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ConsumerLab.com Answers
Supplements for Hair Loss
Question: Do any supplements help for hair loss? Answer: There is some very preliminary evidence that saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and pumpkin seed oil may provide a benefit for people with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). Applied topically, melatonin and certain essential oils may be helpful for other types of hair loss. For details, plus information about other supplements, as well as deficiencies that can cause hair loss, see the full answer >>
I've had some stress filled years (job, eldercare, loss and a fall). I suffered with constant bouts of hair loss and needed help in keeping my strength up. Over the past couple years I've added collagen and bone broth in an effort to rebuild cartilage along with making me stronger in general. A hip transplant was out due to Illius when using anesthesia. My hair loss has almost completely stopped and I am feeling stronger. The hip will take time, but thank you for your research on best brands of bone broth. The old ways really are better.
I asked a Dermatologist for suggestions on what works to slow hair loss 4 years ago. She suggested 5,000 mgs. of Biotin daily. So my son I have been taking Natrol Biotin 5,000 mg. daily for 4 years and it did nothing to alleviate continued hair loss for both of us. But it did greatly strengthen our nails.
I tried supplementing with zinc for thinning hair. Initially (1st month or 2) my hair stopped shedding. But as I continued supplementing every day (not sure of dosage) my hair began falling out more than before. After researching more deeply into zinc for hair loss I learned that both inadequate and excess amounts in your system cause hair to fall out. So I stopped supplementing with it daily and only take one every now and then.
Are you aware of any studies for long term hair loss due to cancer therapy? My wife had cancer 13 years ago with chemo therapy; of course she lost her hair but it grew back albeit thinner. She then had a second incident three years ago with radiation therapy. Over time, her hair keeps getting thinner. She fears losing it all within several years.
I too did chemo and radiation and my hair is slowly growing back, but much thinner. Coconut oil only on my scalp did help with the itching I had as the hair was beginning to grow. It is now about two inches long. No I am trying a mixture of half caster oil and coconut oil and a little of vitamin E as a preservative to my scalp at night. I just started it so I am not sure if it is working. Too soon to tell!
I've found three things that contribute to loss of hair:
1. Not eating enough protein. 2. Huperzine, which is used for memory. Anything over 50 mcg daily isn't good. But, it removed hair from my head and the hair didn't grow back. 3. Rx prescription for over-active Thyroid: Tapazole (Metamizole). Hair gone; but, not bald.
I had 3 surgeries within a 2 week period and my hair which use to be very thick began to fall out and became thin. I researched online as to what I could use for that problem and Biotin supplements were suggested. I took one every day and after 3 months noticed how much thicker my hair was getting. It did nothing for my nails however or my skin but I was very pleased with what it did for my hair. I also used a biotin shampoo during that time then stopped using it when my hair became thicker. Maybe this will help someone else with thinning hair after surgery.
Hi Vivien - We aren't aware of any clinical studies showing improvement with shampoos containing biotin, but thank you for sharing your experience with this.
I was just wondering what dosage Vivien used (mcg/day) to get such good results for her thinning hair. Others here have noted that 10,000mcg/day worked for them when 5000 mcg/day did not. Thanks!
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This CL Answer initially posted on 11/1/2015.
Last updated 8/24/2019.
ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all questions and try to answer those of popular interest.
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