Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) is used in the context of hair loss or thinning primarily because of its essential role in cell division, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production. Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a variety of symptoms, including anemia and, in rare cases, hair changes such as thinning or premature graying. However, direct scientific evidence supporting the use of B12 supplementation solely for hair loss or thinning in individuals without a deficiency is minimal.
Most available scientific literature indicates that B12 supplementation may only benefit hair health in people who have clinically diagnosed B12 deficiency. In these cases, correcting the deficiency can help resolve associated symptoms, including hair changes. There are no robust clinical trials demonstrating that B12 supplementation improves hair growth or prevents hair loss in individuals with normal B12 levels. Furthermore, hair loss is often multifactorial and may be related to genetics, hormones, stress, or other nutritional deficiencies.
In summary, while there is a clear scientific rationale for B12 supplementation in those who are deficient, evidence for its efficacy in treating hair loss or thinning in the general population is weak. Its use in this context is supported by scientific reasoning only in cases of deficiency, and the overall quality of evidence for its routine use in hair loss is rated as low.
More about Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
More about Hair (loss or thinning)
Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)
Alfalfaamino acids
apricot
ashwagandha
biotin
black garlic
bovine gelatin
rice
burdock
collagen
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
onion
green tea
iron
L-cystine
L-methionine
licorice root
moringa
nettle
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
silicon
spinach
spirulina
Almond fruit
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
bee pollen
dioscorea
ganoderma
morinda
royal jelly
trace minerals
fulvic acid
Algae
thyroid substance
Argan nut oil
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef liver
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus aethiopum
coconut oil
Chlorophytum
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Epidermal Growth Factor
Egg
Eugenol
Fo-Ti
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Kokilaksha
Lycium
Lipids
Premna
Phaeophyceae
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Phlorotannins
Proanthocyanidins
Polygonum
Peptides
Rockweed
Selenomethionine
silica
Terminalia
Withanolides
White Tea
walnut
Winter Savory
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
AnemiaBirth Defects (prevention)
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hearing Loss
Memory and Brain Function
Multiple Sclerosis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pernicious Anemia
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Wasting