Folexin Review
Folexin is an over-the-counter oral dietary supplement marketed for hair health. It is a capsule blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbal extracts. Reviewers describe it as a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts created to support hair health and growth. The brand says results take time and that it is not a hair loss treatment or a miracle cure. Its headline ingredients are biotin (vitamin B7) and fo-ti (He Shou Wu), a traditional Chinese root. The formula also includes iron, folic acid, zinc, vitamins A and C, silicon, B-complex vitamins, calcium, saw palmetto and nettle root. One reviewer reports 300 mcg of biotin and 25 mg of fo-ti per capsule. That makes 50 mg of fo-ti per two-capsule serving. Inactive ingredients include cellulose and rice flour. Reviewers say the product is made in a GMP-certified facility. That is a claim from third-party review sites, and I did not verify it independently. How it is meant to work: 1. **Nutritional support for the follicle.** Hair is built from keratin. Biotin is described as supporting protein and keratin synthesis and energy metabolism. Iron, zinc, folate, B vitamins and vitamins A and C are cofactors for cell division and for oxygen delivery to the follicle. They also support collagen formation. The idea is that correcting marginal shortfalls helps follicles stay in the growth (anagen) phase. Any benefit is most plausible in people who are actually deficient. 2. **Hormonal and DHT pathway.** Saw palmetto is described as a DHT inhibitor. It is thought to limit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which miniaturizes follicles in androgenic hair loss. Nettle root is often included for the same reason. Evidence for these botanicals is modest and varies in quality. 3. **Traditional herbal tonic.** Fo-ti has long been used in China as an anti-aging tonic. Reviewers say it may have mild estrogen-like activity and may help with graying. The clinical evidence is limited. Fo-ti has also been linked to liver safety concerns in the wider literature, so people with liver conditions should be cautious. Hair growth is slow, so users are usually advised to take it consistently for about 2–3 months or more before judging it. Iron-containing supplements can upset the stomach. People who are pregnant, on medication, or have anemia or liver problems should talk to a clinician first. This is a supplement, not a drug, and it is not FDA-approved to treat hair loss.
Tier ⓘ
Tier 4 · Rank 12
Tier 4 · Emerging. A promising mechanism or animal data, with thin human evidence so far. Rank 12 within Tier 4 for Hair Growth; 51 of 55 overall. Tiers run from 1, the strongest evidence, to 5. How we grade →
Evidence ⓘ
31 /100
How strongly the evidence says this product works: human studies count most, then real reviews, then our biohacker panel.
Positive Reviews
– no stars shown, 5 reviews
Biohacker Mentions
8 of 10
Cost per month
$49
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only123 human studies · 47 improved
4 of these 123 human studies gave the ingredient by drip or injection, not by mouth.
123 human studies47 improved67 no effect883,479 people studied
The main ingredient at a full dose is biotin, at 5000 micrograms a day. In a 2025 trial of 105 adults, a smaller biotin dose of 1.25 milligrams daily for 90 days reduced hair fall and sped hair growth, with no side effects reported [1]. Children losing hair on a seizure medicine regrew it within about 3 months on biotin [2]. In 156 women after weight-loss surgery, however, biotin helped only 23% of those low in it [3]. Vitamin B6 reduced shedding in 46 women, but it was given as injections, not as a pill [4]. Several ingredients are below studied doses. Zinc is 7 milligrams, while 50 milligrams reduced hair loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome [5]. Vitamin E is 14 milligrams, while 100 milligrams of a vitamin E form raised hair count [6]. Vitamin A is only a trace amount. Iron mainly helps women who are low in iron [7]. Folate and vitamin B12 have no trials showing that they help hair [8][9]. Magnesium did not change hair loss in a placebo trial [10]. The herbal ingredients sit in a 359 milligram blend whose amounts are not disclosed. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 123 studies →Hide the studies
- Pooled across 102 studies of people with patchy autoimmune hair loss and healthy controls, vitamin D deficiency was far more common in those with hair loss, but no vitamin D was given so this does not show a treatment effect.Comorbid Conditions Associated with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
- Across 23 studies with 3374 people with non-scarring hair loss and 7296 healthy controls, those with hair loss had lower vitamin D and more deficiency, but supplementation was not tested directly.Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D in non-scarring alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Across 36 studies of 10,029 women, those with nonscarring hair loss had lower ferritin (iron stores) than women without hair loss, and about 21% had very low ferritin, but this did not test iron supplements directly.Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Across 34 papers with 4931 people, those with patchy hair loss had lower vitamin D levels and higher odds of deficiency than healthy people, but no vitamin D was tested as a treatment.Association Between Serum Trace Elements Level and Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- In 18 studies of 2538 people after weight-loss surgery, 57% had hair loss, and those with lower blood folic acid levels (along with zinc and ferritin, but not iron or vitamin B12) were more likely to lose hair; no folate was given as a treatment.Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
- A pooled analysis of 87 observational studies found vitamin D deficiency was more common in people with alopecia areata, but it did not test whether taking vitamin D helps hair.Comorbidities in alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Pooled across 91 studies, people with patchy hair loss had lower blood vitamin D than healthy matched controls, but no vitamin D treatment was tested.Biomarkers in alopecia Areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Pooled studies showed people with patchy or female pattern hair loss had lower vitamin D levels and more deficiency than controls, but supplementation was not tested and needs further study.Vitamin D deficiency in non-scarring and scarring alopecias: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- A review of 17 studies with 61332 people, mostly women, found higher vitamin D levels were linked to less hair loss, though further research is needed.Assessing the relationship between dietary factors and hair health: A systematic review.
