Hair Supplements
January 2019
in “Elsevier eBooks”
TLDR Some supplements may help with hair loss, but there's not enough strong evidence to recommend them without doctor advice.
The 2019 document reviews the role of dietary supplements in hair loss treatment, examining the evidence for various nutrients. It highlights that while some studies suggest benefits from supplements like vitamin E, which showed a significant increase in hair count in an RCT, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which increased hair density in a 120-woman RCT, the overall efficacy of many supplements in treating hair loss without deficiency is not well-supported. The document also notes the potential of topical treatments like caffeine and melatonin, and plant-derived 5a-reductase inhibitors, but emphasizes the need for more research. It concludes that while there are promising results, the evidence is not robust, and patients should be cautious about using supplements without medical guidance due to potential toxicities and lack of strong evidence for their effectiveness.
View this study on sciencedirect.com →
Cited in this study
research Changes of serum trace elements level in patients with alopecia areata: A meta‐analysis
Low serum levels of zinc and selenium may increase the risk of alopecia areata.
research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss
Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.
research A 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of a marine complex supplement to promote hair growth in men with thinning hair
The marine complex supplement significantly improved hair growth in men with thinning hair without adverse effects.
research Serum vitamin D3 level in patients with female pattern hair loss
research Role of Arachidonic Acid in Promoting Hair Growth
Arachidonic acid helps hair grow by increasing growth factors and improving follicle health.
research Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss
Biotin deficiency is not a major cause of hair loss in women, so biotin supplements are not likely to be an effective hair loss treatment.
research Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women
The nutritional supplement improved hair density and reduced hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss.
research A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair
An extra-strength marine protein supplement helped increase hair growth and decrease hair shedding in women with thinning hair.
research Retinoids Putting the “A” in Alopecia
Vitamin A may influence hair loss conditions like alopecia, but more research is needed to understand how.
research Endogenous Retinoids in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata
research Retinoid Metabolism Is Altered in Human and Mouse Cicatricial Alopecia
Altered retinoid metabolism in cicatricial alopecia suggests a balanced vitamin A diet may prevent the condition.
research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss
People with hair loss, especially those with certain types, have lower zinc levels, and zinc supplements might help.
research Nutrition and Hair
Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.
research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.
research Oral zinc therapy for zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium
Taking zinc supplements can help improve or cure hair loss caused by zinc deficiency.
research The Influence of Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine Treatment on Serum Biotin and Zinc Levels and on Biotinidase Activity
Valproic acid and carbamazepine do not change biotin or biotinidase levels but may lower zinc levels, still within normal range.
research Iron deficiency and diffuse nonscarring scalp alopecia in women: More pieces to the puzzle
The conclusion suggests a possible link between iron levels and hair health in women, recommending further research on iron supplementation for hair loss.
research Nutrition and hair
Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.
research Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss
Combined minoxidil and tretinoin solution works as well as regular minoxidil for male hair loss.
research The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss
Iron deficiency may be related to hair loss, but there's not enough evidence to recommend iron screening or supplements for all hair loss patients.
research A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia
Niacin derivatives may increase hair fullness in women with hair loss.
research Melatonin increases anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.
research Decreased Serum Ferritin is Associated With Alopecia in Women
Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.
research The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial
Minoxidil and pyrithione zinc combo most effectively increases hair density.
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.
research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Plant extracts effectively reduce hair loss and increase growth, offering a safe alternative treatment.
research Influence of tretinoin on the percutaneous absorption of minoxidil from an aqueous topical solution
Tretinoin cream boosts minoxidil absorption, possibly improving hair loss treatment.
Related
research The Effect of a Food Supplement and a Hair Lotion on the Progression of Androgenetic Alopecia
research Hair loss (alopecia or baldness)
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
research Treatments of hereditary hair loss (alopecia)
Some treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and surgery can help with hereditary hair loss.
research Controlled clinical trial for evaluation of hair growth with low dose cyclical nutrition therapy in men and women without the use of finasteride
Low dose cyclical nutrition therapy can consistently and safely improve hair growth and density without needing anti-androgens.
research Growing evidence of the beneficial effects of a marine protein-based dietary supplement for treating hair loss
A marine protein-based dietary supplement can safely boost hair growth and reduce hair loss in people with thinning hair.
research Efficacy of a Nutritional Supplement, Standardized in Fatty Acids and Phytosterols, on Hair Loss and Hair Health in both Women and Men
The nutritional supplement improved hair quality and reduced hair loss.
research Treatment of Hair Loss
Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.