Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma-linolenic acid
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in oils such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. There is some scientific interest in the use of GLA to support hair health, primarily based on its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in skin barrier function. GLA is a precursor to prostaglandin E1, a compound that may help regulate inflammation and support healthy skin and hair follicles. Some small clinical studies and case reports have explored the potential of GLA supplementation in conditions associated with hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia and atopic dermatitis, which can have hair-related symptoms. However, the evidence is limited and inconsistent. A few studies have suggested that GLA-containing oils may help improve hair texture, reduce hair loss, or address scalp conditions, but most of these studies have small sample sizes or methodological weaknesses. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while GLA may benefit skin health, robust clinical data specifically supporting its use for hair growth or prevention of hair loss are lacking. Therefore, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some preliminary clinical data, the overall scientific evidence supporting the use of GLA for hair health is weak and does not reach a high level of validation.

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