Evidence supporting the use of: Kelp
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

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

Kelp, a type of seaweed, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folk remedies, particularly in coastal cultures. It is rich in iodine, essential minerals, and certain vitamins, which has led to its inclusion in supplements marketed for hair health. Historically, kelp has been used to support thyroid function due to its high iodine content, and since thyroid health is linked to hair growth and maintenance, this connection has been extrapolated to suggest a benefit for the hair. However, direct scientific evidence supporting kelp as an effective ingredient specifically for hair growth or hair health is limited. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that correcting iodine deficiencies with kelp or similar sources can indirectly improve hair health in individuals with thyroid-related hair loss. Still, there is a lack of large, well-controlled clinical trials directly demonstrating kelp’s efficacy for hair support in otherwise healthy individuals. Overall, the use of kelp for hair is rooted more in tradition and its nutritional profile than in robust scientific validation.

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