Micronutrients for Hair and Nails: A Review of Their Impact on Health

January 2010 in “ Springer eBooks ”

Eckart Haneke, Robert Baran

micronutrients hair loss brittle nails B vitamins vitamin C vitamin D vitamin E biotin essential fatty acids silicon orthosilicic acid vitamin B

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.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Melatonin as a Major Skin Protectant: From Free Radical Scavenging to DNA Damage Repair

160 citations, July 2008 in “Experimental dermatology”

Melatonin protects the skin by scavenging free radicals and repairing DNA damage.

research Vitamin D Receptor: Key Roles in Bone Mineral Pathophysiology, Molecular Mechanism of Action, and Novel Nutritional Ligands

137 citations, December 2007 in “Journal of bone and mineral research”

Vitamin D and its receptor are crucial for bone health and can be influenced by certain fats and curcumin.

research Iron and Hair Loss in Women: What Is Deficiency? This Is the Real Question!

8 citations, February 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.

research Silicon in Hair Loss: A Preliminary SEM Microanalysis Study

4 citations, February 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.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations, April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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

27 citations, December 2005 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Niacin derivatives may increase hair fullness in women with hair loss.

research Dermatologic Signs in Patients with Eating Disorders

130 citations, January 2005 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia cause skin problems, and dermatologists can help detect these disorders early for better treatment outcomes.

Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

research Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

78 citations, February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

239 citations, 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.

research Causes of Hair Loss and Developments in Hair Rejuvenation

69 citations, 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.

Similar Research

5 / 524 results

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations, December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review

63 citations, May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but more research is needed to understand if supplements can help treat it.

research Health Is Wealth and Wealth Is Pugos Nutrition

January 2020 in “Asian journal of applied science and technology”

Good nutrition is crucial for health and preventing disease, and supplements can help prevent nutrient deficiencies.

research Risks of Skin, Hair, and Nail Supplements

7 citations, October 2020 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

Some skin, hair, and nail supplements can be toxic, interact with medications, affect lab tests, and may increase cancer risk.

research A Systematic Review on Topical Marketed Formulations, Natural Products, and Oral Supplements to Prevent Androgenic Alopecia

14 citations, October 2020 in “Natural Products and Bioprospecting”

Various treatments, including FDA-approved drugs, natural products, and oral supplements, can help with hair loss, but a patient's medical history and potential allergies should be considered when choosing a treatment.