MSM for Hair Growth
How long does it take to see results from MSM?
MSM is particularly good for symptom-relief related to allergies, athletic injuries, digestion, and for skin problems such as acne, sunburn, and scars. Reduction in symptoms is usually seen within 2 to 21 days. For many people, MSM has been a miracle — an answer to their prayers.
Research on MSM for Hair Growth
MSM is known as a sulfur-rich compound with anti-inflammatory properties. There's also some inconclusive research on its effectiveness with hair growth and retention. According to research, MSM sulfur can form bonds essential to strengthening hair and influencing hair growth. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound that has been shown to be beneficial for joint health, sports nutrition, and immune function, as well as exerting antiaging effects.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is quickly becoming known for its role in hair growth. MSM is a naturally occurring form of sulfur found in many foods, such as milk, grains, fruits, green vegetables and seafoods. However, conventional processing and cooking methods significantly decrease the effectiveness of MSM from foods. That’s why it may be beneficial to take MSM as a supplement for hair growth.
How does it work?
MSM provides the sulfur required for healthy collagen and keratin, which are both essential for healthy hair growth. It is also believed to naturally increase the hair growth phase.
Your hair goes through three cycles: Growing, Resting, and Shedding. Each and every hair on your head (and on your body) is in one of these phases at all times. However, you may not notice significant shedding, because all hairs are in differing phases – so while some may be shedding, others may be resting or growing.
So how can MSM help your hair grow longer?
For example, if your “Growing” phase lasts two years, and your hair normally grows one half inch per month, your hair will grow 12 inches before entering the resting and shedding phases. (24 months x ½ inch per month = 12 inches). If, however, your “Growing” phase lasts 3 years, then your hair would grow 18 inches before entering the resting and shedding phases. (36 months x ½ inch per month = 18 inches). Since your growth phase is genetically determined, it won’t change unless you use a supplement containing MSM.
It is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for support of the hair, skin, and nails. In this double-blind clinical study, 63 subjects ingested either 1 g or 3 g of MSM per day. Expert clinical grading and subject self-assessment were used to evaluate hair and nail condition over 4 months of use. MSM supplementation provided statistically significant improvements in the condition of the hair and nails as determined by expert grading and subject self-assessment. The higher concentration (3 g/day) of MSM delivered quicker and stronger benefits, as compared to the lower concentration (1 g/day). MSM appears to benefit hair and nail health, possibly by its action on keratin, which is a major building-block for the hair and nails.
Introduction to MSM for Hair Growth Science
Hair is composed of 95% keratin, a fibrous, helicoidal protein that is a component of the skin and its appendages, including the hair and nails. It is synthesized by keratinocytes and is insoluble in water, which helps to protect the hair and contributes to its impermeability. The hair contains 18 amino acids, including proline, threonine, leucine, and arginine. Keratin is particularly rich in cysteine. Cysteine is a sulfurated amino acid that forms disulfide bonds between molecules and thus lends the structure strength and resistance. Aging and excessive exposure of hair to solar irradiation cause dryness, reduced strength, a rough surface texture, loss of color, decreased luster, stiffness, brittleness, and an overall dull, unhealthy appearance. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is naturally present in the environment. It is found in plants as well as the milk of both bovines and humans and may provide a source of sulfur for the essential amino acid methionine.15 Sulfur-containing amino acids influence the cellular redox state and the ability to detoxify free radicals, reactive oxygen species, and toxic substances, thus contributing substantially to the maintenance and integrity of cellular systems.16 MSM sulfur can be assimilated into methionine and cysteine—both sulfur-containing amino acids—to provide a source of dietary fiber. MSM has been reported to affect the compartmentalization and metabolism of sulfur.17 Animal studies with radioactive dimethylsulfone have indicated that over 80% of orally administered dimethylsulfone is metabolized in rat tissues, while over 10% is incorporated into the body including hair.18 The distribution of radioactive sulfur in the rat suggests that dimethylsulfone is metabolized to yield sulfur-containing compounds in the body.1
Nails are composed of a protective protein called alpha-keratin, which imparts tough rigidity. Nails get their strength from 3 linked keratin layers, where oils and moisture cement and lubricate the nail plate. Functionality results from the nail shape, which mirrors that of the underlying bone. Hair and nails that maintain tight inter-corneocyte connections are generally not subject to desquamation. However, hair is shed through life-cycle programming, and nail corneocytes are eroded due to friction and physical activity.
The effect of the diet on aging skin has gained increasing attention over the past few decades6 and studies on the effects of dietary supplements have confirmed that such supplementation can help to maintain and even improve skin, hair, and nail condition. In 2007, Jacquet et al7 reported that a dietary supplement containing 100 mg shark cartilage, 1.6 mg vitamin B2, 6 mg vitamin B5, 2 mg vitamin B6, 0.15 mg vitamin B8, and 350 mg fish oil (omega-3 PUFA) had beneficial effects on the skin, hair, and nails and helped to reduce many signs of aging. Other studies have demonstrated that the oral intake of minerals like zinc (zinc monohydrate),8-11 B vitamins,10,12,13 and L-cystine10 has beneficial effects on hair and nails, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are useful for addressing hair loss.14 While some of these studies demonstrated that oral supplementation can have a positive effect on hair and/or nails, others showed that a lack of nutrient intake has detrimental effects on the hair and nail conditions.