Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss

November 2022 in “ JAMA dermatology ”

Lara Drake, Sophia Reyes-Hadsall, Jeremy Martinez, Christina Heinrich, Kathie P. Huang, Arash Mostaghimi

Viviscal Nourkrin Nutrafol Lamdapil Pantogar capsaicin isoflavone omega 3 omega 6 antioxidants apple nutraceutical total glucosides of paeony compound glycyrrhizin tablets zinc tocotrienol pumpkin seed oil

From the encyclopedia

Omega 3 →

Zinc →

Pumpkin seed oil →

Studysummary This review suggests that certain nutritional supplements may have a potential role in improving hair loss, though evidence quality varies, and such treatments should be discussed collaboratively between physicians and patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This systematic review evaluated the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss by analyzing 30 studies, including 17 randomized clinical trials, 11 clinical studies, and 2 case series. The highest-quality evidence indicated potential benefits from supplements such as Viviscal, Nourkrin, Nutrafol, Lamdapil, Pantogar, capsaicin and isoflavone, omega 3 and 6 with antioxidants, apple nutraceutical, total glucosides of paeony and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, zinc, tocotrienol, and pumpkin seed oil. Adverse effects were rare and mild. The review highlights the need for shared decision-making between physicians and patients due to the lack of federal oversight and calls for future research with larger randomized controlled trials.

View this study on jamanetwork.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

32 / 32 results

research Growth Hormone and the Human Hair Follicle

14 citations , December 2021 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

This article reviews current knowledge and research gaps on growth hormone in hair follicle biology, highlighting its complex role and suggesting further exploration to reveal nonclassical skin functions.

research Current Perspectives on the Physiological Activities of Fermented Soybean-Derived Cheonggukjang

26 citations , May 2021 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

In this review, researchers examined the physiological benefits of Cheonggukjang, a salt-free fermented soybean paste, highlighting its various health-promoting components that may contribute to improved heart health, diabetes management, and cancer prevention, among other benefits.

research Efficacy of Oral Vitamin D3 Therapy in Patients Suffering from Diffuse Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium)

6 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology”

This study found that oral vitamin D3 therapy significantly improved hair regrowth in women with telogen effluvium in southern Punjab, Pakistan, especially among younger women not using sunscreen but consuming milk or milk protein.

research Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Possible Marker of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Telogen Effluvium

8 citations , May 2020 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This study found that serum ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly higher in patients with telogen effluvium compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential role of oxidative stress in the condition's pathogenesis.

Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

research Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

10 citations , May 2020 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

This review discusses "follicular hypoglycania" as a potential pathology in hair growth disorders and reports that proteoglycan replacement therapy may improve hair loss treatments, though it presents no new clinical trial results.

research Supplement Use Among Women Experiencing Hair Loss

3 citations , February 2020 in “International journal of women’s dermatology”

Most women with hair loss take more supplements than average, but these often don't help and can be risky and costly.

research Do Kimchi and Cheonggukjang Probiotics as a Functional Food Improve Androgenetic Alopecia? A Clinical Pilot Study

10 citations , August 2019 in “The World Journal of Men's Health”

This study found that administering a kimchi and cheonggukjang probiotic product promoted hair growth and increased hair thickness in individuals with patterned hair loss without causing adverse effects.

research Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

40 citations , August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review examines complementary and alternative medicine for alopecia and finds limited support from robust clinical trials, highlighting the need for standardized studies to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth in a Randomized Clinical Trial

research Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth in a Randomized Clinical Trial

27 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Medicinal Food”

In this study, researchers found that a polyphenolic extract from Annurca apples, high in procyanidin B2, increased hair growth, density, and keratin content in healthy subjects after 2 months of use, and stimulated keratin biosynthesis in vitro.

research The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review

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

This review found that patients with alopecia areata may have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but conflicting evidence precludes definitive clinical recommendations for micronutrient supplementation.

research Comparing the Effects of Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Their Combination, and Minoxidil Solution Regimens on Controlling Hair Loss in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

11 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of research in pharmacy practice”

This study found that the combination of zinc sulfate and calcium pantothenate improved hair density and participant satisfaction in women with hair loss, suggesting its potential as an initial treatment option.

research Serum Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss

23 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that women with female pattern hair loss had significantly lower serum Vitamin D3 levels compared to healthy controls.

research Evaluation of Serum Zinc Level in Patients With Newly Diagnosed and Resistant Alopecia Areata

52 citations , July 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significantly lower serum zinc levels, which correlated inversely with disease severity, duration, and resistance to therapies, suggesting zinc assessment as a marker of disease status.

research Effect of a Nutritional Supplement on Hair Loss in Women

38 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that a 6-month supplementation with omega 3, omega 6, and antioxidants significantly improved hair density and reduced hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss.

research A Marine Protein-Based Dietary Supplement for Subclinical Hair Thinning/Loss: Results of a Multisite, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

27 citations , January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that a marine-extract dietary supplement significantly reduced hair shedding and increased hair diameter in premenopausal women with subclinical hair thinning or hair loss after 6 months of use.

