Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5 (mixed)
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is sometimes included in supplements intended to support hair health. There is limited scientific evidence to justify its use for this purpose. Pantothenic acid plays a key role in cellular metabolism and is essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is involved in fatty acid metabolism and energy production. Deficiency in vitamin B5 is rare in humans and, when it occurs, can cause symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and, in severe cases, hair loss. However, these effects are associated with general malnutrition rather than isolated B5 deficiency.

Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that vitamin B5 may help improve hair strength and appearance, but robust clinical evidence is lacking. The claims about B5 supporting hair growth or preventing hair loss are mostly extrapolated from its general role in overall health and cellular function rather than direct effects on hair follicles. High-quality, placebo-controlled trials demonstrating significant improvement in hair growth or reduced hair loss with B5 supplementation in otherwise healthy individuals are currently lacking.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological rationale for the involvement of vitamin B5 in healthy hair due to its metabolic functions, the direct scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for hair health is weak. Its inclusion in hair supplements is thus primarily based on its general importance in nutrition rather than on strong data demonstrating specific benefits for hair.

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