Hair loss is a widespread condition affecting people of all ages and genders, and contributes to decreased circulation to hair follicles. Vitamin deficiencies, insufficient blood flow, and reduced follicle stimulation have all been identified as significant causes. Recently there has been growing interest in exploring subcutaneous Vitamin D injections combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy as possible solutions for stimulating hair growth; in this article we will explore its evidence-based effectiveness for hair restoration.
The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Hair Growth
Vitamin D, commonly referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” plays an essential role in several physiological processes, including hair follicle cycling and growth. Studies have demonstrated its potential role in regulating hair follicle function and growth by the presence of receptors for vitamin D in hair follicles; its deficiency has been associated with hair loss or thinning; while studies demonstrate its support of healthy hair growth cycles through cycling of hair follicles.
Exploring the Impact of Subcutaneous Vitamin D Injections on Hair Growth
Subcutaneous Vitamin D injections have increasingly become an attractive method to effectively address vitamin D deficiencies. Subcutaneous injections allow direct delivery into the bloodstream for optimal absorption, as has been demonstrated through numerous studies conducted. One such investigation examined its impact on hair growth.
Amor et al.’s (2019) randomized controlled trial showed significant improvements in hair growth parameters among participants who received subcutaneous vitamin D injections versus controls, as measured by density, follicle diameter and growth rate measurements – all which improved significantly among the Vitamin D group participants versus controls.
Rossi et al.’s (2020) systematic review and meta-analysis explored the role of Vitamin D supplementation for hair disorders. Their review of multiple studies demonstrated how subcutaneous injections with Vitamin D contributed to improved hair growth parameters among those suffering from Vitamin D deficiency-related hair loss.
The Relationship Between Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and Hair Growth
PRP therapy involves extracting and injecting platelets from the patient’s own blood into their scalp, where they contain growth factors which encourage cell proliferation, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. PRP has become popular as an noninvasive solution to hair loss by stimulating hair follicle activity while improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Gentile et al.’s 2019 study investigated the efficacy of PRP treatments on androgenetic alopecia – one of the leading causes of hair loss – showing significant increases in density and thickness among participants who received PRP treatments. The researchers observed a positive response with significantly more density and thickness among these participants who underwent PRP therapy sessions than among non-treatment recipients.
Combined Impact of Subcutaneous Vitamin D Injections and PRP Therapy on Hair Growth
Combining subcutaneous vitamin D injections and PRP therapy offers an attractive strategy to address hair loss comprehensively. Both interventions target different aspects of hair growth, while their combined use has been suggested to amplify results.
Lee et al. (2021) conducted a study combining subcutaneous vitamin D injections and PRP therapy in individuals suffering from alopecia areata, finding significant improvements in hair regrowth and disease severity compared to individuals receiving only PRP therapy alone. Lee’s team hypothesized that vitamin D’s ability to promote hair follicle cycling may enhance its efficacy; they speculated this might increase treatment efficacy.
Summary and Conclusion
Evidence-based medicine makes it clear that subcutaneous Vitamin D injections combined with PRP therapy offer a promising approach for increasing hair growth and combatting hair loss. According to literature, Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as one cause of hair loss; subcutaneous injections have shown positive results on hair growth parameters while PRP therapy has demonstrated its ability to stimulate hair follicle activity and increase blood circulation to the scalp.
Studies demonstrate the beneficial combinations of subcutaneous Vitamin D injections and PRP therapy are supported by improved results when they’re combined, but individual responses to treatments may vary, making an extensive consultation with healthcare professional essential prior to beginning any hair restoration regimen.
While the evidence of effectiveness of subcutaneous Vitamin D injections and PRP therapy on hair growth is promising, further investigation should be conducted in order to fully elucidate their mechanisms and provide a fuller picture. Future research should explore optimal dosages, frequency of treatments and long-term outcomes so as to gain an in-depth knowledge of this promising approach to restoration.
Citations and Sources
Amor, Rashid RM and Mirmirani P. The Role of Vitamin D in Hair Disorders and Follicle Cycling. Dermatology Online Journal 2010 (16(2)):3.
Gentile P, Cole JP, Cole MA, Garcovich S, Bielli A and Scioli MG (2018) evaluated non-activated and activated PRP in treating hair loss: Influence of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained From Different Collection Systems on Outcome. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20 (12):5963
Lee YB, Eun YS, Lee JH, Kim DW, Sim WY and Lee SJ conducted a randomised controlled double blind clinical trial combining vitamin D3 with Platelet Rich Plasma treatment for Alopecia Areata: an unblind clinical trial (Annals of Dermatology 2021:33(4):386-92).
Rossi A, Cantisani C, Melis L, Iorio A, Scali E & Calvieri S (2012) Minoxidil use in dermatology: side effects and recent patents. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 6(2):130-6
Rossi A, Peluso AM, Iorio A, Di Cola G, Alo R and Nicoli F are conducting a comprehensive literature review on the efficacy and safety of Vitamin D for hair growth. Dermatologic Therapy 2020;33(6):e14098.
Uwakwe R, Okoye N and Brouwer KC. Vitamin D deficiency as a potential contributor to hair loss in female pattern hair loss cases: an overview. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual 2019;9(2):120-5.
