Niacin / Vitamin B3
Niacin is a B vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. It also plays an important role in keeping skin, hair, eyes, and the nervous and digestive systems healthy. Niacin also helps cells produces energy and protect DNA from damage.
There are two main types of niacin:
- nicotinic acid
- nicotinamide
Niacin can be found in many foods like meat, fish, nuts, green vegetables, and grains. It can also be taken as a supplement. Getting enough niacin helps prevent deficiency which can cause nausea, skin and mouth lesions, headaches, and tiredness. Most people are able to get all the niacin they need from a balanced diet. It’s water soluble so excess is eliminated from the body.
Is it effective against hair loss?
As of today, we have only a limited number of studies on the effects of niacin on hair. Some studies suggest that it can be effective, while certain researchers claim that it has no impact.
Despite the scarcity of studies available, many shampoos and hair products contain niacin in various forms.
Considering that niacin is an essential vitamin for the body and its deficiency can lead to various problems, it is crucial to prevent deficiency in order to avoid potential hair loss, such as effluvium-type hair loss.
Niacin studies on hair loss
We have some studies that have been conducted on niacin and its relationship with hair loss. They may not be very exciting, but they at least indicate that niacin has potential.
2005 study : Two niacin derivatives on female androgenetic alopecia
In a study conducted in 2005, researchers investigated the effects of two niacin derivatives, octyl nicotinate and tetradecyl nicotinate, when applied topically to women experiencing pattern hair loss.
A total of 60 female participants with hair loss took part in a six-month double-blind trial. The findings revealed a significant improvement in hair thickness compared to a placebo, suggesting that the prolonged use of these niacin derivatives shows promise as a treatment for female alopecia.
2021 study : Effects of niacinamide on human hair cells
In this study from 2021, researchers looked at the effects of niacinamide on human hair cells. They found that niacinamide helped in promoting hair growth by reducing the levels of the protein DKK-1 that cause hair follicles to regress. It also decreased markers associated with aging in cells and protected against oxidative stress, which is known to contribute to hair loss.
In conclusion, the research suggests that niacinamide can enhance hair growth by preventing premature aging and stress-related damage to hair follicles.
2022 study : Niacinamide containing shampoo on hair loss
In this study from 2022, researchers tested a shampoo containing salicylic acid (0.2%), panthenol (0.2%) and niacinamide (0.1%) in people suffering from hair loss. They studied 42 people for 24 weeks, checking their hair at different times.
Results showed that the group using the shampoo had a 17.76% increase in hair on the crown compared to the placebo group. Visual assessments also indicated improvements in hair thickness and other areas. The shampoo was considered safe with no unusual side effects.
Even though this study tested a formula containing three different components, the outcome was positive. Personally, I find this kind of study not very convincing, but who knows?
2015 study : adenosine vs niacinamide in Japanese men with AGA
This study aimed to see if applying a lotion with adenosine on the scalps of Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia could make their hair thicker. They compared it to a lotion with niacinamide.
After 6 months, both treatment have shown positive results but they found that adenosine was better than niacinamide at improving hair thickness and overall hair quality.
What about oral niacin ?
As of today, we don’t have any studies on oral niacin and its connection to hair loss. However, we do know that niacin possesses intriguing properties that could potentially be beneficial in our battle against hair loss.
Niacin plays a vital role in promoting healthy blood circulation, both directly and indirectly, by mechanisms such as vasodilation, cholesterol regulation, enabling angioplasty, and addressing conditions like peripheral artery disease. Its contribution to blood flow is of utmost importance.
In conditions like androgenetic alopecia, the use of vasodilators like minoxidil has proven to be highly effective in stimulating the growth of new hair.
Perhaps regular niacin intake could dilate blood vessels in the scalp and reduce hair loss? It might even work synergistically with minoxidil, enhancing its effects. Currently, we have no concrete evidence, but the years ahead will shed more light on this, given the increasing popularity of this vitamin.
Niacin deficiency may cause hair loss
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a vital nutrient that our bodies require. Just like with all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need, a deficiency in niacin can lead to various health issues, one of which includes hair loss.
Niacin deficiency is not very common in developed countries where most people eat nutrient-rich diets. Worldwide, niacin deficiency is estimated to affect between 1-6% of the general population. However, it does affect certain populations more than others:
- Alcoholism: Niacin deficiency is more common in alcoholics, affecting approximately 25% of this population. Alcohol impairs the absorption and conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
- Poor diets: People who have nutritionally inadequate diets low in meat, fish, nuts, seeds, grains, greens, and legumes are at a higher risk of niacin deficiency.
- Medical conditions: Those with certain medical conditions like anorexia nervosa, HIV, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease have impaired nutrient absorption and are more niacin deficient.
While niacin deficiency is not very common, certain individuals are more likely to experience it. To prevent any deficiency, I would recommend maintaining a healthy diet or regularly taking multivitamins/vitamin B complex supplements.
Closing thoughts and verdict
I believe that niacin and its derivatives might have the potential to stimulate hair growth. Nonetheless, we currently lack robust studies to substantiate this, and some researchers contend that niacin may not deliver the efficacy it is purported to possess.
If you are considering the use of niacin for your hair, you can readily find numerous hair products containing niacin in various formulations.
In the case of oral niacin, there is a dearth of studies to definitively establish its effectiveness in combating hair loss. However, using it in low doses orally could prove beneficial for vasodilation and promoting optimal blood circulation.
Furthermore, this will prevent you from potentially experiencing a deficiency, which can be a cause of hair loss.
Precautions & side effects
Side Effects:
- Flushing of the skin
- Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, gas
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Rash, itching
- Liver damage (from high doses)
Precautions:
- Start with a low dose and slowly increase to reduce flushing
- Take with food to reduce flushing
- Avoid taking high doses unless directed by your doctor
- Limit alcohol when taking niacin to prevent liver damage
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, gout, diabetes, low blood pressure, peptic ulcer disease or bleeding disorders before taking niacin
- Tell your doctor if you develop persistent stomach upset, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine or unexplained fatigue
- Do not take niacinamide forms if you need to lower cholesterol