I take it too, seems to help some.
Here is a study on MSM;
Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) Study
June 6, 2006
Hair and Nail Growth Study Concludes:
"Hair and nail growth, hair brilliance and nail lustre are significantly improved by supplementing MSM in the diet"
A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study performed by Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., showed that 100% of the subjects taking MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane), a nutritional supplement that provides biologically active sulfur, showed increased hair growth compared to a group on placebo. Only one subject on placebo showed an increase in hair length.
Hair Brilliance
In addition, 30% of the subjects on MSM showed improvement in hair brilliance, while none of the subjects on placebo showed such an improvement.
Study participants Impressed
?All subjects supplementing with MSM were 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.?
Nail length and thickness
A second double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial, conducted simultaneously, showed that 50% of the subjects on MSM showed increased nail length, thickness and lustre 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.
Efficacy Study Confirms Benefits
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.?
Study Conclusion
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, I feel the results would have been even better for those on MSM.?
Hair Growth - Study Details
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.
Nail Growth Study Details
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, lustre and general appearance using industry standard measurement scales.