Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

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

Omega-3 fatty acids are scientifically investigated for their potential role in supporting hair health, including the prevention of hair loss and thinning. The evidence is limited but growing, and the proposed mechanisms involve their anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit scalp health. Omega-3s, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to support circulatory health, potentially improving blood flow to hair follicles. Additionally, these fatty acids may help regulate oil production and nourish hair follicles, contributing to stronger, shinier hair.

Some small clinical studies and animal research support the idea that supplementation with omega-3s (often combined with omega-6s and antioxidants) can reduce hair loss and improve hair density. For example, a 2015 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that women taking an omega-3 and omega-6 supplement for six months experienced increased hair density and reduced hair loss compared to a placebo group. However, these studies are relatively few, and omega-3s are rarely studied as a standalone intervention for hair loss.

Overall, while there is some scientific evidence suggesting a benefit, it remains preliminary and not robust enough to warrant strong recommendations. More large-scale, well-controlled human trials are needed. Currently, omega-3 fatty acids are used for hair health based on a combination of plausible biological rationale and modest supportive data, rather than conclusive scientific proof.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness