Does aloe help your body absorb vitamins for hair?

The question sounds intriguing, almost like the beginning of a serendipitous discovery: What if aloe vera, that ubiquitous plant found in soothing gels and sunscreens, is doing more for our hair health than we think? In particular, could it be helping the body absorb key vitamins for hair growth, without us even noticing?

When we talk about "facilitator," we’re not referring to something powerful or direct like a medication, but rather a subtle assistance that improves conditions for something to happen. In this case, for the body to better absorb certain nutrients.

Aloe vera has historically been valued for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. One small study has looked at aloe and vitamin absorption (see below). The idea is that components of aloe, like its polysaccharides, might change how some compounds pass into the bloodstream. This is a hypothesis, not an established effect.

Aloe does not treat alopecia or hormone-driven hair loss such as that caused by DHT. No trial has tested whether aloe improves hair by improving vitamin absorption.

Could an ancient plant boost a modern vitamin?

One of the most promoted nutrients for hair growth is biotin. This B-vitamin plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. But its absorption can be impaired by gastrointestinal issues, excessive consumption of raw egg whites (which contain avidin, a protein that inhibits biotin), or medical conditions affecting the intestinal lining.

No study has shown that aloe improves biotin absorption. If you take biotin, tell your doctor before blood tests: in a small study, 10 mg a day of biotin for one week caused falsely high or falsely low results in some common lab tests, including thyroid tests (Li et al., 2017).

A new look at hair supplements: are we underestimating the vehicle?

The one human study found is small. It gave single doses of vitamin C or vitamin E, with or without aloe, to 8–10 healthy volunteers and measured blood levels for 24 hours. Aloe changed how fast the vitamins reached the blood; the vitamin C difference was not statistically significant (Vinson et al., 2005). It did not look at hair, biotin, or people with deficiencies.

Does the gut also play a role in hair loss?

**When talking about alopecia, especially androgenetic alopecia, the conversation usually focuses on hormonal factors like DHT or genetic predisposition. However, the condition of the gut is increasingly considered an indirect factor in hair health. **

While the gut doesn’t “cause” hair loss, it is where many of the nutrients essential for hair growth are absorbed: B-vitamins, iron, zinc, and others. In some individuals, especially those with digestive diseases or altered microbiota, this absorption can be impaired. We found no verified study showing that aloe improves the intestinal lining or nutrient uptake in people.

If you have a digestive condition that affects absorption, or a suspected deficiency, a doctor can test for it and treat it directly.

Is drinking aloe safe?

Drinking aloe has risks. Aloe latex can cause cramps and diarrhoea, and aloe leaf extracts taken by mouth have been linked to cases of liver inflammation (acute hepatitis) (NCCIH). Aloe latex was removed from US over-the-counter laxatives in 2002 (FDA, 67 FR 31125). A non-decolourised whole-leaf extract caused intestinal tumours in rats and is classed by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Guo & Mei, 2016). NCCIH states that aloe taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and that aloe latex may add to the side effects of heart medicines such as digoxin. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking aloe with other medicines or supplements.

Conclusion: What’s behind aloe and hair vitamins?

There is no good evidence that aloe helps your body use hair vitamins. The only human study found was a small single-dose test of vitamins C and E that did not look at hair. Drinking aloe has risks, including cramps, diarrhoea and rare liver problems. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking aloe with other medicines or supplements, and do not take it if pregnant.

References

Vinson, J. A., Al Kharrat, H., & Andreoli, L. (2005). Effect of aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 760-765. PMID 16323295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2003.12.013

Li, D., Radulescu, A., Shrestha, R. T., et al. (2017). Association of biotin ingestion with performance of hormone and nonhormone assays in healthy adults. JAMA, 318(12), 1150–1160. PMID 28973622. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.13705

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Aloe Vera. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera

Guo, X., & Mei, N. (2016). Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C. PMID 26986231. https://doi.org/10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2002). Status of Certain Additional Over-the-Counter Drug Category II and III Active Ingredients. Final rule. 67 FR 31125. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/05/09/02-11510