Study: Botanical Gummies Show Promise for Thinning Hair
Key Takeaways
- Daily gummy supplementation led to a 10.1% increase in hair density over six months vs. placebo.
- Self-assessment showed improvements in hair shedding, strength, breakage, and brightness in the supplement group.
- The supplement had no reported adverse events.
A recent 6-month study found that a daily gummy supplement with B vitamins, zinc, and botanicals improved hair density, strength, and perceived hair quality in women with thinning hair.
Researchers for the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 65 healthy female participants aged 18 to 60, who were randomized to either the supplement or a placebo. Hair density and tensile strength were measured at baseline and after 6 months. Participants also completed a self-assessment questionnaire on hair quality.
According to the study results, there was a 10.1% increase in hair density in the supplement group over six months [vs. 2% decrease in the placebo group (P < 0.001)]. While both groups saw improvements in hair strength, with a 10.2% increase in the supplement group, the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Participants in the supplement group reported improvements in hair shedding, strength, breakage, and brightness, with statistically significant differences vs. placebo (P < 0.05). No adverse events or reactions were recorded.
"The dietary supplement evaluated there, taken daily for 6 months, significantly increased hair density assessments compared to placebo and resulted in positive subject self-assessment of hair appearance and quality," the authors wrote. "There appears to be a synergistic effect of ingredients in the novel supplement formulation to positively affect hair growth and subjective evaluation with no adverse reactions."
Source: Martin-Biggers J, et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024;17(11):34–38.