Which dietary supplements are best suited for the treatment of hair loss?

Which dietary supplements are best suited for the treatment of hair loss?

hair loss is a widespread problem, with almost 80 % of men and half of all women affect hair loss in the course of their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, aging, hormonal imbalances, stress and certain diseases. While nutritional supplements are often used to treat hair loss, there is only limited data on their effectiveness and security.

types of hair loss

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

Other types of hair loss are alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes spotty hair loss, and telogeneffluvium, a disease that leads to diffuse hair loss.

dietary supplements and vitamins for hair loss

A recently carried out overview that summarizes data from 30 earlier human studies suggests that nutritional supplements could possibly treat certain types of hair loss while generally have tolerable side effects. The authors found that these studies included a limited number of participants and had different designs, which indicates the need for larger randomized clinical studies.

The nutritional supplements and vitamins that have been examined for their potential for the treatment of hair loss belong:

vitamin A

vitamin A was examined for his potential to reduce inflammation and increase hair growth. In a study of patients with alopecia areata, it was found that the supplementation with an oral retinoid (vitamin A) improves the re -growing of the hair, with an increase in the middle hair density from the initial value to 12 months of treatment (Yoo & Kim, 2016).

vitamin B complex

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

vitamin C

vitamin C was examined for its potential to stimulate hair follicle growth and reduce hair loss. A study of patients with telogen-influvium showed that supplementation with vitamin C was associated with a reduction in hair loss and an increase in hair growth (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

zinc

zinc was examined for his ability to reduce hair loss and increase hair growth. A study of patients with alopecia areata showed that supplementation with zinc sulfate was associated with a decrease in hair loss and an increase in the hair density (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

iron

iron deficiency was associated with an increased risk of hair loss, and some studies indicate that supplementation with iron can reduce hair loss and increase hair growth. A study of women with androgenetic alopecia showed that supplementation was associated with iron with an increase in hair growth (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015)

Biotin

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

saw palm

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

Collagen

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

omega-3 fatty acids

omega-3 fatty acids were examined for their potential to reduce inflammation and increase hair growth. A study of patients with alopecia areata showed that supplementation was associated with omega-3 fatty acids with an increase in hair growth (Alharbi, al-Sudairy & Almeneeressier, 2020).

vegetable additions

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

Preventive suggestions

In addition to taking nutritional supplements and vitamins, there are further measures that can reduce the risk of hair loss. This includes avoiding hairstyles that pull too firmly on the hair, using a mild shampoo and conditioner, avoiding aggressive chemical treatments and reducing stress.

hair loss is a widespread problem, with almost 80 % of men and half of all women affect hair loss in the course of their lives. Although dietary supplements are often used to treat hair loss, there is only limited data on their effectiveness and security, and a recently carried out check that summarizes data from 30 earlier studies in humans, suggests that food supplements could possibly treat certain types of hair loss while they generally have tolerable side effects. In addition to taking nutritional supplements and vitamins, there are other measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of hair loss.

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