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http://www.hairlosshelp.com/forums/m...threadid=19110

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane)
A recent, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial, performed by Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., showed that 100% of the subjects on MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane), a nutritional supplement that provides biologically active sulfur, showed increased hair growth compared to the group on placebo. Only one subject on placebo showed an increase in hair length. In addition, 30% of the subjects on MSM showed improvement in hair brilliance, while none of the subjects on placebo showed such an improvement. A second double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial, conducted simultaneously, showed that 50% of the subjects on MSM showed increased nail length and nail thickness growth compared to the group on placebo. Approximately 10% of those on placebo showed increased nail length growth. None of the subjects on placebo showed an increase in nail thickness. Cathleen London, M.D., a Boston-based family practitioner, said “I have been prescribing MSM for my patients experiencing pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia, and they kept saying how great their hair and nails looked. It’s good to see an efficacy study confirm that there are benefits in this area.” Pure MSM was used in both studies.

Based on the results of the trials, Dr. Lawrence concluded: “Oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to hair and nail growth. Hair and nail health was significantly improved in a short term of six weeks. If the trials were continued for eight to sixteen weeks, the results would have been even better for those on MSM.” The hair trial involved a total of 21 patients — 5 women and 16 men. Data was collected by certified cosmetologists under the direction of Dr. Lawrence. The trial parameters included hair length, brilliance, and diameter of the individual hair shafts using industry standard measurement scales. The nail trial involved a total of 11 subjects — 10 women and 1 man. Again, data was collected by certified cosmetologists. Trial parameters included nail length, thickness, luster and general appearance using industry standard measurement scales. “All subjects supplemented with MSM were duly impressed with the changes in the health and appearance of their hair,” said Dr. Lawrence. “The cosmetologists literally could differentiate which participants were on MSM by the appearance of the hair, alone, after six weeks.”

http://www.kaire.com/kairenews/graphics/MSMResearchAbstracts.pdf

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.

Dus zover ik heb gezien is er maar 1 studie gedaan, die ik niet op PubMed heb kunnen vinden.