Balchem’s OptiMSM® becomes first MSM approved for functional food claims in Japan

JAPAN – Balchem’s branded methylsulfonylmethane, OptiMSM®, has been recognized as a Food with Functional Claims (FFC) by Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency, marking a huge regulatory milestone for the company. 

The Foods with Functional Claims system enables brands to label foods or supplements with scientifically supported health benefits, grounded in evidence from systematic literature reviews or clinical trials.

This recognition, driven by a recent study confirming the ingredient’s role in supporting joint health, marks the first-ever recognition of MSM under this category in Japan and underscores its proven safety, efficacy and reliability. 

The approval also allows companies using OptiMSM® in their formulations to now feature joint health-related claims on product packaging.

“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 US,” Jessica Arnaly, Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager, Human Nutrition & Health stated.

As a source of sulfur, MSM is a critical component in the building blocks of joints and connective tissues, providing cartilage with the much-needed nutrients it requires and helping to maintain joint comfort.

“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,” She added.

OptiMSM approval was based on a study showing the potential of oral MSM intake at a dose of 2000 mg/day in improving overall joint health and comfort in individuals experiencing mild pain in their knee joints. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 88 healthy adults consuming either 2000mg of OptiMSM® or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM), the study demonstrated that participants taking OptiMSM experienced improvements in pain levels, particularly in the morning and while standing.

OptiMSM® already holds GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in the U.S., reinforcing its safety and consistent quality. Its proprietary multi-stage distillation process ensures the removal of impurities, setting it apart in terms of purity and reliability.

Japan remains a key market for joint health products, with both younger consumers and older adults seeking preventive wellness solutions supported by clinical science.

As a global specialty ingredients company focused on delivering innovative solutions for human nutrition, animal health, and industrial applications, Balchem anticipates growing demand for functional foods formulated with OptiMSM®.

This development reinforces the company’s broader mission to advance science-based innovation and regulatory leadership, supporting health, wellness, and functional performance across diverse markets.

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