Can anyone tell me what a MSM pill typically looks like? I think I might have purchased the wrong one perhaps... I bought a green bottle by PharmAssure and it says MSM 1000 across the front. It's this creme-ish color capsule. Did i get the right one? Is it advisable to take 4000 mg's a day?

I am no expert on MSM, but after reading threads on this website I decided to try using it.

I have been using this same brand as you for the last few months and have noticed a market increase in my rate of fingernail and hair growth and "thickness" (not the most accurate desciption, but I think you now what I mean).

I am taking 3 tablets a day.

From my experience I would suggest that there is nothing wrong with the quality of suppliment provided by this company.

I started taking 2 large MSM pills per day for a total of 3000 mg.
I recently switched to a powder which is easy to take. I read that MSM has a short half life so I take 1/2 scoop twice a day.

My MSM contains the following

Microcrystalline Celluose
Silica
Magnesium Stearate

They are white in colour with a powderish coating and are 1000mg per tablet.

Hope this helps.

What is supposed to be the reason for taking MSM?

Some of MSM's essential functions in the body include maintaining the structure of the proteins in the body, helping the formation of keratin which is essential for hair and nail growth, aiding in the production of immunoglobulin which maintains the immune system, and catalyzing the chemical reactions which change food into energy.

These functions often result in the following occurrences:

Inhibition of pain impulses along nerve fibres (analgesia)
Lessening of inflammation
Increase in blood supply
Reduction of muscle spasm
Softening of scar tissue
I take 3000 mg a day and it has increased the speed of my hairs growth and given it an overall thicker healthier look.