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 nutritional supplements are commonly used for treating hair loss, there is limited data on their efficacy and safety.

Types of Hair Loss

The most common type of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, which is 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, the 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, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss, and telogen effluvium, which is a condition that results in diffuse hair shedding.

Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins for Hair Loss

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

Some of the nutritional 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 the 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 of 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 shedding. A study of patients with telogen effluvium found that supplementation with vitamin C was associated with a reduction in hair shedding and an increase in hair growth (Konstantinov & Proksch, 2015).

Zinc

Zinc has been studied for its ability to reduce hair shedding and increase hair growth. A study of patients with alopecia areata found that supplementation with zinc sulfate was associated with a decrease in hair shedding 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 have suggested that supplementing with iron may reduce hair shedding and increase hair growth. A study of women with androgenetic alopecia found that supplementation with iron 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 shedding. A study of women with androgenetic alopecia found that supplementation with biotin 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 thinning and improve hair growth. A study of patients with androgenetic alopecia found that supplementation with saw palmetto 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 thinning and improve hair growth. A study of patients with androgenetic alopecia found that supplementation with collagen 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 supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids 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 thinning 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).

Preventative Suggestions

In addition to taking nutritional supplements and vitamins, there are other steps that can be taken to 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 nutritional supplements are commonly used for treating hair loss, there are limited data on their efficacy and safety, and a recent review summarizing data from 30 prior human studies suggests that nutritional supplements could potentially treat certain types of hair loss while having generally tolerable side effects. In addition to taking nutritional supplements and vitamins, there are other steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of hair loss, such as avoiding hairstyles that pull on the hair too tightly, using a mild shampoo and conditioner, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, and reducing stress.