TLDR Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.
In the 2013 document, Dr. Andreas M. Finner highlighted the role of nutrition in hair health, noting that deficiencies in various nutrients can lead to hair loss and other hair-related issues. Specific deficiencies such as those in protein, vitamins, and minerals were discussed, along with their symptoms. The document pointed out that while nutritional deficiencies can cause hair disorders, they are rare in developed countries and often overestimated. The effectiveness of dietary supplements for hair growth is generally not well-supported by evidence, except in cases of specific deficiencies. The document also discussed the potential negative effects of nutrient excess and toxins on hair health. A study involving 30 women indicated that a supplement containing L-cysteine, medicinal yeast, and pantothenic acid could benefit those with diffuse telogen effluvium. The conclusion emphasized that while treating specific nutrient deficiencies can improve hair health within 3 to 6 months, unspecific supplementation is not recommended without confirmed deficiencies, except for telogen effluvium treatment with L-cysteine. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of nutritional supplements on hair.
Cited in this study
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19 citations
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December 2008 in “Medical Journal of Australia” Baldness does not affect vitamin D levels in men.
56 citations
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January 2008 in “Dermatology” Higher iron levels in the blood are not linked to increased hair loss in women.
26 citations
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October 2007 in “Experimental Dermatology” L-Carnitine-L-tartrate may help hair grow and prevent hair loss.
13 citations
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September 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Vitamin D receptor gene variations are not linked to alopecia areata.
207 citations
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May 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.
22 citations
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May 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” More research is needed to determine if iron deficiency causes hair loss.
130 citations
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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.
163 citations
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November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.
239 citations
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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.
83 citations
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April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Having enough iron improves the effectiveness of a specific hair loss treatment in women.
28 citations
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September 1986 in “Pediatric dermatology” Zinc therapy improved hair health in a girl with acrodermatitis enteropathica.
98 citations
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January 2013 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.
