A marine protein-based dietary supplement for subclinical hair thinning/loss: Results of a multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction:Since skin and hair quality are potent vitality signals, and hair growth deficiency can cause significant psychological morbidity. In addition to clearly-defined hair loss disorders, milder forms of hair thinning or hair loss appear to be increasingly common, with a suggestion that sub-optimal diets and stressful lifestyles may be involved.Methods:Here we assess the value of a dietary marine-extract based dietary supplement in premenopausal women with subclinical hair thinning or hair loss conditions. This multi-site, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with impact on hair shedding rate and hair fiber diameter (assessed by phototrichogram) as primary end points upon consumption of the oral supplement compared to a placebo. A total of 96 eligible female subjects were enrolled aged 21–55 years of age from Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic ethnic backgrounds.Results:This study showed that hair shedding was significantly reduced in the first 3–6 months of daily consumption of the oral supplement. Moreover, phototrichogram image analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the mean vellus-like hair diameter after 6 months of supplement consumption, when compared to the mean vellus-like hair diameters measured at baseline.Discussion:These results support the view that a nutritional supplement approach may be useful for women in this age group to deal with subclinical hair thinning or hair loss conditions, and those components of this marine extract-based oral supplement may be a useful adjunct.

Controlled clinical trial for evaluation of hair growth with low dose cyclical nutrition therapy in men and women without the use of finasteride

“…The initial reduction was because the villus hair had converted to terminal hair while the later rise was due to new hair growth induced with the treatment cycle and the counts finally stabilize as per the individual hair cycle and the individual turnover of hair fall and hair growth. Rizer et al [70] reported improvement in thickness of villus hair in 60% patients in their marine protein supplement study. Nicholas et al…”

“…Rizer et al [70] who studied the benefit of marine protein supplement reported 20% reduced hair shedding within 4 months, while the placebo group had increased shedding by 50%. Hair loss in control group continued the same in 41% and increased in 37% patients at the end of 4 months.…”

“…Rizer et al [70] studied the benefit of marine protein supplement to find an overall 8% improvement in diameter for villus hair after 6 months. Rizer et al [70] did not compare terminal hair counts and hair calibre but suggested that further improvement could be possible if the supplements were continued for 1 year, as was observed to happen in the present study at the end of 1 year. Improvement in hair density and calibre were found to begin early within 2 months in men and women in the treatment groups having nutritional supplements.…”

“…Though supplements were in low dose and spread over a 3 day cycle, 2 women doubted they had marginal weight gain due to the program. Rizer et al [70] in their study of marine protein supplement reported 3 patients in treatment group and three patients in the placebo group complaining of bloating and stomach discomfort. Lengg et al [15] in their study on nutritional therapy in telogen effluvium, reported gastric discomfort and weight gain.…”

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

“…Two recent trials by Ablon and colleagues [50,51] reported a significant improvement in hair counts and hair volume with the use of oral marine protein supplement (MPS). Using oral MPS 3 times daily in 100 females with self-perceived hair loss for 6 months demonstrated a significant increase in the mean hair diameter of vellus-like hairs, as well as a reduction in shedding [50].…”