Vitamins as Key Modulators in Hair Growth Dynamics Volume 54- Issue 4

Salvador Pérez-Mora¹, Sandra Viridiana Salgado-Hernández¹, Yunuén Daniela Solorio-Cendejas¹, Alejandro Pérez-Gómez², Rodrigo Pérez-Gómez³, Consuelo Gómez-García¹ and David Guillermo Pérez-Ishiwara¹*

• ¹Molecular Biomedicine laboratory 1, ENMH, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
• ²School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores Monterrey, Mexico
• ³Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Panamericana, Mexico

Received: January 24, 2024;   Published: January 30, 2024

*Corresponding author: David Guillermo Pérez-Ishiwara, Molecular Biomedicine laboratory 1, ENMH, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 239, Col. La Escalera, C.P. 07320, Mexico City, Mexico

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2024.54.008597

Abstract PDF

Vitamins play a fundamental role in the regulation and promotion of hair growth, with vitamins A, B7, C, D, and E being particularly crucial in this process. These essential nutrients not only stimulate active phases of hair growth but also offer protection against various forms of damage. Despite challenges in utilizing these vitamins as supplements for alopecia treatment, their substantial potential in addressing and preventing hair-related issues is noteworthy, particularly in the context of nutritional deficiencies. Given the significant influence of these vitamins, this study centers on exploring their modulating impact on hair growth.

Keywords: Vitamins; Supplements; Hair Growth; Hair Cycle; Alopecia

Abbreviations: WNT; Wingless/Integrated; WNT7A: Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family Member 7A; BMP4: Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; ALDH1A2: Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A2; CRABP2: Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein 2; CYP26B1: Cytochrome P450 Family 26 Subfamily B Member 1; IGF-1: Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1; PI3K: Phosphoinositide 3-Kinases; VDR: Vitamin D Receptor; LEF1: Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1

The hair cycle consists of four distinct phases: anagen, which is the phase of active growth; catagen, a regression stage; telogen, the resting period; and exogen, where hair shedding occurs [1]. Alopecia, characterized by abnormal hair loss, stems from an imbalance in these phases. One of the fundamental causes of this imbalance may be caused by malnutrition, specifically deficiency of certain vitamins [2]. Currently, it has been proven that vitamins obtained through diet or supplements play a significant role in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, highlighting the importance of an adequate nutritional balance to maintain hair health [2,3]. Vitamin A is key for hair cell development, as it promotes sebum production, moisturizing the scalp, and supporting cell growth. It also serves as an antioxidant, safeguarding hair, and scalp from damage by free radicals [2-4]. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or H, enhances keratin infrastructure, crucial for the health of hair, skin, and nails, thereby contributing to stronger, healthier hair. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis, is vital for hair structure, and provides antioxidant protection to hair cells [2,3,5]. Vitamin D positively impacts hair follicles by prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle, promoting hair growth [2,3,6]. Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, protects hair follicle cells from oxidative stress and boosts blood circulation in the scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth [2,3,7]. Lack of these vitamins in the diet can lead to weakness, brittleness, dullness, texture changes and, in severe cases, significant shedding, underscoring the importance of proper nutrition [2,3,8].

Various vitamins have been examined in several biological models, including cell lines, murine and human studies, demonstrating their significant impact as key modulators of hair growth, as illustrated in Table 1. Recent studies demonstrate that vitamins exert a regulatory effect on the hair growth cycle, as illustrated in Figure 1 [9-17].

Figure 1

Table 1: Biological effect of vitamins on hair growth.

The use of vitamin supplements for the treatment of alopecia faces key challenges, including the need for more clinical evidence to substantiate their efficacy, variability in individual responses, potential interactions, side effects, and a limited comprehension of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Despite these limitations, supplements hold substantial promise as integral components of a comprehensive approach to treating alopecia, particularly when nutritional deficiency is a contributing factor. They may also play a role in the prevention and long-term management of hair health.

Vitamins play a crucial role as modulators of hair growth, highlighting their potential to promote hair regeneration, prevent alterations, and combat hair loss. Therefore, they emerge as fundamental components in the treatment of alopecia.

To CONAHCYT for their invaluable contribution through the postgraduate scholarship granted to S. P-M, and to the Instituto Politécnico Nacional.

The authors declared that there is no conflict of interest.

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