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| - Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post is promoting Oziva Hair Vitamins which claims to improve hair growth and control hair fall, with reported results showing 96% of users experiencing benefits within four months. We did the fact check to term this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
A Facebook video promotes Oziva’s Hair Vitamins, containing biotin, iron, and a DHT blocker, claiming:
- 96% of users experienced better hair growth within four months.
- Regular use leads to faster hair growth and reduced hair fall.
- Oziva has backed the product with clinical trials.
- It offers a more cost-effective solution than PRP therapy, which is reportedly less successful.
Fact Check
Are the clinical claims supported?
The clinical trial cited by Oziva assessed the effects of SesZen-Bio™, a proprietary extract of Sesbania grandiflora (vegetable hummingbird, katurai, agati, or West Indian pea), on hair density, thickness, and ferritin levels over 56 days. Although this study showed improvements in hair metrics for the treatment group, it had several limitations:
- Sample size and scope: The study involved only 51 participants, making it relatively small. Results from such small samples may not be broadly applicable.
- Potential conflicts of interest: Mihir C. Gadani, one of the researchers, is also a co-founder of Oziva. Three other researchers are affiliated with Zenherbs Lab Pvt. Ltd., potentially introducing bias into the study results.
Is Oziva’s claim of 96% success for improved hair health accurate?
No, the clinical trial does not support a claim that 96% of participants experienced better hair health with Oziva Hair Vitamins. The clinical trial on Sesbania grandiflora extract (marketed as SesZen-Bio™) involved 51 participants, with only 72% of volunteers reporting an improvement in hair health after eight weeks. This percentage is significantly lower than the 96% figure advertised by Oziva. Additionally, the study’s primary outcomes showed a 25% improvement in hair density and a 16.94% increase in hair thickness, rather than a near-universal benefit.
Oziva likely derived the 96% success rate from internal data or marketing surveys rather than from rigorous clinical trials with independent verification. Based on the clinical data available, a more realistic expectation would be that a majority—but not nearly all—users might experience some benefit, with variability depending on individual factors.
Without external validation, consumers should approach the claim of 96% effectiveness with caution.
Can Biotin, Iron, and DHT blockers promote hair growth and reduce hair fall?
Let’s evaluate each ingredient individually:
- Biotin: Biotin is commonly found in hair supplements due to its role in keratin production, a protein essential for hair strength and structure. Although biotin deficiency can lead to hair thinning, most people get enough biotin through their diet. For individuals without a deficiency, additional biotin might not significantly impact hair growth. Limited evidence supports the effectiveness of biotin in people with normal biotin levels. Despite this, we’ve debunked numerous social media claims that promote biotin gummies and serums as a solution for hair fall control and reversal.
- Iron: Iron is crucial for hair health, especially for individuals with iron-deficiency anaemia, which can contribute to hair loss. In cases of deficiency, iron supplementation may help reduce hair fall. However, excessive iron intake without deficiency could lead to adverse effects, and there’s little evidence that additional iron enhances hair health in people with normal iron levels.
- DHT Blockers: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone associated with male and female pattern baldness. DHT blockers, such as saw palmetto, are sometimes used in hair supplements to prevent DHT from binding to hair follicle receptors. This is likely to reduce hair loss. Limited evidence supports their efficacy, with more substantial effects seen in topical applications rather than oral supplements. Results can also vary widely among individuals.
Expert Opinion
We reached out to Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his take on Oziva Hair Vitamins for hair fall. He says, “Hair growth and hair fall depend on a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, overall health, and nutrition. While protein plays an important role in strengthening hair, and ingredients like biotin, iron, and DHT blockers in Oziva Hair Vitamins may help improve hair health, they may not provide the desired results for everyone. For individuals who do not have nutritional deficiencies, simply relying on Oziva Hair Vitamins might not lead to significant hair growth or reduced hair fall.”
Dr Shekhar adds, “Hair growth is generally slow, averaging 0.5 to 1.7 cm per month, so regrowing hair in just four months is unlikely. Oziva Hair Vitamins can help improve hair texture, reduce hair fall, and support overall hair health over time. But for best results, you should use them alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hair care. Results can vary from person to person, and it may take 3 to 6 months to see noticeable changes. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to address the root causes of hair loss before relying solely on supplements.”
Is Oziva Hair Vitamins an effective alternative to PRP therapy?
Oziva’s post suggests that PRP therapy is expensive and has a lower success rate than their vitamins. However, comparing the two is challenging because they work differently and have differing effectiveness:
- PRP Therapy: PRP involves injecting a patient’s plasma, rich in growth factors, into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. While it is an expensive option, some studies have shown PRP can be effective in promoting hair density, especially in cases of androgenetic alopecia. PRP results vary, and people often need multiple sessions.
- Oziva Hair Vitamins: Supplements like Oziva’s work gradually by providing nutrients that may support hair health over time. However, they are unlikely to produce rapid or dramatic changes like PRP. Oziva’s claim that their vitamins outperform PRP lacks direct evidence. Furthermore, PRP is often administered by dermatologists with visible results over time, while the vitamins’ impact may be subtle and more challenging to measure. Also, if the underlying cause of hair fall is not addressed, taking Oziva Hair Vitamins may not resolve the issue.
What do other studies say about multivitamins for hair?
Multivitamins can help address deficiencies that contribute to hair thinning and breakage, but they are not a cure-all. Many hair health issues are unrelated to vitamin deficiency and are instead due to genetic or hormonal factors. For individuals without nutrient deficiencies, the additional vitamins in Oziva Hair Vitamins may not produce noticeable changes. Worse still, excess vitamins and certain minerals can actually do more harm than good. For instance, taking too much of certain vitamins, like vitamin A and selenium, can make hair loss worse or affect lab test results. Also, high biotin levels can cause insomnia, increased thirst, frequent urination, and may interfere with lab tests (excess of biotin in the body is rare though).
In addition, the biotin and DHT blocker found in Oziva Hair Vitamins are only mildly supported by research. Without a personalised diagnosis, generic hair supplements may not target the root cause of hair issues, leading to variable results among users.
Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist, Aesthetician, and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, says, “Multivitamins can support hair health if you’re deficient in certain nutrients, but they aren’t a magic solution for everyone. Studies show that while they may help improve hair quality in those lacking vitamins like biotin or iron, they won’t solve hair loss caused by genetics or hormones.”
THIP Media Take
Oziva Hair Vitamins may benefit hair health, especially for those with nutrient deficiencies, but marketing claims likely overstate their effectiveness. The clinical trial shows some positive results, but it has limitations and conflicts of interest. Without independent verification, the 96% improvement claim is questionable, and the product should not directly compare to treatments like PRP. Overall, the claims overstate the product’s effectiveness, making this claim mostly false. Consumers should consult healthcare providers before using supplements for hair loss.
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