A systematic review of 30 studies into the connection between hair loss and nutritional supplements found that some patients suffering from male hair loss could potentially benefit from taking certain types of supplements, although it stressed more research was needed to form a conclusion.
The JAMA Dermatology systematic review wanted to explore the types of hair loss and alopecia that are caused by nutrient deficiencies, and see if supplementing the body’s natural lack of certain vitamins and minerals could not only help other parts of a person’s health but reduce hair loss.
The answer is not entirely conclusive but does suggest a positive correlation, with any adverse effects being very rare and mild.
The first part of the test was looking for articles and assessing the quality of the data they used, finding that the highest-quality evidence suggested pumpkin seed oil, omegas 3 and 6, zinc and antioxidant supplements had the best effect.
At the same time, whilst the evidence was deemed of lesser quality, kimchi and vitamin D were also considered to have potential.
As supplements are a common first option for people since you can easily buy them without a prescription, it makes any form of positive correlation have the potential to help a lot of people. However, there are certain issues and limitations with the study.
Supplements, unlike medication, do not need the same level of approval from the MHRA and the studies and trials undertaken are as a result somewhat opaque and inconsistent.
As well as this, the majority of the studies were funded by supplement companies, creating a conflict of interest and questions to be asked about the validity of such studies.
This does render them completely without value, but it does mean that supplements should not replace approved treatments and medical advice.
As well as this, thinning and lost hair cannot be grown back through supplements and medication, so the cause of hair loss is also a key factor.