Study groups consumed either 5mL, 10mL, or 15mL of ACV diluted in 250mL of water or a placebo (of same taste and appearance) in the morning, on an empty stomach, for 12 weeks. Subjects also kept a diet diary and exercise diary to ensure no diet or lifestyle changes influenced the study outcomes. Measurements were collected at baseline as well as at four, eight, and 12 weeks into the study. 

Researchers showed that adding 5mL, 10mL or 15mL of ACV to the diet resulted in significant decreases in body weight at weeks four, eight, and 12 when compared with baseline and placebo. The decrease in body weight seemed to be both dose-dependent and time-dependent. This means that the higher doses showed stronger results as well as participants experiencing more pronounced reductions as the study progressed, with the most significant changes occurring at week 12. In addition to body weight, significant results were observed in BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat ratio, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels. 

In conclusion, ACV is a safe and affordable option to support weight management goals in overweight and obese adolescents and young adults. 

MSM Supplementation Improves Hair Health & Reduces Hair Loss

A popular joint supplement, MSM, taken for 120 days improved hair density and hair diameter, as well as improved subjective scores of reducing hair loss and improving the strength/resistance and volume of hair. While there are plentiful topical hair treatment options on the market, good nutrition provides support for hair from within, and provides hair follicle cells the vital nutrients necessary to generate healthy hair. Oral supplementation with OptiMSM^® can benefit hair because it provides the sulfur required for keratin and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

A 2023 study published in the Natural Medicine Journal² followed 41 individuals with diagnosed telogen effluvium hair loss (a common type of hair loss, typically on top of the scalp) who agreed to take 1,000 mg of OptiMSM for 120 days while completing dermatological clinical assessments at 45, 90, and 120 days of the supplement regimen. After taking the supplement for just 45 days, 80% of the subjects observed an increase or improvement of hair amount and hair thickness, which remained high and even increased slightly after 120 days. Growth of new hairs was observed by 92.5% of the subjects after 45 days and the effect was maintained for the course of the study. 

Furthermore, 75% of the subjects noticed their hair to be less brittle after taking the MSM, and this percentage increased to 87.8% after 120 days. For the objective measurements, a statistically significant improvement of hair density, hair density terminal (the thick, long hair often found on the scalp vs “peach fuzz”), and hair diameter was observed after 120 days of OptiMSM use. 

References

1. Abou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E. Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health 2024;e000823. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823 
2. Benjamin R, Cortinoz JR, Guerra LO, Muizzuddin N. Methylsulfonylmethane and Hair Health; Effect of a sulfur-containing supplement on improving hair condition. (2023) Natural Medicine Journal Vol 16; No 201 (suppl) p. 19-29.