Male pattern baldness (AGA) is a common problem faced by many men, and there are a variety of approaches to its treatment. Common treatments include oral and topical medications, but in addition to these, a combination of supplements can be used to maximize the effectiveness of treatment. This article details the supplements, their effectiveness, and appropriate combinations for AGA treatment.
1. Basic Approach in AGA Treatment
The basic approaches to AGA treatment include the following
Medicine Taken Internally
Finasteride: Prevents hair loss by inhibiting the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Dutasteride: more potent DHT suppressor than finasteride and more effective in AGA treatment.
Medicine for External use
Minoxidil: a topical drug that stimulates blood circulation and hair growth.
2. Supplements to support AGA treatment
Supplements are used to complement AGA treatment and provide comprehensive support for hair health.Below are some of the major supplements that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of AGA.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in the health of hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause hair loss.
Effect: Maintains hair root health and supports hair growth.
Recommended intake: 1000-2000 IU per day.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is a vitamin that helps maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails.A deficiency of biotin can adversely affect hair health.
Effect: Supports hair strength and growth.
Recommended dosage: 5000 to 10000 mcg per day.
Zinc (Zn)
Zinc is a mineral necessary for cell growth and repair and is also important for hair health. Deficiency of zinc can cause hair loss.
1. Role of Zinc and Hair Health
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in cell formation, protein synthesis, immune function, and DNA synthesis. With respect to hair growth, zinc plays the following important roles
- Promotes hair follicle cell division and growth: Zinc is necessary for the health of hair follicle cells and their normal division and growth. Deficiency of zinc can result in slow hair growth or weakening of the hair and progressive hair loss.
- Maintaining a healthy scalp: Zinc also helps regulate sebum production and maintain a healthy scalp.Proper sebum balance is important for preventing hair follicle clogging and providing the necessary environment for hair growth.
2. Action of Zinc on AGA
AGA is mainly caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which attacks hair follicles and causes them to shrink. Zinc may have an inhibitory effect on the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is involved in DHT production, and this is expected to suppress the progression of AGA.
- Inhibition of DHT production: zinc is thought to reduce the damage DHT does to hair follicles by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, which produces DHT. since DHT shortens the hair growth cycle and weakens hair follicles, inhibiting DHT production is important to slow the progression of AGA.
- Antioxidant: Zinc is an antioxidant and also prevents cell damage.This also helps prevent hair follicles from being damaged by DHT and other environmental stresses.
Effect: Promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Recommended intake: 15-30 mg per day.
Iron
Iron is necessary for red blood cell production and supports the supply of oxygen to hair follicles.Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, especially in women.
Effect: Promotes hair growth and maintains healthy hair follicles.
Recommended intake: 8-18 mg per day.
Omega-3 fatty acid
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support healthy hair follicles. This prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth.
Potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids on AGA
Scientific evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have a direct therapeutic effect on AGA is limited, but the following indirect effects are expected
(1) Anti-inflammatory action
- AGA is also thought to be due in part to inflammation.Chronic mild inflammation in the scalp can damage hair follicles (hair roots) and prevent hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and may support follicle health by reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of AGA.
(2) Improvement of blood flow
- Adequate oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles of the scalp are important for healthy hair growth.Omega-3 fatty acids improve blood circulation, which may improve nutrient supply to hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in AGA because insufficient blood flow can weaken hair follicles and cause hair thinning.
(3) Hormone balance adjustment
- One of the causes of AGA is the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages hair follicles.Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to have a hormone-balancing effect and may inhibit the effects of DHT. However, whether they are directly effective in suppressing DHT production has not yet been fully proven.
(4) Support as a nutrient
- Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of lipid necessary for hair and skin health.Fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals, play an important role in hair growth. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain proper function of the cell membranes of hair follicles and indirectly promote hair growth.
Effect: Reduces inflammation and maintains hair health.
Recommended intake: 1000-2000 mg per day.
Saw Palmetto (Saw Palmetto)
Saw palmetto is a natural herb that inhibits DHT production and is effective in the treatment of AGA.
Mode of action: Saw Palmetto (Saw Palmetto) is a natural plant extract that, like finasteride, is believed to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and is expected to slow the progression of hair loss by suppressing the production of DHT, although this effect has not been confirmed to be as strong as that of finasteride.However, the effect is not as strong as that of finasteride.
Intended Use: Saw palmetto is primarily taken as a dietary supplement to support the prevention of AGA and the improvement of mild thinning hair. As a product made primarily from natural ingredients, it is often chosen because of its low side effects.
Efficacy: Clinical studies have reported that saw palmetto has some efficacy against AGA, but it is not as clear-cut as finasteride.It is often used for mild hair thinning and prevention.
Side effects: Saw palmetto is generally associated with few side effects, but gastrointestinal upset and mild loss of libido may be reported.
Recommended dosage: 320 mg extract per day.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that strengthens the structure of hair and is necessary for maintaining healthy hair.
Effect: Improves hair strength and elasticity.
Recommended intake: 5-10 g peptides per day.
3. Combination of Supplements and Therapeutics
Appropriate combinations of supplements and therapeutic drugs can maximize the effectiveness of AGA treatment. Below are some examples of effective combinations.
Finasteride + saw palmetto
Finasteride is an oral medication that inhibits DHT production, and saw palmetto is a natural herb with similar effects. This combination effectively suppresses DHT levels and prevents hair loss.
Minoxidil + Biotin
Minoxidil promotes blood circulation as a topical treatment, while biotin supports hair health from the inside.This combination effectively promotes hair growth.
Iron + Vitamin C
It is recommended that iron be taken with vitamin C to enhance its absorption. Iron is essential for hair health and vitamin C supports its absorption.
Omega-3 fatty acids + zinc
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, while zinc supports cell growth and repair. This combination maintains healthy hair follicles and prevents hair loss.
4. Precautions for use of supplements
There are several caveats to the use of supplements.
CONSULTATION WITH A PHYSICIAN: Always consult with your physician before using supplements.This is especially important if you are taking other medications or have specific health problems.
Appropriate dosage: Supplements should be taken in appropriate amounts. Overdose may be detrimental to your health.
Check quality: It is important to choose supplements from trusted brands and to check their quality.
Summary
In AGA treatment, an appropriate combination of supplements can maximize the effectiveness of treatment.By incorporating supplements that support hair health, such as vitamin D, biotin, zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, saw palmetto, and collagen, and combining them with oral and topical medications, more effective treatment can be expected. However, it is important to always consult with a physician before using supplements and to follow the appropriate dosage. A healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced diet will further enhance the effectiveness of AGA treatment.