- A review of 16 trials in 768 people with patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) found the evidence does not support taking zinc sulphate by mouth.Systemic treatments for alopecia areata: A systematic review.
- A review of 49 articles on vitamins and minerals in genetic hair loss found the strongest links for B vitamins, vitamin D, iron and zinc, with vitamin A not highlighted and evidence described as inconsistent.Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review.
- A review of 165 articles on off-label skin uses found evidence that topical vitamin D was ineffective for alopecia areata and for hair loss caused by chemotherapy.Off-label uses of topical vitamin D in dermatology: a systematic review.
- In a review of 30 studies of supplements for hair loss in people without known deficiency, vitamin D3 had only low-quality evidence suggesting it improved hair loss.Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss: A Systematic Review.
- In a 3-month trial of 450 men with low sperm count, alopecia (hair loss) improved better in groups whose regimen included a vitamin E soft capsule, but vitamin E was given in every group and its effect on hair cannot be separated from the other treatments.[Treating oligospermia patients of Shen-essence deficiency syndrome by 3 different treatment programs: a clinical observ…
- In 283 people with resected lung cancer, taking 300,000 IU of vitamin A daily for at least a year caused mild, self-resolving hair loss in under 10% of those treated.Safety of high-dose vitamin A. Randomized trial on lung cancer chemoprevention.
- In 225 men and women with pattern hair loss, adding one daily capsule containing vitamin C plus saw palmetto, pumpkin extract and cystine to minoxidil and a med for 6 months gave great improvement in 36.5% versus 25% with the drugs alone.Impact of a Novel Dietary Supplement on Efficacy of Pharmacological Treatments for Androgenic Alopecia: A Real-Life, Mul…
- In 200 men with male pattern baldness, daily 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo for 26 weeks gave a modest, sustained rise in hair count versus placebo shampoo, about half the effect of 5% minoxidil.The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial.
- In 181 people after lung cancer surgery, 300,000 IU of vitamin A daily caused hair loss at a low frequency alongside skin dryness.Lung cancer chemoprevention with retinol palmitate. Preliminary data from a randomized trial on stage Ia non small-cell …
- In 105 adults (97 finished) taking 1.25 mg of plant-derived biotin daily for 90 days, hair fall dropped, hair grew faster by about 0.55 mm a day, and nails and skin elasticity improved, with no side effects reported.The Role of Sesbania grandiflora-Derived Biotin and Bambusa arundinacea-Derived Silica Extracts in Promoting Hair, Skin,…
- In 97 people with severe psoriasis taking a vitamin A-like drug for a year, four stopped because of side effects, mainly hair loss.Systemic treatment of psoriasis with an oral retinoic acid derivative (Ro 10-9359).
