Effect of an Oral Probiotic Formula on Scalp and Facial Skin Condition, Glucose, and Lipid Metabolism

In a study involving 26 Chinese adults with hair loss and a high risk of metabolic syndrome, twice-daily supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic formula (18.1 billion CFU) for 12 weeks resulted in significant improvements in hair density for 96.2% of participants, with a median density level increase of 1 (interquartile range: 1-2). Participants also reported reduced hair loss, relief of scalp itching, and improvements in skin hydration and pH, along with decreases in transepidermal water loss and sebum. Additionally, the study found reductions in body weight and BMI, as well as improvements in glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, including increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased glucose, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers also improved, and participants experienced reduced perceived stress, better sleep quality, and an overall improvement in life quality and health. No changes were observed in glycated hemoglobin, insulin, immunoglobulin E, and interleukin-10 levels. The study suggests that probiotic supplementation may benefit hair growth, skin condition, metabolic health, and stress responses in individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome.