Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate) is traditionally included in hair care supplements and topical products aimed at reducing hair loss or supporting hair health. The rationale stems from its role as an essential nutrient involved in fatty acid metabolism and overall cell health, which are processes relevant to the growth of hair follicles. Historically, pantothenic acid deficiency in animals has been associated with symptoms such as hair depigmentation or loss, which led to the belief that supplementation might support hair health in humans as well. In the cosmetic industry, panthenol (derived from B5) is commonly used in shampoos and conditioners for its conditioning properties, improving hair appearance and texture. However, the scientific evidence directly linking Vitamin B5 supplementation with prevention or treatment of hair loss in humans is minimal and of poor quality. There are very few controlled clinical trials, and those that exist do not offer robust support for its efficacy in treating hair thinning or loss. Major dermatological and trichological guidelines do not recommend Vitamin B5 supplementation specifically for hair loss except in cases of clear, documented deficiency (which is rare). The use of B5 for hair loss is thus largely based on tradition and extrapolation from animal data, not on well-conducted human research.
More about Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
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
fibroblast growth factor
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
AcneBurning Feet or Hands
Canker Sores
Convalescence
Dermatitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Stress
Wounds and Sores