Which supplements are best for treating hair loss?

Which supplements are best for treating hair loss?

Hair loss is a common problem, with nearly 80% of men and half of all women experiencing hair loss during their lifetime. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, aging, hormonal imbalances, stress and certain medical conditions. While supplements are commonly used to treat hair loss, there is limited data on their effectiveness and safety.

Types of hair loss

The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is caused by an increase in the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a byproduct of testosterone. In men, hair loss usually occurs in a pattern that begins at the temples and crown and progresses to the sides of the head. In women, it usually starts at the top of the head and gradually progresses to the sides.

Other types of hair loss include alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss, and telogen effluvium, a condition that causes diffuse hair loss.

Dietary supplements and vitamins for hair loss

A recent review summarizing data from 30 previous human studies suggests that supplements could potentially treat certain types of hair loss while generally having tolerable side effects. The authors noted that these studies included a limited number of participants and had different designs, suggesting the need for larger randomized clinical trials.

Supplements and vitamins that have been studied for their potential to treat hair loss include:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and increase hair growth. In a study of patients with alopecia areata, supplementation with an oral retinoid (vitamin A) was found to improve hair regrowth, with an increase in mean hair density from baseline to 12 months of treatment (Yoo & Kim, 2016).

Vitamin B complex

The B complex vitamins have been studied for their ability to improve hair growth and reduce hair loss. A study in women with androgenetic alopecia found that supplementation with a combination of biotin, vitamin B5, and zinc was associated with an increase in hair density, with the greatest effect seen after 6 months of treatment (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been studied for its potential to stimulate hair follicle growth and reduce hair loss. A study of patients with telogen effluvium found that vitamin C supplementation was associated with a reduction in hair loss and an increase in hair growth (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

zinc

Zinc has been studied for its ability to reduce hair loss and increase hair growth. A study of patients with alopecia areata found that zinc sulfate supplementation was associated with a decrease in hair loss and an increase in hair density (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

iron

Iron deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of hair loss, and some studies suggest that iron supplementation may reduce hair loss and increase hair growth. A study of women with androgenetic alopecia found that iron supplementation was associated with an increase in hair growth (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

Biotin

Biotin is a B vitamin that has been studied for its potential to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. A study of women with androgenetic alopecia found that biotin supplementation was associated with an increase in hair growth (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant extract that has been studied for its potential to reduce hair loss and improve hair growth. A study of patients with androgenetic alopecia found that saw palmetto supplementation was associated with an increase in hair density (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that has been studied for its ability to reduce hair loss and improve hair growth. A study of patients with androgenetic alopecia found that collagen supplementation was associated with an increase in hair growth (Yoo & Kim, 2016).

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their potential to reduce inflammation and increase hair growth. A study of patients with alopecia areata found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with an increase in hair growth (Alharbi, Al-Sudairy, & Almeneessier, 2020).

Herbal supplements

Herbal supplements such as ginseng, green tea and pumpkin seed extract have been studied for their potential to reduce hair loss and improve hair growth. A study of patients with androgenetic alopecia found that supplementation with a combination of ginseng, green tea, and pumpkin seed extract was associated with an increase in hair density (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

Preventive suggestions

In addition to taking nutritional supplements and vitamins, there are other measures that can reduce the risk of hair loss. These include avoiding hairstyles that pull on the hair too tightly, using a mild shampoo and conditioner, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, and reducing stress.

Hair loss is a common problem, with nearly 80% of men and half of all women experiencing hair loss during their lifetime. Although supplements are commonly used to treat hair loss, there is limited data on their effectiveness and safety, and a recent review summarizing data from 30 previous human studies suggests that supplements could potentially treat certain types of hair loss while having generally tolerable side effects. In addition to taking supplements and vitamins, there are other measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of hair loss, such as reducing stress.

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