Hair Loss Supplements for Men: What is Recommended?

Quick Summary: Hair Loss Supplements for Men: What is Recommended?

• Hair loss in men: Hair loss can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, medical conditions, medications, and stress.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins B, C, and D, as well as iron and zinc, can be addressed to maintain healthy hair.
• Supplements: Supplements containing these key nutrients can support hair health and may help prevent further hair loss. However, be mindful of recommended dosages to avoid unwanted side effects.
• Medical treatments: For significant hair loss, minoxidil and finasteride may be necessary, and surgical treatments such as hair transplants are also options for restoring hair.
• Professional guidance: Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determining the best combination of supplements and treatments for individual cases.

Hair loss is a common concern for men, affecting millions worldwide. It can be a gradual thinning or a more rapid receding hairline, and a variety of factors can cause it. Understanding the causes and available treatments can help you address hair loss effectively.

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

There are several reasons why men experience hair loss:

Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss. This condition is hereditary and linked to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles, leading to thinner and shorter hair growth over time. In men, DHT levels are higher and more active, which means they tend to lose hair earlier, leading to the characteristic pattern of hair loss in the hairline and crown.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases (alopecia areata), hair pulling disorders (trichotillomania) and sexually transmitted infections can cause hair loss.

Medications: Some medications, like chemotherapy and blood thinners, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Stress: Severe or chronic stress can trigger temporary hair loss, a condition known as telogen effluvium.

Vitamins and minerals as supplements for hair loss

While medical treatments often take centre stage when discussing hair loss, the role of nutrition cannot be overlooked. Specific vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth. Let’s explore some key nutrients that can support hair health.

Vitamin B

B vitamins are a family of nutrients essential for various bodily functions, including hair growth. These water-soluble vitamins play a critical role in converting food into energy, which is vital for hair follicle health.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is crucial for keratin production, the protein that forms the structure of hair. While biotin deficiency can indeed lead to hair loss¹, it’s relatively rare in individuals with a balanced diet. However, some people may benefit from biotin supplementation under medical guidance. According to the NHS, taking 0.9 mg or less a day of biotin in supplements is unlikely to cause any harm². 
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is vital for hair health. It supports red blood cell production, essential for oxygen delivery to the scalp. Additionally, B12 aids in cell division and DNA synthesis³, processes crucial for hair growth. A deficiency can lead to anaemia, potentially impacting hair⁴. The recommended daily intake for adults is generally between 1.5 mcg² and 2.4 mcg⁵. However, individual needs vary; therefore, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, plays a vital role in overall health and can indirectly benefit hair.  As an antioxidant, it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. While there’s no direct evidence linking vitamin C deficiency to hair loss, its role in collagen production is significant⁶. Collagen is a protein essential for hair structure and strength. By supporting overall tissue health, including that of the scalp, vitamin C helps maintain a healthy hair environment.

You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need from your daily diet, but in cases of supplements, amounts less than 1000 mg are recommended to avoid complications⁷. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions. Hair follicles go through growth, rest, and shedding cycles. Vitamin D helps regulate this process, and its deficiency can disrupt it, leading to premature hair loss^8.

^{Additionally, vitamin D supports immune function, which is vital because some hair-loss} conditions are autoimmune-related. A deficiency can exacerbate these conditions. Research suggests that taking vitamin D can help to overcome hair loss by stimulating the growth of new hair follicles⁹.  

Our bodies produce vitamin D from sunlight exposure, primarily between late March and September. However, during the colder months, sunlight is insufficient for vitamin D production. Therefore, supplementation might be necessary. The recommended daily vitamin D intake is 10 mcg¹⁰ for most adults. However, individual needs can vary based on age, health, and other factors.

Iron

Iron is another essential mineral for hair health. It is a key component of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues, including the scalp. Adequate iron levels are crucial for hair growth and preventing hair loss. Iron deficiency anaemia, a condition characterised by low red blood cell count, can lead to hair thinning and loss¹¹. 

The recommended daily iron intake is 8.7mg for men aged 19 and over, 14.8 mg for women aged 19 to 49, and 8.7 mg for women aged 50 and over. While iron-rich foods are essential, individuals with iron deficiency (and women with heavy periods) might benefit from supplements under medical guidance¹². 

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a pivotal role in hair health. It is involved in keratin synthesis, the protein building block fundamental to hair structure and the growth cycle. 

