FEATURED PEER-REVIEWED PAPER
Methylsulfonylmethane and Hair Health
Effect of a sulfur-containing supplement on improving hair condition Rodney Benjamin, Janaina Rosa Cortinoz, Lucas Offenbecker Guerra, and Neelam Muizzuddin, PhD
Abstract Introduction
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organosulfur compound, is gaining importance as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as a source of sulfur for the body. Maintenance of hair strength and health requires a steady supply of sulfur, which oral supplementation with MSM can provide. A clinical study was designed to observe the efficacy of MSM as an oral supplement (OptiMSM® [Bergstrom Nutrition, Vancouver, Washington, USA]) for mitigating hair loss and improving hair thickness and density as well as overall appearance via subject perception and micrometric measurements of hair thickness.
Method
A total of 41 female and male subjects, aged between 19 and 60 years and presenting telogen effluvium hair loss, were recruited for the study. An area of 1.7 cm x 1.0 cm was marked on the head and shaved for the phototrichogram analysis. The hair fibers within the delimited area were cut
Introduction Hair decorates the face and is a physical medium of social communication. It protects from trauma, insect penetration, and electromagnetic radiation and insulates against heat loss and heat gain.1,2 The scalp contains a high density of hair growth with an abundance of sebaceous glands.2 This forms a distinct microenvironment with significant differences from the rest of the skin. This environment is a rich habitat for microbes.3 There are no significant differences in the number of hair follicles between men and women or between All rights reserved / NMJ, February 2024 / Vol 16, No. 201 (Suppl)
and photographed. From an adjacent site, a minimum of 30 hair fibers were extracted for micrometric measurements. The measurements were repeated after 120 days of product use.
Results
Significant improvements of hair density, hair-density terminal, and hair diameter were observed after 120 days of OptiMSM use. Subject self-assessment determined that the product was effective in reducing hair loss as well as improving the strength/resistance and volume of hair. The subjects observed growth of new hairs and declared that their hair was more voluminous and less brittle after 45, 90, and 120 days of product use.
Conclusion
Based on the confines and conditions of this study, MSM supplementation was effective in reducing hair loss and improving hair diameter and thickness.
different races.4 Hair appearance varies due to the type of hair originating from the follicle and individual hair-care practices.3,5 As a result of diet deficiencies and the aging process, hair changes color (graying) and hair production is reduced. In addition, structural properties of the hair fiber, such as diameter, curvature, elasticity, torsional rigidity, and lipid composition, also change, thus impacting the manageability and overall appearance of hair.5 19