Supplement boosts hair growth in women

A marine protein–based oral food supplement was safe and associated with significant hair growth in women with self-perceived thinning hair, according to findings from a small randomized controlled, double-blind study.

The mean number of terminal hairs in a 4 cm² area at the junction of the frontal and lateral hairlines was measured. In 10 women randomized to receive the supplement, terminal hairs increased from 271 at baseline to 571 after 90 days of treatment and 610 after 180 days of treatment. The mean number of terminal hairs in five women randomized to receive placebo was 256 at baseline, 245 after 90 days, and 242 after 180 days, Dr. Glynis Ablon reported in a poster at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The mean number of vellus hairs in the treatment group was 46.5 at baseline and did not appreciably change over 180 days; the mean number of vellus hairs in the placebo group was 57 at baseline, 68 at 90 days, and 66 at 180 days, said Dr. Ablon, a Manhattan Beach, Calif.–based dermatologist.

Treated subjects were significantly more likely to report improvements in overall hair volume, scalp coverage, and hair body thickness after 90 days. Improved hair shine, skin moisture retention, and skin smoothness were reported after 180 days, she noted.

Study participants were women aged 21-75 years (mean age, 50 in the treatment group and 48 in the control group) with Fitzpatrick I-IV skin types. All were in generally good health but had perceived hair thinning. All study participants agreed to maintain their baseline diet, medications, and exercise level during the study period, and to maintain consistent hair care throughout the study period.

Treatment group subjects were instructed to take one tablet of the proprietary supplement (Viviscal) each morning and evening with water after a meal.

The study was supported by Lifes2good Inc., the maker of Viviscal. Dr. Ablon received a research grant from Lifes2good.

A marine protein–based oral food supplement was safe and associated with significant hair growth in women with self-perceived thinning hair, according to findings from a small randomized controlled, double-blind study.

The mean number of terminal hairs in a 4 cm² area at the junction of the frontal and lateral hairlines was measured. In 10 women randomized to receive the supplement, terminal hairs increased from 271 at baseline to 571 after 90 days of treatment and 610 after 180 days of treatment. The mean number of terminal hairs in five women randomized to receive placebo was 256 at baseline, 245 after 90 days, and 242 after 180 days, Dr. Glynis Ablon reported in a poster at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The mean number of vellus hairs in the treatment group was 46.5 at baseline and did not appreciably change over 180 days; the mean number of vellus hairs in the placebo group was 57 at baseline, 68 at 90 days, and 66 at 180 days, said Dr. Ablon, a Manhattan Beach, Calif.–based dermatologist.

Treated subjects were significantly more likely to report improvements in overall hair volume, scalp coverage, and hair body thickness after 90 days. Improved hair shine, skin moisture retention, and skin smoothness were reported after 180 days, she noted.

Study participants were women aged 21-75 years (mean age, 50 in the treatment group and 48 in the control group) with Fitzpatrick I-IV skin types. All were in generally good health but had perceived hair thinning. All study participants agreed to maintain their baseline diet, medications, and exercise level during the study period, and to maintain consistent hair care throughout the study period.

Treatment group subjects were instructed to take one tablet of the proprietary supplement (Viviscal) each morning and evening with water after a meal.

The study was supported by Lifes2good Inc., the maker of Viviscal. Dr. Ablon received a research grant from Lifes2good.

A marine protein–based oral food supplement was safe and associated with significant hair growth in women with self-perceived thinning hair, according to findings from a small randomized controlled, double-blind study.

The mean number of terminal hairs in a 4 cm² area at the junction of the frontal and lateral hairlines was measured. In 10 women randomized to receive the supplement, terminal hairs increased from 271 at baseline to 571 after 90 days of treatment and 610 after 180 days of treatment. The mean number of terminal hairs in five women randomized to receive placebo was 256 at baseline, 245 after 90 days, and 242 after 180 days, Dr. Glynis Ablon reported in a poster at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The mean number of vellus hairs in the treatment group was 46.5 at baseline and did not appreciably change over 180 days; the mean number of vellus hairs in the placebo group was 57 at baseline, 68 at 90 days, and 66 at 180 days, said Dr. Ablon, a Manhattan Beach, Calif.–based dermatologist.

Treated subjects were significantly more likely to report improvements in overall hair volume, scalp coverage, and hair body thickness after 90 days. Improved hair shine, skin moisture retention, and skin smoothness were reported after 180 days, she noted.

Study participants were women aged 21-75 years (mean age, 50 in the treatment group and 48 in the control group) with Fitzpatrick I-IV skin types. All were in generally good health but had perceived hair thinning. All study participants agreed to maintain their baseline diet, medications, and exercise level during the study period, and to maintain consistent hair care throughout the study period.

Treatment group subjects were instructed to take one tablet of the proprietary supplement (Viviscal) each morning and evening with water after a meal.

The study was supported by Lifes2good Inc., the maker of Viviscal. Dr. Ablon received a research grant from Lifes2good.