Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Vitamin Intended for Hair and Nail Enhancement Potentially Linked to Severe Health Issue
A Texas woman, Jenny Ramirez, is facing a serious health crisis, with doctors suspecting a common over-the-counter vitamin supplement, marketed for hair, skin, and nail health, may be the cause of her liver failure. This case raises concerns about the safety and regulation of supplements and ingredients like MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Ramirez, initially taking the vitamin to counteract hair loss experienced during her weight loss journey, now warns others about potential risks.
Unexpected Symptoms and Diagnosis
Jenny Ramirez, a mother of four from Fort Worth, Texas, had been actively pursuing weight loss for several months and achieving positive results. However, she also experienced unwanted hair thinning, a known side effect of nutrient deficiencies sometimes associated with weight loss.
To address this, Ms. Ramirez began using a readily available vitamin supplement that promised to improve the condition of her hair, skin, and nails.
Shortly after starting the vitamins in late February, she noticed a concerning change: her eyes and skin began to turn yellow.
Liver Failure and Suspected Cause
Medical evaluations revealed that Ms. Ramirez was suffering from liver failure. Her gastroenterologist identified methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), typically considered a harmless component, present in her vitamin supplement, as the likely trigger.
Research generally portrays MSM as safe, even suggesting it might offer protection against liver damage.
Some researchers have proposed that MSM could potentially worsen liver damage in individuals with pre-existing conditions, although no documented instances of this adverse effect have been reported.
Gallbladder Removal and Jaundice
Ms. Ramirez developed jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of her skin and eyes. She also underwent surgery to remove her gallbladder due to the formation of hardened deposits that were obstructing bile flow between the liver and gallbladder.
The gallbladder’s function is to store and release bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallbladder removal might be necessary if these hard deposits impede bile flow.
It remains unclear how Ms. Ramirez’s physician determined MSM as the causative agent. Supplements, unlike prescription medications, are not subject to stringent FDA oversight and can be vulnerable to contamination during production or contain excessively high dosages.
Consumer Warning on Social Media
From her hospital bed, Ms. Ramirez issued a warning to her followers on TikTok about the potential dangers of the supplement, manufactured and sold by a well-known drugstore chain.
She recounted her experience, stating, “They couldn’t identify the problem, except for the need to remove my gallbladder.”
“Initially, hepatitis was suspected, but tests repeatedly came back negative. Doctors then inquired about any new medications or vitamins I had started.”
She explained that with her weight loss, she had increased her intake of supplements to maintain strength and address potential nutritional gaps resulting from dietary changes.
Among these was a supplement formulated to fortify hair and nail protein, enhance collagen production, and increase mineral levels like zinc and vitamin E.
Ms. Ramirez continued, “It didn’t register initially that the hair and nail vitamin could be related. But then my GI doctor came in and asked if I had started a hair growth vitamin. And I said, yes.”
The doctor informed her that the vitamin had “induced liver failure.”
“Exercise caution with these vitamins, these supplements,” she cautioned.
Rarity of the Case and Scientific Context
Ms. Ramirez’s situation appears to be an uncommon occurrence, as no similar cases have been documented in medical literature for humans or animal models.
On her GoFundMe page, she expressed disbelief, stating, “I never imagined I would be in this situation.”
Notably, the supplement Ms. Ramirez took, a CVS brand product, contained a low dose of MSM – 0.1 grams. The generally recommended daily intake of MSM ranges from one to six grams.
Studies on MSM and Liver Health
A 2018 study involving rats indicated that MSM offered protection against liver damage triggered by high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Another rat study using high MSM doses, approximately five grams per kilogram of body weight, found no evidence of liver toxicity.
Human trials have yielded similar results. A 2006 study reported no adverse effects on the liver in individuals consuming six grams of MSM daily for three months.
Another study published in Nutrients journal described MSM as “well tolerated” in people with arthritis, suggesting “emerging research indicates MSM may eventually assist in treating various cancers.”
However, MSM can be detrimental in excessively high quantities.
A 2013 Springer Nature study revealed that while standard human-equivalent doses of MSM showed positive effects on knee cartilage health in animals, doses 100 times higher led to organ atrophy, including the liver and spleen.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) designates a safe daily intake range for MSM between one and four grams.
The 0.1-gram MSM dosage in Ms. Ramirez’s supplement is significantly below levels generally considered risky for humans.
Other Supplement Ingredients and Liver Concerns
Medical professionals have highlighted that other components found in certain hair, skin, and nail supplements could potentially induce harm.
Dr. Supriya Joshi, a liver specialist in Toronto, advises caution regarding ingredients frequently found in popular hair growth supplements.
These ingredients include ashwagandha and turmeric, which raise concerns “often due to impurities, excessive dosages, and potential interactions with other medications”.
Expert Advice on Supplement Use
Dr. Joshi noted that “the most prevalent supplements linked to liver problems, even liver failure, are turmeric or curcumins, green tea extract, ashwagandha, red yeast rice, and black cohosh.”
“If you’re considering supplements to improve your health, first determine your reasons and if lifestyle modifications could achieve similar benefits. Secondly, understand the dosage, the specific ingredients, and always communicate with your healthcare providers.”
Regulatory Gaps in Supplement Industry
Many supplements and vitamins are not regulated by the FDA, making it difficult to ascertain the accuracy of product labeling.
This lack of oversight means manufacturers can include undeclared ingredients, some of which could interact negatively with prescription drugs.
The FDA typically intervenes only after a product is proven harmful, although it does conduct inspections of supplement manufacturing facilities.