Hair Loss Claims: Are Supplements Good Treatment Alternatives?
In the two-part series, the Hair Foundation discusses supplements as a hair loss treatment alternative. This first part looks at supplement claims and hair loss treatments and supplements.
Part II will be included in the online November newsletter.
“Natural” May Not Always Mean “Safe”
For almost every malady–from memory loss to weight gain–a supplement or herbal remedy promises a cure. Many of us try them, with the belief that because they’re natural, they are safe and effective.
However, before you begin taking supplements, you may want to do some research and even consult with your doctor, according to Paul T. Rose, MD, JD, and member of the Hair Foundation Board of Trustees.
This could include reading articles from reputable sources, speaking with your doctor or other health care professionals or visiting health food stores and asking questions.
“Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” said Rose. “Potassium is a natural product that we need to survive but too much of it can be lethal.”
Rose urges caution when taking supplement, especially because many of them are untested when it comes to providing any actual benefits.
Hair Loss Treatments and Supplements
Currently there are only two products in the United States proven to limit hair loss and promote hair growth: Propecia® (Finasteride) and Rogaine® (Minoxidil). They have completed rigorous testing and clinical trials to earn FDA approval.
The supplement palmetto is advertised and sold as a hair loss treatment without providing any evidence of its effectiveness. Supplements may show some effectiveness in a test tube; Rose noted that an individual would need to consume enormous quantities to achieve similar results.
Supplements may be useful for a particular vitamin deficiency or a trace element. If a person experiences hair loss from an iron-deficiency, iron supplements can help restore their health and associated hair loss.
“Certain supplements may be helpful, but you have to diagnose the problem first,” Rose said.
Contact Us
Want to receive more information and stories from the Hair Foundation? Please send us your email at info@hairfoundation.org and we’ll add you to our contact list.
Tags: Dr. Paul T. Rose, Supplements
This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 at 12:41 am and is filed under Hair, Hair Loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.