Alopecia is a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it’s often associated with ageing, hair loss can occur at any time and can be triggered by a plethora of factors. These can include genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions and lifestyle choices.
Understanding the underlying causes of hair loss and exploring effective treatments is essential to manage this condition. Nutraceuticals can benefit consumers by preventing and treating hair loss, explains Rizvan Faruk Batha, Pharmacist and Director of Operations at Specialist Pharmacy.
How does hair loss happen?
To effectively treat hair loss, it is important to understand the primary causes of its main subtypes. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, is caused by genetic and hormonal factors. It generally results in a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown in men and diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp in women.
Telogen effluvium, by contrast, is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a significant proportion of hair follicles simultaneously enter the resting phase. This is generally caused by physical or emotional hardship, illness or hormonal changes. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that results in the body’s immune system attacking hair follicles, thus resulting in patchy hair loss. 
Rizvan Faruk Batha, Pharmacist and Director of Operations at Specialist Pharmacy
Although there are a considerable number of ways in which hair loss can occur, some of them are easily preventable — such as traction alopecia. This form of hair loss is generally triggered by repeated tension and hair “pulling,” which is often associated with tight hairstyles.
Another example of this is nutritional deficiency; the inadequate intake of essential dietary elements can weaken hair
and lead to its loss. Key nutrients for health hair include vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
Dietary supplements derived from ... natural sources can offer benefits in ... the prevention and treatment of hair loss
The role of nutraceuticals in preventing hair loss
Dietary supplements derived from botanicals and other natural sources can offer benefits in several health areas — with the prevention and treatment of hair loss being no different. They can do this by providing essential nutrients that naturally impact a consumer’s quality of hair, with some being better at this than others. Some examples of effective functional ingredients for hair loss
prevention include the following:
Vitamins
- Vitamin B7: Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. It supports the production of keratin, a crucial protein implicated in the hair structure and — when deficient — can cause hair brittleness and shedding. Studies have observed the benefits of biotin supplementation on hair growth in individuals with a deficiency.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is heavily involved in the hair growth cycle; it helps to create new hair follicles and prevents hair from becoming thin or brittle. A vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can protect hair follicles from oxidative stress. It can also improve blood circulation to the scalp to promote hair growth. A study supporting this mode of action found that those who supplemented with vitamin E supplements experienced a significant increase in hair growth.3
- Vitamin C: Another antioxidant that helps to protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals is vitamin C. It also aids in the production of collagen — a protein that strengthens the hair and improves its quality. Vitamin C can also enhance iron absorption, which is essential for healthy hair growth.4
Minerals
- Iron: This mineral is essential for producing haemoglobin, a protein associated with the transport of oxygen to the hair follicles. Iron deficiency — particularly in women — can lead to hair loss.5 Supplementing with iron can help to restore hair growth in individuals with iron-deficient anaemia.
- Zinc: Not only is zinc vital in hair tissue growth and repair, but it also assists in the maintenance of oil glands around the hair follicle. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss and a dry, flaky scalp, so supplementing with zinc can enhance hair health and prevent its loss.6
- Selenium: This mineral is involved in the production of selenoproteins, which have antioxidant properties and help to protect cells from damage. It also contributes to thyroid hormone metabolism, which is important as thyroid imbalances can result in hair loss.7 It’s important to note that this functional ingredient should come from natural sources, as high levels can encourage hair shedding.
Proteins and fats
- Omega-3s: These essential fatty acids promote hair growth by providing nourishment to hair follicles and reducing inflammation, while also keeping the scalp hydrated. Studies have shown that omega-3 supplementation can improve hair density and reduce hair loss.8
- Collagen: Collagen is a peptide that provides structure to the hair, skin and nails, with a number of amino acids contained in its structure that are essential for hair growth and repair. Collagen supplementation can help to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage.9
Botanical and herbal extracts
- Saw palmetto: This natural extract from the fruit of the Serenoa repens plant is believed to block 5-alpha-reductase activity, which converts testosterone to DHT — a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia. Some studies have highlighted that saw palmetto supplementation can reduce hair loss and improve hair density.10
- Ginseng: This herb is often called upon for its anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties and is believed to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp. Studies have highlighted the role of ginseng in reducing hair loss, while also boosting hair density.11
Combining multiple supplements may enable consumers to achieve better results
Two (or more) heads are better than one
Although individual functional ingredients can be effective in preventing and treating hair loss, combining multiple supplements may enable consumers to achieve better results. To create a comprehensive nutraceutical regimen, the public should be advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to taking supplements to ensure that they’re safe and appropriate for their individual needs.
Nutraceutical providers should also look to better educate consumers regarding suitable dosages to achieve the beneficial effects they’re searching for, which may require further study by the company if not widely available. This is also crucial, as over-exposure to certain functional ingredients can have adverse effects. As well as this, the necessity of treatment consistency should be stressed as supplementation will not show instant results.
Nutraceuticals offer a promising approach to support hair health by providing essential nutrients that promote its growth and prevent its loss. By combining supplements with a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle choices and professional guidance, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy, vibrant hair.
References
1 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/.
2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20178699/.
3 www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/11/2270.
4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2005.11.010.
5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35415182/.
6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20523772/.
7 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5939011/.
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25573272/.
9 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9569759/.
10 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4847595/.
11 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8531430/.