Evaluating the Effectiveness of Commercial Oral Supplements for Hair Growth: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

April 2026 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Razan Saleh Alanazi, Shadan Alshammari, Kadi K. Aldossari, Raneem Alwatban, Deema Aljeribah, Shoog Alanazi, Abdulaziz Alsalhi, Aminah A Alhumam, Abdulmajeed Alajlan

TLDR Hair growth supplements show promise, but more research is needed.

Supplements for hair growth demonstrate promising preliminary results according to the systematic review and meta-analysis. However, the study emphasizes the need for more rigorous and independent research to confirm these findings and establish the effectiveness of commercial oral supplements for hair growth.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

21 / 21 results

Pathophysiology, Conventional Treatments, And Evidence-Based Herbal Remedies Of Hair Loss With A Systematic Review Of Controlled Clinical Trials

research Pathophysiology, Conventional Treatments, And Evidence-Based Herbal Remedies Of Hair Loss With A Systematic Review Of Controlled Clinical Trials

June 2025 in “Naunyn-Schmiedeberg s Archives of Pharmacology”

Herbal remedies may help with hair loss but need more research.

research Male And Female Pattern Hair Loss

June 2025 in “Australian Prescriber”

Hair loss in men and women can be treated with medications and therapies, showing improvement after 6 months.

Recovery Effects of Oral Supplementation with Polar Lipid-Rich Wheat Extracts on Acute Telogen Effluvium: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

research Recovery Effects of Oral Supplementation with Polar Lipid-Rich Wheat Extracts on Acute Telogen Effluvium: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

May 2025 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Wheat extract supplements reduce hair shedding and improve growth in women with hair loss.

research Epidemiological Landscape of Androgenetic Alopecia in the US: An All of Us Cross-Sectional Study

February 2025 in “PLoS ONE”

Androgenetic alopecia starts earlier in males than females, with different treatments, and is linked to income, education, alcohol use, and mental health.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair

January 2025 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The supplement improved hair growth and quality in men with thinning hair and was safe to use.

Efficacy of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5 Mg Oral Biotin Versus Topical Minoxidil and Oral Biotin on Hair Growth in Men: Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial

research Efficacy of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5 Mg Oral Biotin Versus Topical Minoxidil and Oral Biotin on Hair Growth in Men: Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial

April 2024 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Using both minoxidil and biotin together increased hair growth more than using either one alone.

Efficacy of a Wheat Polar Lipid Complex in Reducing Hair Loss and Improving Hair Growth in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

research Efficacy of a Wheat Polar Lipid Complex in Reducing Hair Loss and Improving Hair Growth in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

November 2023 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

Wheat polar lipid complex reduces hair loss and improves hair growth in women.

research The Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Topical Spironolactone in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Systematic Review

March 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Spironolactone can effectively treat hair loss with manageable side effects.

research Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

January 2023 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Low-dose oral minoxidil may help treat hair loss but is not FDA-approved and can cause side effects like unwanted hair growth and heart issues.

research Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss

11 citations , November 2022 in “JAMA dermatology”

Some nutritional supplements may help treat hair loss with generally mild side effects.

research The Psychological Consequences of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

1 citations , April 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Androgenetic alopecia causes significant psychological distress, especially in women, and requires both medical and psychological support.

research Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride in Patients With Male Androgenic Alopecia in South Korea: A Multicentre Chart Review Study

1 citations , January 2022 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for long-term hair growth in men with androgenic alopecia.

Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

research Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

10 citations , May 2020 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

Proteoglycans are important for hair growth, and a specific treatment can help reduce hair loss.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Diet and Hair Loss: Effects of Nutrient Deficiency and Supplement Use

79 citations , January 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

Correcting nutrient deficiencies may help with hair loss, but the benefits of supplements without a deficiency are uncertain and could be harmful.

A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

research A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

25 citations , August 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The marine complex supplement significantly improved hair growth in men with thinning hair without adverse effects.

research Effect of a Nutritional Supplement on Hair Loss in Women

38 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The nutritional supplement improved hair density and reduced hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss.

A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair

research A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair

22 citations , January 2015 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

An extra-strength marine protein supplement helped increase hair growth and decrease hair shedding in women with thinning hair.

research Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

36 citations , January 2014 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

Pumpkin seed oil helps hair growth in men with hair loss.

research Nourkrin: Objective and Subjective Effects and Tolerability in Persons with Hair Loss

15 citations , September 2006 in “Journal of International Medical Research”

Nourkrin® significantly increased hair growth and was well-tolerated by people with hair loss.

A Comparative Study of a New Food Supplement, Viviscal, with Fish Extract for the Treatment of Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia in Young Males

research A Comparative Study of a New Food Supplement, Viviscal, with Fish Extract for the Treatment of Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia in Young Males

16 citations , November 1992 in “Journal of International Medical Research”

ViviScal®, a food supplement, was found to be highly effective in treating hereditary hair loss in young males, while fish extract showed no impact.