- In 47 people with diffuse hair loss in a double-blind trial (plus 36 in a pilot), daily retinol 18,000 IU with L-cystine and gelatin lowered the share of resting hairs and improved growing hairs, while the placebo group did not improve.[Low dosage retinol and L-cystine combination improve alopecia of the diffuse type following long-term oral administrati…
- In 83 people with hair loss, a daily multi-ingredient tablet containing iron added to usual hair-loss drugs for 12 weeks gave better photo-rated improvement than drugs alone (50% vs 23% reached a score of 2 or more); iron's separate effect was not tested.Efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen i…
- In 75 people with patchy alopecia areata, adding topical vitamin D3 to microneedling gave more hair regrowth than microneedling alone, though bimatoprost worked better right after treatment.Combined microneedling with topical vitamin D3 or bimatoprost versus microneedling alone in the treatment of alopecia ar…
- In 73 women with hair loss followed for 4 months, calcium pantothenate (alone or with zinc sulfate) was compared with zinc alone and minoxidil; the combination slightly raised hair count and satisfaction reached 85%, but hair thickness did not significantly change in the combination group and there was no placebo group.Comparing the Effects of Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Their Combination and Minoxidil Solution Regimens on Contro…
- In 64 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, taking magnesium for 10 weeks did not significantly change hair loss (alopecia) compared with placebo, although quality of life improved.The effects of magnesium supplementation on abnormal uterine bleeding, alopecia, quality of life, and acne in women with…
- In 62 men with pattern hair loss, a zinc-containing foam used twice daily for 6 months reduced the share of resting-phase hairs more than the dummy foam, but hair density gain did not differ between groups.Reduction of telogen rate and increase of hair density in androgenetic alopecia by a cosmetic product: Results of a rand…
- In a randomized trial of 60 people with scalp alopecia areata, topical calcipotriol and narrowband UVB both improved hair loss scores and blood vitamin D3 levels after 3 months, while placebo did not.Topical calcipotriol vs narrowband ultraviolet B in treatment of alopecia areata: a randomized-controlled trial.
- In 60 adults with patchy alopecia areata, vitamin D3 injected into the bald patches every 4 weeks for up to 3 sessions improved hair regrowth significantly more than saline injections.Intralesional vitamin D3 in treatment of alopecia areata: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
- In a randomized trial of 60 people with localized alopecia areata, a topical vitamin D analogue combined with a potent a med worked about as well as a superpotent a med alone, with fewer side effects, while tacrolimus gave the least improvement.Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.03% and topical calcipotriol 0.005% mixed with betamethas…
- In 50 people with diffuse hair loss, six weekly injections of 5 mg biotin with dexpanthenol from either of two brands reduced hair fall and increased hair density, with no placebo group for comparison.Efficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: A randomized, dou…
- In 48 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, 50 mg of zinc daily for 8 weeks reduced hair loss compared with placebo (41.7% vs 12.5%), along with lower excess hair growth and a blood marker of oxidative damage.Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Endocrine Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blin…
- In a half-head trial of 42 people with alopecia applying 1% bexarotene gel twice daily for 24 weeks, 5 people (12%) regrew at least half their hair on the treated side, and the gel was well tolerated, though the trial had no placebo group.Phase I/II randomized bilateral half-head comparison of topical bexarotene 1% gel for alopecia areata.
- In 40 people with pattern hair loss or shedding, a zinc and arginine lotion for 23 weeks reduced hair pulled out and improved hair growth measures compared with placebo lotion.A new combination of molecules for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium: a double-blind randomiz…
- In 38 people with hair loss, 100 mg of mixed tocotrienols (a vitamin E form) daily for 8 months raised hair count by 34.5% versus a 0.1% decrease with placebo, though hair weight did not change.Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers.
- In 34 people with psoriasis given a vitamin A-like drug with light therapy, only one person had diffuse hair loss, after 8 weeks on etretinate.A double-blind comparison of acitretin and etretinate in combination with bath PUVA in the treatment of extensive psoria…
- In 30 men with hair transplants for androgenic alopecia, a daily scalp serum containing manganese PCA plus two plant extracts, used for one year, improved scalp condition and hair growth (from months 6 to 12, as judged by investigators) more than shampoo alone, though the effect of manganese alone cannot be separated.A one-year exploratory randomized, controlled, multicentric pilot study evaluating the efficacy and tolerance of an anti…
- In a randomized trial of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, pretreatment with topical calcipotriol did not reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss compared with vehicle.'Atrophic telogen effluvium' from cytotoxic drugs and a randomized controlled trial to investigate the possible protecti…
- In menopausal women given 1000 mg calcium plus vitamin D3 daily for six months, hair shedding was significantly reduced compared with placebo, and skin hydration and elasticity improved when collagen was added.Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Collagen on Bone Density and Skin Elasticity in Menopausal Women-…
- In men and women with self-perceived hair thinning, a zinc-containing shampoo and leave-on treatment for 24 weeks reduced hair shedding and increased hair count compared with placebo shampoo.Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-bli…
- In 291 people with psoriasis taking a vitamin A-like drug, 14% had to stop because of hair loss, nail infection or raised liver enzymes.[Oral psoriasis treatment with a new aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359): a multi-centre controlled study of 291 patients (pr…
- In 116 premenopausal female blood donors with iron deficiency but no anaemia, 16 weeks of iron supplements raised ferritin from 7.12 to 25.2 ng/ml and resolved symptoms including hair loss, compared with retrospective controls; hair loss was one of several symptoms, not the main goal.A pilot iron substitution programme in female blood donors with iron deficiency without anaemia.
