Evidence supporting the use of: Fatty acids
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

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

Fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have been investigated for their potential role in supporting hair health and addressing hair loss or thinning. Scientific evidence, while still emerging and not robust, suggests that certain fatty acids may play a role in hair follicle function and inflammation modulation, which can affect hair growth.

Some studies indicate that deficiencies in essential fatty acids can lead to hair changes, including hair loss and thinning. Supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has been associated in small clinical trials and animal studies with improvements in hair density and reduction in hair shedding. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2015) found that a supplement containing omega-3, omega-6, and antioxidants over six months improved hair density and reduced telogen (resting phase) percentage in women with female pattern hair loss.

Despite these findings, the overall quality of evidence is moderate to low, with few large-scale, high-quality human trials. The effects appear to be modest, and supplementation is unlikely to reverse significant hair loss but may be useful as part of an overall hair health strategy, particularly in individuals with dietary deficiencies.

Thus, while there is some scientific basis for the use of fatty acids in supporting hair health, the evidence is not strong or conclusive, and fatty acids should not be considered a primary treatment for hair loss or thinning.

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