The Effectiveness of the Use of Oral MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Supplementation on Hair & Nail Health
By Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. Council for Natural Nutrition 2/2/01
Abstract
A total of 21 patients were studied for 6 weeks for the hair study component. Data was collected by Certified Cosmetologists under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Both the investigators and the patients were blinded as to whether supplementation was with placebo or MSM. The subjects were randomly assigned to either Group A (placebo) or Group B (MSM). Sixteen of the subjects were men and 5 were women. Dosage was 3,000 mg/day in both Groups A & B. The study participants were studied for hair length, brilliance, and diameter of the individual hair fibers using industry-standard measurement scales at the beginning of the study period (t=0) and after 6 weeks (t=6 weeks).
Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in hair health, while those on placebo showed either no change, or only slight changes after 6 weeks. The most marked changes were measured in hair length and hair brilliance. The women showed the better results in hair growth, brilliance, and thickness of hair fibers.
Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in nail strength, thickness and appearance. Overall improvement rate was 80% even in this short study. The cosmetologists literally could differentiate which participants were on MSM by the appearance of the hare alone after 6 weeks. It is expected that if the study were continued for 8 to 16 weeks, the results would have been even better for those on MSM, as has been our past experience.
Conclusion: This pilot double blind, random study proves that oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to hair care. Hair health was significantly improved in a short term of 6 weeks.
By Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. Council for Natural Nutrition 2/2/01
Abstract
A total of 21 patients were studied for 6 weeks for the hair study component. Data was collected by Certified Cosmetologists under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Both the investigators and the patients were blinded as to whether supplementation was with placebo or MSM. The subjects were randomly assigned to either Group A (placebo) or Group B (MSM). Sixteen of the subjects were men and 5 were women. Dosage was 3,000 mg/day in both Groups A & B. The study participants were studied for hair length, brilliance, and diameter of the individual hair fibers using industry-standard measurement scales at the beginning of the study period (t=0) and after 6 weeks (t=6 weeks).
Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in hair health, while those on placebo showed either no change, or only slight changes after 6 weeks. The most marked changes were measured in hair length and hair brilliance. The women showed the better results in hair growth, brilliance, and thickness of hair fibers.
Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in nail strength, thickness and appearance. Overall improvement rate was 80% even in this short study. The cosmetologists literally could differentiate which participants were on MSM by the appearance of the hare alone after 6 weeks. It is expected that if the study were continued for 8 to 16 weeks, the results would have been even better for those on MSM, as has been our past experience.
Conclusion: This pilot double blind, random study proves that oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to hair care. Hair health was significantly improved in a short term of 6 weeks.
