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| - Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook post endorses a product that claims biotin gummies and serum can reverse hair fall. Our fact check reveals it’s Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, you can reverse hair fall by using biotin gummies and serum. The product contains 3% Redensyl, 2% Procapil, and 3% Fenugreek. The advertisement suggests that it can make hair grow twice as fast, boost hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and has no side effects.
Fact Check
What is hair fall?
Hair fall, also known as hair loss or alopecia, is a common condition where individuals experience the loss of hair from their scalp or other parts of their body. It can be temporary or permanent and can result from various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and environmental influences.
How much hair fall is normal?
It is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the hair growth cycle. This cycle includes growth (anagen), cessation (catagen), and rest (telogen) phases. If hair loss exceeds this range, it may indicate an underlying issue requiring attention.
What are the various factors that contribute to hair fall?
Hair fall can result from multiple factors, including:
- Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) is hereditary.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems can affect hair growth.
- Medical conditions: Alopecia areata, scalp infections, and autoimmune diseases.
- Medications: Drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, and high blood pressure.
- Physical or emotional stress: Significant stress can lead to temporary hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, protein, and certain vitamins.
What is biotin and its role in hair growth?
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Biotin is believed to support hair health by improving keratin infrastructure, a basic protein that makes up hair.
How much biotin does the human body need daily?
The recommended daily intake of biotin varies by age and gender. For adults, the Adequate Intake (AI) level is 30 micrograms per day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Most people obtain sufficient biotin through a balanced diet that includes eggs, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables.
What is the risk of excess biotin?
Biotin is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, excessive intake can interfere with laboratory test results, which can likely lead to incorrect diagnoses. High doses may also cause skin rashes, digestive upset, and insulin release issues. There is no specific antidote for biotin overdose, but since biotin is water-soluble, excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine. Symptoms of overdose can include insomnia, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. The NIH advises caution when taking high doses of biotin supplements.
Can biotin always reverse hair fall?
No, not really. Even when biotin is important for hair health, it is not a guaranteed cure for hair fall. Scientific evidence on the efficacy of biotin supplements for reversing hair loss is still not conclusive. A 2017 review found that biotin supplementation helps with biotin deficiency but its effects on hair growth in those with normal levels are unproven. The review concluded there is insufficient evidence to support biotin use for hair loss in non-deficient individuals.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that biotin deficiency is rare and that there is little evidence to support the use of biotin supplements for treating hair loss. The UK National Health Service (NHS) also highlights that while biotin supplements are popular for hair and nail health, there is not enough scientific evidence to support their effectiveness for hair growth. The NHS advises focusing on a balanced diet to maintain overall health, including hair health.
We interviewed Dr Ratnakar Shukla, a Consultant Dermatologist at Dermagenix, Gorakhpur, UP, for his take on Biotin for hair fall. He says, “Biotin, or vitamin B7, is marketed for improving hair, skin, and nail health. Although biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, it is rare since most people get enough from their diet. There is limited evidence that biotin supplements significantly reverse hair loss in non-deficient individuals, though some may see improvements in hair strength and quality. Biotin gummies and serums should be used as directed, but their effectiveness varies.”
He further informs us, “A balanced diet is important for hair health, and factors like genetics, hormonal changes, and stress can impact hair loss. For significant hair loss, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Biotin gummies, often containing sugar and acidic components, can harm oral health by causing tooth decay and enamel erosion. To reduce risks, choose sugar-free options, maintain good oral hygiene, rinse your mouth after consumption, and follow dosage instructions. Thus, gummies are generally not advisable.”
Can Redensyl, Procapil and Fenugreek serum reverse hair loss?
Redensyl, Procapil, and Fenugreek serum are marketed as treatments for reversing hair loss, but their effectiveness remains largely unproven by robust scientific research. Redensyl targets hair follicle stem cells to stimulate growth. Procapil, on the other hand, is known for strengthening hair and preventing hair loss by improving scalp health. These show some promise in preliminary studies. Fenugreek, a traditional remedy, is believed to enhance hair health due to its high protein and nicotinic acid content. But, the evidence regarding Fenugreek for hair regrowth is still unproven. And, most evidence supporting these ingredients lack the large, controlled trials necessary to substantiate their efficacy conclusively. As such, these serums may offer benefits for some users. But, they should not serve as a sure shot solution for reversing hair loss.
Conclusion
Biotin is essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. But, it is still not a panacea for hair loss. The claims that biotin gummies can reverse hair fall, boost hair growth, and strengthen hair follicles lack strong scientific backing, especially for individuals without a biotin deficiency. It is important to understand that hair loss can have multiple causes, and effective treatment often requires a comprehensive approach which takes into account the underlying case of hair loss, rather than just taking supplements. The treatment regimen should also be customised to the individual’s specific condition. Consulting with healthcare professionals is advisable if you are experiencing significant hair loss. Avoid trusting misleading claims like rabbit blood oil for hair fall, onion for fast hair growth, or neem oil for growing hair, as they pose an allergy risk and delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
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