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Published on: January 27, 2018
Nutraceuticals for Androgenetic Alopecia
Christina Ring1, Kerry Heitmiller1, Emily Correia1
1All authors are with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Oral nutraceuticals offer modest benefits for hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologists should understand these supplements to guide patients effectively.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
- Nutraceutical Science
Background:
- Oral nutraceuticals marketed for hair growth lack rigorous scientific validation compared to pharmaceuticals.
- The efficacy of these supplements for hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia remains unclear to many dermatologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate existing literature on oral nutraceuticals for hair growth.
- To assess the efficacy of popular nutraceuticals in individuals with androgenetic alopecia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on oral nutraceuticals.
- Specific evaluation of Nutrafol® and Viviscal® for hair growth.
Main Results:
- Oral nutraceuticals demonstrate a modest positive effect on hair growth.
- These benefits were observed in both men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia.
Conclusions:
- Oral nutraceuticals can modestly promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia patients.
- They may serve as beneficial adjunctive therapies.
- Dermatologists need to be informed about nutraceuticals to counsel patients on their benefits and limitations.
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