Vitamins vs. minoxidil: who wins the battle for hair growth?

#Vitamin B7 vs. Minoxidil: Who Wins the Hair Growth Battle?

Hair loss is a common concern affecting people of various ages and genders. Among the most discussed solutions to promote hair growth are the use of minoxidil and vitamin supplementation. Below, we will explore both approaches in detail, backed by scientific studies, to help those looking for effective options to combat hair loss.

##Minoxidil: An Effective Topical Treatment

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Originally developed to treat hypertension, one of its side effects was found to be hair growth, leading to its reformulation as a topical treatment. Its mechanism of action involves dilating blood vessels in the scalp, improving circulation and delivering more nutrients to the hair follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth.

Studies have shown that using 5% minoxidil can significantly increase hair density compared to lower concentrations or placebos. It is important to note that results may vary by individual and that consistency in its application is key to obtaining visible benefits. The most common side effects include scalp irritation and, in rare cases, unwanted hair growth in adjacent areas. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a health professional before starting its use.

It is important to say that this is a widely used treatment to address androgenetic alopecia, both in men and women. However, it is essential to understand that this medication is not suitable for all people or for all types of hair loss. In addition, it should not be considered as a preventive or maintenance measure for those people who do not have symptoms of alopecia.

Although minoxidil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth in cases of androgenetic alopecia, its use is not without limitations. For example, its effectiveness is greatest in people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent. According to MedlinePlus, "Minoxidil is most effective in people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent." In addition, its effectiveness may be limited in areas with extensive hair loss or in people who have experienced baldness for extended periods. It is essential that patients be evaluated individually to determine if minoxidil is the most appropriate therapeutic option for their specific situation.

Not a Preventive or Maintenance Treatment

One of the key differences of minoxidil compared to other approaches is that it is not designed to prevent hair loss in individuals who do not yet have symptoms of alopecia. Its mechanism of action focuses on revitalizing weakened hair follicles, so its application in people without signs of hair loss is not recommended and may be ineffective. Furthermore, minoxidil should not be considered as a maintenance solution to maintain the current state of the hair in the absence of diagnosed alopecia. Its use is specifically indicated to treat already manifest hair loss

Is the combination of using minoxidil and taking vitamins a good marriage?

Combining the use of minoxidil with the intake of vitamin supplements, such as biotin, is a strategy that some people consider to address hair loss. However, it is essential to understand how these treatments interact and what evidence supports their use together.

The combination of topical minoxidil and biotin supplements has been studied to evaluate their joint efficacy in hair growth. A randomized, crossover clinical trial, published in 2024, investigated the effects of applying 5% minoxidil twice daily and consuming 5 mg of oral biotin daily in healthy men without hair disorders. The results showed that while individual use of minoxidil or biotin did not produce a significant increase in hair growth rate, the combination of both treatments did so in the first 14 days of use. However, the authors noted the need for further studies to confirm these findings in the long term and in different populations.

Regarding scalp irritation associated with minoxidil use, no scientific evidence has been found to support that biotin helps mitigate these side effects. Irritation is often related to components such as propylene glycol present in some minoxidil formulations. To reduce these discomforts, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist, who can suggest alternatives such as propylene glycol-free solutions or adjust the concentration of the treatment.

**Note: It is important to note that although biotin is an essential vitamin involved in nutrient metabolism, its additional supplementation in people without documented deficiency has not shown clear benefits on hair health. **

It is essential to differentiate who each treatment is intended for, since minoxidil and vitamin supplements, such as biotin, have very different purposes and mechanisms of action.

Who is best for hair growth?

If we're talking strictly about stimulating hair growth in cases of androgenetic alopecia, minoxidil is the treatment with the most scientific backing. Its ability to prolong the growth phase of the hair follicle makes it effective in people who have already begun to experience hair loss. However, it is not a universal solution, as its effectiveness depends on the type and stage of alopecia, and requires continued use to maintain results.

On the other hand, vitamins and supplements are not designed to stimulate hair growth in people with hormonally-derived alopecia. Their role is rather to support hair health in those with specific nutritional deficiencies. If a person has a balanced diet and is not suffering from deficiencies, taking supplements like biotin will likely not have a significant impact on their hair.

Key Differences: Who is each for?

