Using Inositol for hair loss can be effective, but it may not be enough by itself.
Inositol is a nutrient that is responsible for keeping our brains functioning well and promoting healthy skin and hair.
Taking supplements that combine this nutrient with choline may help to improve hair growth and provide follicles with the phospholipids needed to create strong strands of hair.
Research has shown positive results from taking inositol for hair growth, but whether it can prevent hair loss and female and male baldness is inconclusive.



- Supports brain & liver health
- Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
- Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss
Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss
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Research has shown that the SOX21 gene may be largely responsible for alopecia (hair loss) in humans.
Further, prostaglandin D2 (PDG2) levels are almost 300% higher in men with male pattern baldness than in non-balding men.
The GPR44 is a binding receptor for PDG2 is also now being studied for its possible roles in causing hair loss.
Scientists understand that there are intricate linking systems throughout the body, and that a health issue in one area may well be related to other health issues. As such, researchers began studying the possible correlations between generalized male pattern baldness and heart disease in 1954. However to date, there have been no conclusive results linking the two.
Vertex baldness (upper region of the cranium, but not the frontal regions), on the other hand, has been shown to be a marker of coronary heart disease (CHD). In fact, the strength of the correlation between the two is directly dependent on the degree of the vertex baldness. It is also known that vertex baldness is more related to CHD than frontal baldness (receding hairline).
Other studies are based on uncovering any correlations between hair loss and certain environmental factors, like smoking tobacco products. In 2007, one study showed that smoking was strongly linked to age related alopecia, especially for Asian men.
Using Inositol for Hair Loss
Inositol used to be referred to as vitamin B8, and was classified as part of the B Vitamin family. With more research, more recently it has been determined that it does not technically meet the qualifications of what it means to be a vitamin.
It is a sugar alcohol that is related to glucose that is soluble in water and is absolutely vital for all human, plant, and algae life. Its taste is sweet, but not as much as table sugar (sucrose).
Our bodies use inositol for numerous different cellular processes including:
- Manufacturing glucose
- Accommodating neurotransmission
- Emulsifying fats
- Mediates gene expression
- Regulates cell shape and structural integrity
It is notable that inositol and inositol derivatives are being studied for their possible roles in preventing and treating cancer, heart disease, mental disorders, stroke, diabetes, atherosclerosis – and many other conditions, including hair loss.
Researchers believe that because inositol has been shown to successfully improve hyperandrogenism symptoms associated with PCOS like acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia, it is possible it may be effective for other forms of alopecia. Specifically, this is because all forms of hair loss are associated with elevated levels of circulatory androgens.
How Hair Loss Happens
- Papilla cells are responsible for keeping the hair follicles healthy by providing them nutrients.
- A certain protein, DKK-1, kills papilla cells.
- The dickkopf-1 gene produces the DKK-1 protein chain.
- DHT (dihydrotestosterone), when synthesized from testosterone, triggers the dickkopf-1 gene to synthesize DKK-1.
- DHT is an androgen.
- Androgens are natural compounds, normally steroid hormones, that control the growth and maintenance of male attributes.
- When DKK-1 levels are elevated because of hypersignaling of the dickkopf-1 gene, hair growth slows and hair loss increases.
Every human loses hair every day. It is a natural process of constant renewal; we lose and grow new strands of hair all the time.
Alopecia is defined when an individual is losing 100 or more hairs each day. Those experiencing alopecia symptoms, like hair loss and slow growth, are likely to have some factor causing the hyperstimulation of the dickkopf-1 gene.
It follows that introducing a substance, like inositol, that reduces the levels of circulatory androgens, may control the symptoms of hyperandrogenism.
While research on Inositol use for hair loss has been promising so far, it is very limited and more research is still needed. At this time, the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only.
Choline and Inositol for Hair Growth
While supplementing with inositol for hair loss may be effective because of the lessening of the DKK-1 protein and subsequent alleviation of hyperandrogenism, it can help to restore healthy hair growth in another way too.
When inositol is used in conjunction with choline, certain phospholipids are synthesized that are imperative for the generation and maintenance of healthy hair follicles. This combination of supplements has shown successful results at increasing the rate of new hair growth and developing the strength of individual hair strands as they grow.
Inositol is found naturally in plants and animals. The human body also produces a couple of grams each day, primarily in the kidneys. Dietary inositol supplements are also available for those who wish to increase their bioavailable supply.
You can also increase levels of this nutrient in the diet by focusing on foods like organ meats, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, certain grains, oats, bananas, and various others.
Supplementing inositol for hair growth may be effective for many people. Discuss any new supplementation program with your doctor before engaging. Inositol is known to be almost free of any negative side effects, however in a few cases, some mild effects like nausea and headaches were reported.
Pregnant woman and those scheduled for surgeries should discontinue use of supplements unless approved by their doctors.
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Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment