TLDR Certain micronutrients may improve hair and nail health, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits.
The 2010 document reviews the impact of micronutrients on hair and nail health, highlighting a lack of strong scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of supplementation in the absence of deficiencies. It notes that genetics primarily determine hair and nail quality, and while deficiencies in certain micronutrients can cause hair loss and brittle nails, the response to supplementation is not well established. The document details the effects of various vitamins, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, D, and E, and biotin, as well as essential fatty acids and other substances like silicon, on hair and nail health, with mixed results. Biotin is recognized for improving brittle nails and hair density, with a recommended dose of at least 5 mg daily. A double-blind placebo-controlled study showed that orthosilicic acid at 50 mg/day reduced hair and nail brittleness over 20 weeks. However, the document concludes that more research is necessary to confirm the benefits of micronutrients and herbal medicines for hair and nail health, as the results are not universally applicable to all individuals.
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160 citations
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August 2007 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The study suggests silicon might be important for healthy hair, as less silicon was found in people with hair loss.
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March 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Higher serum ferritin levels than currently used might be needed to rule out iron deficiency in women with hair loss.
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July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.
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February 2002 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Some hair loss can be treated, especially in women due to nutrition, but some types remain untreatable.
