From the Guidelines
B vitamins, particularly biotin, play a crucial role in maintaining hair thickness by supporting cellular metabolism and promoting healthy hair growth. When considering the role of B vitamins in hair thickness, it's essential to look at the most recent and highest quality studies. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology in 2017 1, biotin is an important coenzyme for carboxylation reactions, and its deficiency can lead to hair loss. The study also mentions that supplementation with biotin has been successful in treating brittle nails and may have a positive effect on hair growth. Another study published in the same journal in 2017 1 discusses the role of folate and vitamin B12 in hair growth, highlighting their importance in nucleic acid production and hair follicle function. However, the study notes that there are few studies assessing B vitamin status in patients with alopecia areata, and more research is needed to fully understand their role. Given the current evidence, taking a daily B-complex supplement containing 30-100 mcg of biotin, along with other B vitamins at 100% of the recommended daily allowance, may help support hair health. It's also important to incorporate B vitamin-rich foods into your diet, such as eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, and to maintain a comprehensive approach to hair health that includes proper nutrition, stress management, and gentle hair care practices. Key points to consider include:
- Biotin deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss
- Folate and vitamin B12 are important for hair follicle function and nucleic acid production
- More research is needed to fully understand the role of B vitamins in hair growth
- A daily B-complex supplement and a balanced diet can help support hair health.
From the Research
B Vitamins and Hair Thickness
B vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair, including hair thickness. The following points highlight the relationship between B vitamins and hair thickness:
- Biotin, a B vitamin, is essential for hair growth and maintenance, as it assists in fatty acid synthesis, branched-chain amino acid catabolism, and gluconeogenesis 2.
- Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, with a study finding that 38% of women complaining of hair loss had biotin deficiency 2.
- Vitamin B, along with other vitamins and minerals, is involved in the normal hair follicle cycle, playing a role in cellular turnover and immune cell function 3.
- Deficiency of micronutrients like vitamin B may represent a modifiable risk factor associated with the development, prevention, and treatment of alopecia 3.
Evidence for B Vitamins in Hair Thickness
The current evidence on the role of B vitamins in hair thickness is limited, with some studies suggesting that biotin supplementation may be beneficial for hair growth in individuals with biotin deficiency or underlying pathologies 2, 4.
- A review of the literature found that biotin has widespread popularity as a hair supplement, but the evidence supporting its efficacy is limited, with high-quality studies showing no significant difference between biotin and placebo groups for hair growth 5.
- Another review found that biotin supplementation may be beneficial for hair growth in cases of acquired and inherited causes of biotin deficiency, as well as pathologies like brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair, but the evidence is limited, and more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of biotin supplementation for hair growth in healthy individuals 4.