Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin E, particularly in the form of mixed tocopherols like alpha-tocopherol, has been used traditionally as a supplement to support hair health and address hair loss or thinning. The rationale stems from Vitamin E's well-known antioxidant properties, which are thought to help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp, potentially supporting healthier hair follicles. In folk and alternative medicine, Vitamin E oil is often massaged into the scalp or taken orally with the aim of improving hair strength, shine, and growth. However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of Vitamin E for hair loss or thinning is limited and generally of low quality. Only a small number of studies have investigated this connection. One pilot study published in 2010 in the journal Tropical Life Sciences Research found that a tocotrienol (a form of Vitamin E) supplement increased hair count in volunteers with hair loss, but the study was small and lacked rigorous controls. Other studies and systematic reviews note a lack of robust clinical trials to confirm Vitamin E's effectiveness for this purpose. In summary, the use of Vitamin E for hair loss is rooted more in tradition and anecdotal use than in strong scientific validation. The available evidence is minimal and not conclusive, so it cannot be recommended as a primary treatment for hair loss or thinning based on current research.
More about Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
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 E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
Age SpotsAging (prevention)
Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Breast Lumps
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cuts
Dementia
Dermatitis
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hepatitis