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

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Synopsis

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

Seaweed has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, as a dietary component believed to promote hair health. The justification for its use is primarily based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence. Seaweed is rich in micronutrients such as iodine, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E, all of which are known to play roles in maintaining healthy hair growth and scalp condition. For example, iodine is essential for thyroid function, and thyroid health is closely linked to hair growth and loss. In Japan and Korea, seaweed consumption has long been associated anecdotally with strong, healthy hair, and seaweed extracts are a common ingredient in traditional and contemporary hair care products in these regions.

However, while some preliminary laboratory studies suggest that certain seaweed extracts may have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials directly demonstrating that seaweed or its components specifically improve hair growth or prevent hair loss in humans. Therefore, the use of seaweed to support hair health is justified mainly by tradition and plausible nutritional support, rather than by strong scientific validation.

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