A 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of an extra-strength marine protein supplement to promote hair growth and decrease shedding in women with self-perceived thinning hair.

Glynis Ablon

doi:10.1155/2015/841570

Abstract

An oral marine protein supplement (MPS) is designed to promote hair growth in women with temporary thinning hair (Viviscal Extra Strength; Lifes2good, Inc., Chicago, IL). This double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the ability of MPS to promote terminal hair growth in adult women with self-perceived thinning hair associated with poor diet, stress, hormonal influences, or abnormal menstrual cycles. Adult women with thinning hair were randomized to receive MPS (N = 30) or placebo (N = 30) twice daily for 90 days. Digital images were obtained from a 4 cm2 area scalp target area. Each subject's hair was washed and shed hairs were collected and counted. After 90 days, these measures were repeated and subjects completed Quality of Life and Self-Assessment Questionnaires. MPS-treated subjects achieved a significant increase in the number of terminal hairs within the target area (P < 0.0001) which was significantly greater than placebo (P < 0.0001). MPS use also resulted in significantly less hair shedding (P = 0.002) and higher total Self-Assessment (P = 0.006) and Quality of Life Questionnaires scores (P = 0.035). There were no reported adverse events. MPS promotes hair growth and decreases hair loss in women suffering from temporary thinning hair. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02297360.

Highlights

Hair loss in women is often an overlooked and underappreciated condition that affects women almost as frequently as it affects men
The product has been marketed in Europe for over 15 years. The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to further evaluate the ability of marine protein supplement (MPS) to strengthen and promote the growth of terminal hairs in adult women with self-perceived thinning hair associated with poor diet, stress, hormonal influences, or abnormal menstrual cycles
There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age (MPS: 50.2 ± 12 years; placebo: 46.9 ± 9 years; f1,58 = 1.58; P = 0.214) or race/ethnicity (MPS: Caucasian (N = 25; 83.3%); placebo: Caucasian (N = 28; 93.3%), df = 2, P = 0.399)

Summary

Introduction

Hair loss in women is often an overlooked and underappreciated condition that affects women almost as frequently as it affects men. Hair loss may begin in women as early as their teens [1] or 20s [2] and increases significantly with age. 6% of women aged under 50 years were diagnosed as having female pattern hair loss, increasing to 38% in subjects aged 70 years and over [3]. Reasons for female pattern hair loss include medical conditions, medications, and physiologic or emotional stress [4,5,6]. A recent study of twins showed that significant factors associated with hair loss in women included divorce or separation, multiple marriages, more children, longer sleep duration, higher stress severity, smoking, higher income, and various medical conditions [7]. The psychological impact of hair loss is more severe for women than men

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