Unknown Safety Profile of Ingredients in Hair Supplements: A Call to Action for Improved Patient Safety

The document highlights concerns about the safety of ingredients in hair supplements, emphasizing that the composition of these supplements is not regulated by the FDA before marketing and only investigated post-market after adverse event reports. The authors point out that there is limited quality data on the efficacy of dietary supplements for hair growth and significant safety concerns, including interference with laboratory tests and potential harm during pregnancy. They note that excess supplementation of biotin can interfere with certain lab tests and has been linked to at least one death. High doses of selenium and vitamin A derivatives in hair supplements can cause hair loss, and saw palmetto extract, which inhibits 5α-reductase, may be unsafe for use during pregnancy but lacks proper labeling. The authors call for manufacturers to disclose ingredients and concentrations in hair supplements and demonstrate safety before including ingredients with unknown safety profiles. They also suggest that physicians advise patients to avoid hair supplements with unknown ingredients or concentrations.