Hair and Nails

Trial Shows Sulfur Compound Improves Hair and Nail Growth

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.”

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.”

Biography: Cathleen London, M.D.

How does a theater arts graduate end up as a family practice physician with a medical degree from Yale University?

If you’re Dr. Cathleen London, the one constant was “interest in the human body.”

After receiving her undergraduate degree in theater arts and computer science from Brown University, she made appearances on the soap opera, One Life to Live. She also modeled for a short while before deciding that she needed to work in a profession where “they recognize you have a brain.”

Today, she is a board certified family practice physician in Boston. As such, her practice encompasses the entire family, including all ages, either gender and any health problems that may arise. Family practice is the only specialty that requires board recertification by written exam every seven years. As a result, family practitioners are best qualified to serve as each patient’s advocate in all health-related matters, including use of consultants, health services, and community resources.

Dr. London believes in a holistic approach to healthcare which utilizes a combination of western, allopathic medicines, diet and lifestyle, and herbal medicines when appropriate.