Minoxidil: For people with diagnosed androgenetic alopecia who are looking to reactivate growth in areas where hair is thinning or falling out. It is not a preventative or maintenance treatment if there are no signs of hair loss. Vitamins and supplements: For people with hair loss related to nutritional deficiencies (for example, iron deficiency anemia, biotin or zinc deficiency). They are not used to treat androgenetic alopecia or enhance the effects of minoxidil. In conclusion, if the goal is to stimulate hair growth in hormonal alopecia, minoxidil is the best option. Vitamins, on the other hand, play a complementary role in specific cases of deficiency, but do not replace medical treatments.

Vitamins and supplements: For people with hair loss related to nutritional deficiencies (for example, iron deficiency anemia, biotin or zinc deficiency). They are not used to treat androgenetic alopecia or enhance the effects of minoxidil. In conclusion, if the goal is to stimulate hair growth in hormonal alopecia, minoxidil is the best option. Vitamins, on the other hand, play a complementary role in specific cases of deficiency, but do not replace medical treatments.

Vitamins and Supplements: Support from Within

Proper nutrition is essential for hair health. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin D, iron, and zinc have been associated with hair loss. For example, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to different types of alopecia, and its supplementation has shown improvements in some cases. However, it is essential to understand that vitamin supplementation is most effective in individuals with specific deficiencies. For those without such deficiencies, excess of certain vitamins will not necessarily promote greater hair growth and may even have adverse effects. In addition, some supplements combine ingredients such as caffeine, saw palmetto extract, and other natural compounds that studies have shown may contribute to hair health. However, scientific evidence on the effectiveness of these supplements is limited and further research is required to confirm their benefits.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Option?

The choice between minoxidil and vitamin supplements largely depends on the underlying cause of hair loss. If hair loss is due to genetic or hormonal factors, minoxidil has proven to be an effective option for stimulating hair growth. On the other hand, if hair loss is related to nutritional deficiencies, correcting these through a balanced diet or specific supplements can be beneficial. In many cases, a combination of both approaches, under the supervision of a health care professional, can offer the best results. It is essential to consult with a dermatologist or hair health specialist to identify the precise cause of hair loss and determine the most suitable treatment for each individual.

Capilclinic. (n.d.). Itching from minoxidil: causes and solutions. Retrieved from https://www.capilclinic.es/blog/picores-por-minoxidil/

CNN in Spanish. (2022, February 3). Study finds which treatment for male pattern baldness is most effective. Retrieved from https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2022/02/03/estudio-tratamiento-calvicie-masculina-trax

Elsevier. (2011). Alopecias. Revista Médica Clínica Las Condes, 22(4), 478-486. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-revista-medica-clinica-las-condes-202-articulo-alopecias-S0716864011704904

Healthline. (2019, March 20). Does Biotin Work for Hair Growth?. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/es/funciona-la-biotina-para-el-crecimiento-del-cabello

Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. (2012). Biotin. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/es/mic/vitaminas/biotina

Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 26). Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932

Medigraphic. (2006). Minoxidil 5% in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Cosmetic, Medical and Surgical Dermatology, 4(2), 91-92. Retrieved from https://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/cutanea/mc-2006/mc062k.pdf

Medigraphic. (2022). Minoxidil in the treatment of alopecia. Cosmetic, Medical and Surgical Dermatology, 20(3), 171-176. Retrieved from https://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/cosmetica/dcm-2022/dcm223q.pdf

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Topical minoxidil. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/meds/a689003-es.html

Medscape. (2020, February 3). Treatment of alopecia with oral minoxidil: 5 key aspects. Retrieved from https://espanol.medscape.com/verarticulo/5908458

MurciaSalud. (2014, March 3). Use of biotin in patients with hair loss. Retrieved from https://www.murciasalud.es/preevid/21241

Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. (2019, April 9). Biotin: Data in Spanish. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-DatosEnEspanol/

SEME. (2020). Updated review of the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia. Retrieved from https://www.seme.org/revista/articulos/revision-actualizada-del-tratamiento-de-la-alopecia-androgenetica-femenina

Vinci Hair Clinic. (n.d.). Do they really work? We review six hair growth supplements. Retrieved from https://vincihairclinic.com/en/do-they-really-work-we-review-six-hair-growth-supplements/