Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (mixed)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin A (often provided as a mix of retinol and carotenoids in supplements) is an essential micronutrient involved in numerous physiological functions, including cell growth and differentiation. There is some scientific basis for its role in hair growth, as vitamin A is required for the proper functioning of epithelial tissues, including the scalp and hair follicles. Specifically, vitamin A is involved in the production of sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes the scalp and helps keep hair healthy. Some studies have found that vitamin A deficiency can lead to hair thinning and hair loss as one of the symptoms, and repletion can reverse these effects.

However, the evidence supporting vitamin A supplementation for non-deficient individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning is limited and not robust. More importantly, excessive vitamin A intake is associated with hair loss (telogen effluvium), meaning there is a narrow window for its beneficial use. Most clinical guidelines caution against high-dose vitamin A supplements for hair loss because of the risk of toxicity.

In summary, while there is scientific rationale for vitamin A being necessary for normal hair growth in deficient states, the evidence supporting its use as a treatment for hair loss or thinning in the general population is weak. Supplementation should be reserved for those with proven deficiency, and caution is warranted due to potential toxicity.

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