Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: In recent years, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its high prevalence and progressive nature. In addition to progressive scalp thinning and hair loss, patients often experience psychological distress and diminished quality of life. While standard treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil are effective, their side effects and adherence issues limit long-term use, making the exploration of safe and accessible intervention strategies essential. Dietary supplements, claimed to promote hair growth by inhibiting androgen pathways and improving the follicular microenvironment, have become an attractive adjunct for both clinicians and patients due to their low cost and ease of use. However, existing studies have limitations, including the diversity of supplements, small sample sizes, and the lack of direct comparisons among different supplements, making it unclear how they compare in terms of efficacy and safety. This study aims to use a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the effectiveness and safety of various dietary supplements based on outcomes such as hair density and terminal hair density, providing evidence-based support for clinical decision-making.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in English-language databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of dietary supplements for treating AGA. Stata 16.0 software…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,658 participants or records.
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