While research suggests a potential link between zinc deficiency and hair loss, the effectiveness of zinc supplementation for hair growth remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

It is recommended to maintain your zinc levels through a balanced diet. If zinc deficiency is suspected, consult a healthcare professional to determine appropriate supplementation. The recommended daily intake of zinc is 9.5 mg for adult men and 7 mg for adult women¹². Exceeding recommended amounts (over 25mg per day) can disrupt copper absorption and lead to health problems.

Prescription and OTC medications for hair loss

While vitamins, minerals, and a balanced diet contribute to overall hair health, they may not be sufficient for addressing significant hair loss for those experiencing more pronounced hair thinning or baldness, medical interventions often become necessary. Let’s explore some clinically proven treatments.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medication previously used to treat high blood pressure. Interestingly, it was discovered that lower doses applied directly to the scalp can stimulate hair growth¹³. This topical treatment may work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help to prolong the hair growth cycle and encourage new hair growth.  Minoxidil foam (such as Regain®) is a commonly used form of the medication approved for treating both male- and female-pattern hair loss. This is a topical solution (applied to the skin) and can be bought over the counter.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a medication that targets the root cause of male pattern baldness. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, plays a crucial role in the development of male characteristics. While essential for bodily functions, excessive DHT can shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby reducing its levels in the scalp. By blocking this process, finasteride helps to prevent further hair loss and can even promote hair regrowth in many men.

It’s important to note that finasteride is a prescription-only medication and is not suitable for women.

Combination of Minoxidil and Finasteride

Combining minoxidil and finasteride can often yield better results than using either treatment alone. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy.

Caffeine shampoo

Caffeine shampoo is often touted as a hair loss solution. While caffeine can potentially stimulate hair growth by increasing scalp blood flow and potentially blocking DHT, its effectiveness can vary. It’s generally considered a milder approach compared to medical treatments. For significant hair loss, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

Hair transplants as a solution for hair loss

When hair loss is permanent, patients may consider hair transplant surgery as a solution. Hair transplants involve relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp (the donor area) to the recipient area¹⁴. This procedure can restore hair growth and improve a patient’s appearance and self-confidence.

It’s essential to consult a specialist to determine your suitability for a hair transplant, as factors such as your age, gender, hair colour, hair type, and hair-loss area need to be considered to provide a personalised solution. Please feel free to reach out to our friendly team at The Treatment Rooms, as we’re here to help you explore your options and address any concerns you may have.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be a challenging issue for many men. While medical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride often take centre stage, the role of vitamins and minerals in maintaining overall hair health cannot be underestimated. Nutrients such as biotin, vitamin D, iron, and zinc play crucial roles in supporting hair growth and preventing excessive shedding.

However, it’s important to recognise that while a balanced diet rich in these nutrients is essential, it may not be sufficient to address severe hair loss. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional to explore medical treatment options is recommended. By combining proper nutrition with potentially effective medical interventions, individuals can take a comprehensive approach to managing hair loss.

References

1. Trüeb, R. (2016) ‘Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss’, International Journal of Trichology, 8(2), p. 73. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989391/
2. B vitamins and folic acid (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/ 
3. O’Leary, F. and Samman, S. (2010) ‘Vitamin B12 in health and disease’, Nutrients, 2(3), pp. 299–316. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257642/
4. Ferreira, G.C. (1995) ‘Heme biosynthesis: Biochemistry, molecular biology, and relationship to disease’, Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes, 27(2), pp. 147–150. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7592561/
5. Dietary reference intakes for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline (1998) National Center for Biotechnology Information. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114310/ (Accessed: 17 August 2024). Available at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114310/
6. DePhillipo, N.N. et al. (2018) ‘Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on collagen synthesis and oxidative stress after musculoskeletal injuries: A systematic review’, Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(10). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/
7. Vitamin C (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/ 
8. Reichrath, J. et al. (2006) ‘Hair follicle expression of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors during the murine hair cycle’, British Journal of Dermatology, 131(4), pp. 477–482. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7947199/
9. Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N. and Sivamani, R.K. (2023) ‘Integrative and mechanistic approach to the hair growth cycle and hair loss’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(3), p. 893. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9917549/
10. Vitamin D (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/ 
11. Iron (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/iron/
12. Others -Vitamins and minerals (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/ 
13. Minoxidil for hair loss (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/minoxidil-for-hair-loss-ghpi1649/
14. Rassman, W.R. et al. (2002) ‘Follicular unit extraction: Minimally invasive surgery for hair transplantation’, Dermatologic Surgery, 28(8), pp. 720–728. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12174065/