From the Guidelines
Vitamin D supplements (1000-2000 IU daily) may be beneficial for treating hair thinning (alopecia) due to its established role in hair follicle health and potential association with autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, as suggested by studies such as 1. When considering supplements for hair thinning, it's essential to look at the most recent and highest quality studies.
- The role of vitamin D in hair health is supported by its presence in hair follicle keratinocytes and the observation of hair loss in individuals with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II, as noted in 1.
- Some studies have found an association between lower serum vitamin D levels and alopecia areata, although the evidence is not yet conclusive, as discussed in 1.
- Topical vitamin D analogs, such as calcipotriol, have shown promise in treating alopecia areata, with some studies demonstrating significant hair regrowth, as reported in 1.
- Other supplements like biotin (2.5-5mg daily) and zinc (50mg daily) may also be beneficial, but the evidence is less robust, as seen in 2 and 3.
- It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of hair thinning and rule out any underlying medical conditions before starting a supplement regimen, as supplements alone may not address all types of hair loss.
- Combining supplements with topical treatments like minoxidil (5% solution applied twice daily) and considering prescription options like finasteride (1mg daily for men only) may lead to more significant results, as suggested by the example answer.
- Results from supplement use typically take 3-6 months to become noticeable, and consistency is key, as mentioned in the example answer.
From the FDA Drug Label
Minoxidil topical solution 5% is a clear, light amber liquid medication containing 5% minoxidil for use only on the scalp to help regrow hair in men. The available supplement for treating hair thinning (alopecia) mentioned in the drug label is minoxidil topical solution 5%.
- It is clinically proven to help regrow hair.
- It reactivates hair follicles to stimulate regrowth.
- It is for use only by men with hair loss or thinning hair that begins on the vertex of the scalp 4.
From the Research
Supplements for Treating Hair Thinning
Several supplements have been studied for their potential in treating hair thinning, including:
- Nutraceuticals with standardized botanicals, which have been shown to improve hair growth and quality in men 5 and women 6
- Supplements containing omega 3&6 and antioxidants, which have been found to improve hair density and reduce telogen hair percentage in women 7
- Herbal preparations, such as those containing Curcuma aeruginosa, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, Trifolium pratense, and Panax ginseng, which have been found to have an evidence-based effect against alopecia 8
- A novel multi-targeting approach using standardized nutraceuticals, which has been found to address not only the factors that trigger hair loss but also the downstream mediators of inflammation 9
Key Ingredients
Some key ingredients that have been found to be effective in treating hair thinning include:
- Standardized botanicals, such as those found in nutraceuticals 5, 6
- Omega 3&6 and antioxidants, which have been found to improve hair density and reduce telogen hair percentage 7
- Herbal preparations, such as those containing Curcuma aeruginosa, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, Trifolium pratense, and Panax ginseng 8
- Phytoactives, which have been found to have diverse multi-modal biologic activity against inflammation, DHT, stress mediators, oxidative damage, and intermediary signaling cascades 9
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of these supplements is thought to be:
- Inhibition of 5α-reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss 8
- Enhanced nutritional support and scalp blood circulation, which can help to promote hair growth 8
- Anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, antioxidant, and DHT-inhibiting properties, which can help to address the underlying causes of hair loss 9, 6