Dietary Supplements for Genetic Hair Loss
I have been asked over the past 20+ years if there is any dietary supplement that can be taken to treat Genetic hair loss. I have always said the answer to this question is NO. Now a recent article in the Journal of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology published a pilot study suggesting that maybe there are things we can eat that will address our balding problem. The study is very limited so drawing conclusions is not warranted at this time; however for those of you who want to give it a go, here is the recommended dietary study.
On doctor in our field gave the following caution: ‘The article states nutritional supplement contains botanical 5a- reductase inhibitors which they may need to disclose, perhaps active ingredients that would be classed as a “drug” versus nutritional supplements? Also green tea has been associated with altered iron absorption, hence anemia, which can give an effluvium, so the ingredients need to be scrutinized more and stated specifically as they are generalizing the ingredients, which is of concern’.
It is also important to note that the authors have an ownership interest in the company (i.e. the product) so the author has to be a bit prejudiced in this report. Click to enlarge!
A couple of points:
1) If it’s an open-label study without a control group (ie sham or placebo), how can they determine that the supplement was truly effective?
2) Without mention of the journal (and the title does not bring up anything in PubMed), it’s sort of hard (understatement) to evaluate this based on a conclusion mentioning that an effect was seen that was “statistically significant” and “well tolerated” after 24 weeks of treatment without mention of number of subjects, outcome measure and magnitude, and controls.
I appreciate your interest for sharing information about the dietary supplements for generic hair loss. Thank you!
Hi, I require your current insight on this. Please email me instantly: frans.wikman@gmx.com
You may write me at wrassman@newhair.com
William Rassman, M.D.