variety of sources and several locations including the United States and several foreign countries. We use different sources for strategic reasons and our extensive testing by qualified independent laboratories assures a consistent, superior quality product.