Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effect of Biotin Supplements
March 2021
in “Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques”
TLDR Biotin supplements are generally ineffective in preventing hair loss after sleeve gastrectomy.
The study involved 156 female patients who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and explored the incidence of hair loss and the impact of Biotin supplementation. Hair loss was reported by 72% of patients, typically starting 3-4 months post-surgery and lasting for about 5.5 months, with no cases of permanent alopecia. Biotin supplementation at 1000 mcg/day for 3 months was given to patients with Biotin deficiency, with 23% reporting a significant reduction in hair loss, while 38% of 29 non-deficient patients who self-administered Biotin reported a significant reduction. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of Biotin on hair loss between the two groups (P=.2). The study concluded that hair loss after LSG is common and Biotin supplementation is generally ineffective in preventing it. Additionally, the study warns against high-dose Biotin supplements due to potential interference with laboratory tests, which could lead to misdiagnosis.
View this study on liebertpub.com →
Cited in this study
research Hair Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
research Nutritional factors and hair loss
Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.