Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss: Drake 2023 Research Summary
This is a plain-language summary of the original published research. We do not add conclusions or opinions of our own. This is not medical advice — consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any decision.
Original research published in JAMA Dermatology, 2023
Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss: Drake 2023 Research Summary
Study conclusion
This systematic review in JAMA Dermatology evaluated 30 studies on nutritional supplements for hair loss. It found potential benefit for several supplements including Viviscal, Nourkrin, Nutrafol, Lamdapil, Pantogar, capsaicin with isoflavone, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with antioxidants, zinc, tocotrienol, and pumpkin seed oil. Adverse effects were rare and mild across all included studies. Most brand-specific supplement studies are industry-funded.
Strength of evidence
Who it applies to
Who was studied
Adults with various types of hair loss including pattern hair loss and other forms of alopecia. Men and women. Studies used branded supplement formulations or individual ingredients.
Who was NOT studied
People using pharmaceutical treatments for hair loss. The review specifically studied supplements, not prescription medications.
What to look for when shopping
No supplement is FDA-approved for hair loss. Supplements do not require FDA approval before sale in the US under DSHEA (1994). This means efficacy is not independently verified before a product reaches the market.
What research cannot help you decide
Which specific supplement will work for your hair loss type. Whether supplements will work as well as, or instead of, pharmaceutical treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. No head-to-head trial of supplements vs FDA-approved treatments was included.
Key findings
- The review found potential benefit for several supplements: Viviscal, Nourkrin, Nutrafol, Lamdapil, Pantogar, omega-3/6 with antioxidants, zinc, tocotrienol, and pumpkin seed oil
- Adverse effects were rare and mild across all 30 included studies
- Most brand-specific supplement studies were funded by the supplement manufacturer
- No supplement is FDA-approved for hair loss
- Evidence quality varied widely — the review found 17 RCTs alongside less rigorous study designs
What this study does not show
- 1.Whether supplements work as well as, or instead of, minoxidil or finasteride. No head-to-head trial was included.
- 2.Whether individual ingredients (rather than the full branded formulation) drive the results. Most studies tested complete products.
- 3.Whether biotin specifically helps hair loss in people who are not deficient. The FDA has warned that biotin supplementation can interfere with lab test results.
- 4.Which supplement is most effective — the review did not rank them.
Limitations
- 1.Most brand-specific supplement studies are industry-funded. Industry funding increases the likelihood of positive results being reported.
- 2.Study designs varied widely across the 30 included studies.
- 3.No supplement is FDA-approved for hair loss.
- 4.The FDA has issued a warning that biotin supplementation can interfere with thyroid and cardiac laboratory test results.
- 5.Evidence for individual ingredients is generally thin — most well-studied products are complex multi-ingredient formulations.
Used in these articles
Links added as fact-checks and articles citing this study are published.