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

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

22 citations , January 2015 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

This study found that an oral marine protein supplement significantly increased hair growth and reduced hair shedding in women with temporary thinning hair over 90 days compared to a placebo.

research Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1: Roles in Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations , February 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that dermal papilla cells from balding scalp follicles secrete significantly less insulin-like growth factor-1 and its binding proteins, suggesting a mechanism contributing to male pattern baldness.

research Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

36 citations , January 2014 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

This study found that men with androgenetic alopecia treated with pumpkin seed oil for 24 weeks experienced a notable 40% increase in hair count compared to a 10% increase with a placebo.

Total Glucosides of Paeony Capsule Plus Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

research Total Glucosides of Paeony Capsule Plus Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

20 citations , January 2013 in “Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine”

This study found that TGPC plus CGT was more effective than CGT alone in reducing alopecia areata severity in children over 12 months, with similar safety profiles.

research Evaluation of Biophysical Skin Parameters and Assessment of Hair Growth in Patients with Acne Treated with Isotretinoin

37 citations , January 2013 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

This article discusses isotretinoin for severe acne vulgaris, noting its effectiveness but also highlighting significant side effects on skin, mucous membranes, and hair; it reports no new clinical results.

research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D in Female Hair Loss: Do They Play a Role?

62 citations , January 2013 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study found that low serum ferritin and vitamin D2 levels are associated with hair loss in females with chronic telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss, suggesting potential benefits of screening and supplementation.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Finasteride vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study

51 citations , October 2012 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

In this study, 68% of patients treated with finasteride showed improved hair growth in male androgenetic alopecia, compared to 38% with Serenoa repens, indicating finasteride's superior efficacy.

research Serenoa Repens: Does It Have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia?

28 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

This article discusses Serenoa repens for androgenetic alopecia and reports no strong evidence of its effectiveness, emphasizing the need for larger clinical trials.

research Selenium Toxicity: A Case of Selenosis Caused by a Nutritional Supplement

71 citations , June 2008 in “Annals of Internal Medicine”

This article describes a case of selenosis linked to excessive selenium in a nutritional supplement that led to a product recall due to toxicity concerns.

research Dietary Supplement Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Telogen Effluvium: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

47 citations , December 2006 in “Therapy”

This study found that a dietary supplement containing L-cystine, medicinal yeast, and pantothenic acid significantly improved hair growth in women with telogen effluvium over six months compared to placebo.

research Nourkrin: Objective and Subjective Effects and Tolerability in Persons with Hair Loss

15 citations , September 2006 in “Journal of International Medical Research”

This study found that Nourkrin®, based on marine proteins, significantly improved hair growth in participants with hair loss, with good tolerability and no reported side effects.

research Procyanidin Oligomers Counteract TGF-β1- and TGF-β2-Induced Apoptosis in Hair Epithelial Cells: An Insight into Their Mechanisms

14 citations , January 2006 in “Skin pharmacology and physiology”

This study found that procyanidin oligomers from apples and barley may stimulate hair growth by promoting hair epithelial cell proliferation and protecting them from apoptosis via MEK activation in a murine model.

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

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

68 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine”

This study suggests that botanical 5AR inhibitors like Serenoa repens and β-sitosterol may improve symptoms of androgenetic alopecia, with 60% of treated subjects showing improvement compared to placebo.

research Efficacy and Tolerability of Hairgain in Individuals with Hair Loss: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

18 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of International Medical Research”

In this study, a marine protein-based agent improved hair growth in subjects with various types of hair loss over a 12-month period, with good tolerability and no reported side effects.

research Investigation of Topical Application of Procyanidin B-2 from Apple to Identify Its Potential Use as a Hair Growing Agent

32 citations , December 2000 in “Phytomedicine”

In this study, 1% procyanidin B-2 tonic significantly increased the number of total and terminal hairs on the scalp of male participants compared to a placebo after 6 months of use.

A Comparative Study of a New Food Supplement, Viviscal, with Fish Extract for the Treatment of Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia in Young Males

research A Comparative Study of a New Food Supplement, Viviscal, with Fish Extract for the Treatment of Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia in Young Males

16 citations , November 1992 in “Journal of International Medical Research”

In this randomized study, ViviScal® significantly outperformed a fish extract in increasing non-vellus hair count and achieving clinical and histological improvement in young males with hereditary androgenic alopecia.

research Element Concentrations in Serum, Erythrocytes, Hair, and Urine of Alopecia Patients

51 citations , March 1986 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica”

This study found no differences in trace element concentrations between Finnish alopecia patients and the normal population, but noted significant serum copper variation among different alopecia subtypes.