A Marine Protein-based Dietary Supplement for Subclinical Hair Thinning/Loss: Results of a Multisite, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Rizer RL
Published in International Journal of Trichology
Methodology
Multisite randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a marine protein-based oral supplement for 180 days, with macrophotographic terminal hair counts in a defined scalp area, hair diameter, and self-assessment questionnaires.
Key Findings
In 96 women with subclinical hair thinning, a marine protein-based supplement taken for 180 days significantly increased terminal hair counts in a target scalp area and improved hair volume and diameter versus placebo, with participant-reported improvement in hair growth and reduced shedding.
Conclusions
A marine protein supplement increased hair counts in women with self-perceived thinning over six months, though industry sponsorship and the mild study population temper the conclusion.
Limitations
Female participants with subclinical thinning rather than diagnosed alopecia, industry funding and manufacturer involvement in design, macrophotographic hair counts sensitive to technique, and no comparison with minoxidil or other proven treatments.
Supplements Studied
Here we assess the value of a dietary marine-extract based dietary supplement in premenopausal women with subclinical hair thinning or hair loss conditions.
Outcomes Measured
Here we assess the value of a dietary marine-extract based dietary supplement in premenopausal women with subclinical hair thinning or hair loss conditions.
In 96 women with subclinical hair thinning, a marine protein-based supplement taken for 180 days significantly increased terminal hair counts in a target scalp area and improved hair volume and diameter versus placebo, with participant-reported improvement in hair growth and reduced shedding.
This study showed that hair shedding was significantly reduced in the first 3-6 months of daily consumption of the oral supplement. Moreover, phototrichogram image analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the mean vellus-like hair diameter after 6 months of supplement consumption
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Industry-funded (supplement manufacturer)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.