Selenium for Hair Loss: Does It Really Work?
Quick Summary: A study found that taking a supplement with selenium, collagen, and other nutrients alongside standard hair loss treatments helped people with hair loss see better results. This means the treatments seemed to work better than using the standard treatments alone.
What The Research Found
The research showed that people taking a supplement with selenium, along with collagen and amino acids, experienced improved hair growth when combined with their regular hair loss medications. After 3 months, those taking the supplement had a noticeable improvement in their hair loss compared to those just using the standard treatments. The supplement was also well-tolerated, meaning people didn't experience many side effects.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 83 people with hair loss, including those with male/female pattern baldness (AGA/FAGA) and those with temporary hair shedding (chronic TE).
- How long: The study lasted for 3 months (12 weeks).
- What they took: Participants took a daily tablet containing hydrolyzed fish collagen, amino acids, iron, and selenium, in addition to their regular hair loss treatments.
What This Means For You
If you're dealing with hair loss, this research suggests that adding a supplement with selenium and other nutrients to your current treatment plan might help. Talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional to see if this could be a good option for you. They can help you understand if this supplement is right for your specific type of hair loss and if it will interact with any other medications you're taking.
Study Limitations
- We don't know the exact amount of selenium: The study doesn't tell us exactly how much selenium was in the supplement, so it's hard to know how much selenium is needed to see these benefits.
- It's not just selenium: The supplement contained other ingredients like collagen and amino acids, so we can't say for sure if selenium alone is responsible for the results.
- Short-term study: The study only looked at the effects over 3 months. We don't know if the benefits would last longer.
- More research needed: While promising, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the role of selenium in hair growth.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study found that adding an oral supplement containing hydrolyzed fish collagen, amino acids (taurine, cysteine, methionine), iron, and selenium to standard drug treatments significantly improved hair loss outcomes in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (AGA/FAGA) or chronic telogen effluvium (TE). At 12 weeks, the supplement group (Group A) had a mean Global Assessment Score (GAS) of 1.67 ± 0.16, compared to 0.66 ± 0.20 in the drug-only group (Group B; p < 0.001). Half of Group A achieved a GAS score ≥2 ("Improved" or "Much Improved"), versus 23% in Group B. The supplement was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported.
Study Design
This was a prospective, randomized, 12-week, controlled, assessor-blinded trial involving 83 participants (mean age 41 ± 16 years; 26 men, 57 women). Participants were divided into AGA/FAGA (n=59) and chronic TE (n=24) subgroups. Group A (n=48) received the supplement plus investigator-selected drug treatments, while Group B (n=35) received drug treatments alone. Efficacy was assessed via standardized photographs and GAS scores by blinded evaluators.
Dosage & Administration
The supplement provided 300 mg/day of hydrolyzed fish collagen, along with unspecified doses of taurine, cysteine, methionine, iron, and selenium. Participants took one tablet daily. The exact quantities of selenium and other components were not reported in the provided summary, limiting clarity on individual ingredient contributions.
Results & Efficacy
At week 6, Group A showed a mean GAS score of 0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1 in Group B (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). By week 12, the difference widened (1.67 ± 0.16 vs. 0.66 ± 0.20; p < 0.001). A higher proportion of Group A achieved clinically meaningful improvements (GAS ≥2: 50% vs. 23%). Secondary outcomes indicated better treatment acceptability in Group A.
Limitations
- Unspecified Doses: Selenium and other active ingredients’ exact dosages were not disclosed, hindering reproducibility and mechanistic insights.
- Combination Effect: The supplement’s multi-component formulation prevents attribution of efficacy to selenium alone.
- Blinding Limitations: While assessors were blinded, participants and investigators were not, risking performance bias.
- Baseline Variability: No data on baseline nutrient levels (e.g., selenium deficiency) were provided, which could influence outcomes.
- Short Duration: Results reflect only short-term effects (12 weeks), with long-term efficacy and safety unknown.
- Funding Bias: Potential conflicts of interest (e.g., industry funding) were not addressed in the summary.
Clinical Relevance
This study suggests that selenium, in combination with collagen and amino acids, may enhance hair loss treatment efficacy when paired with standard therapies. However, the lack of selenium-specific dosing and the multi-ingredient formulation limit conclusions about selenium’s independent role. For users, the findings support considering adjunctive supplements for AGA/FAGA or TE, but emphasize the need for personalized medical advice and further research to isolate selenium’s effects. The observed tolerability aligns with short-term safety,
Original Study Reference
Efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen in subjects with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA or FAGA or telogen effluvium). A prospective, randomized, 3-month, controlled, assessor-blinded study.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2023
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 37357646)