- In 46 women with diffuse hair loss, daily vitamin B6 injections for 20 to 30 days improved hair condition in a number of women and reduced hair loss, especially the telogenic (resting-phase) type, while calcium pantothenate showed no clear benefit.[Evaluation of vitamin B6 and calcium pantothenate effectiveness on hair growth from clinical and trichographic aspects …
- In 39 people with severe thallium salt poisoning, adding deferasirox to standard treatment, which included potassium-iron hexacyanoferrate and intravenous potassium, sped thallium removal and improved liver and kidney function, but the abstract reports no outcome for hair loss, which was only described as a symptom of the poisoning. This is a retracted publication.Complexions therapy and severe intoxication by Thallium salts.
- Topical melatonin in vitamin C-based nanovesicles was reported to increase hair thickness and density and reduce hair loss in people with pattern hair loss compared with melatonin solution, but vitamin C here served as a carrier and the number of participants was not stated.Melatonin vitamin C-based nanovesicles for treatment of androgenic alopecia: Design, characterization and clinical appra…
- In women with hair shedding (telogen effluvium), a combination supplement containing thiamine nitrate taken for 180 days improved hair loss, volume and density on clinical evaluation, but at 90 days it did not improve hair shine or strength, and scalp imaging showed no significant improvement, unlike the other supplement it was compared with.Comparative evaluation between two nutritional supplements in the improvement of telogen effluvium.
- In 1,000 men and women with androgenetic alopecia, a monthly scalp serum containing thiamine and other micronutrients for six months reduced hair fall and increased hair growth and hair density, with 95% of patients satisfied and no major adverse events reported; the study had no comparison group.The Efficacy and Safety of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum (a Cocktail of Micronutrients and Multivitamins) in Adult Males an…
- In 1,000 women aged 25 to 50 with polycystic ovary syndrome and female pattern hair loss, a monthly scalp serum containing thiamine and other micronutrients for six months increased hair shaft diameter, terminal hair counts and hair growth rate, with no adverse events recorded; the study had no comparison group.Efficacy of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum in the Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia in Patients With PCOS: An Open-Label,…
- In 112 people with light diffuse hair loss taking a supplement containing biotin for 12 weeks, hair loss fell by 59% and hair density rose, with 90% of participants perceiving better hair growth and appearance, in an open-label study without a control group.Effectiveness, Tolerability, and Acceptance of a Food Supplement in the Management of Non-Illness-Related Hair Loss and …
- In a single-group trial of 101 breast cancer patients, a daily scalp lotion containing a zinc complex did not prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, though hair may have recovered somewhat sooner.The utility of DHL-HisZnNa, a novel antioxidant, against anticancer agent-induced alopecia in breast cancer patients: a …
- In 64 women with chronic telogen effluvium over 16 weeks, a hair serum containing manganese PCA with two plant extracts reduced hair loss more than shampoo alone and was well tolerated.A Well-Tolerated Hair Serum Containing New Natural Active Ingredients Reduced Hair Loss and Improved Quality of Life in …
- In a 12-week retrospective study of 48 people with mild-to-moderate alopecia areata, twice-daily topical calcipotriol produced a total response in 69.2% of patients, with significant reduction in hair loss scores.Topical Calcipotriol Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Study.
- In 35 women with iron deficiency anemia, 8 weeks of oral ferrous sulfate improved hair loss in 84.2% of those with the symptom, and resolved restless legs and cheilitis.Iron Deficiency in Menstruating Adult Women: Much More than Anemia.
- In 27 people with generalized psoriasis given an oral synthetic retinoid with ultraviolet light, hair loss occurred in 4 people as a side effect, so hair loss was a harm in this study.[Retinoid-selective ultraviolet phototherapy (SUP) in psoriasis].
- In 25 people with severe psoriasis taking an oral synthetic retinoid for several months, diffuse hair loss was one of the main side effects, so hair loss was a harm rather than a benefit.[Oral treatment of severe psoriasis with a new aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359) (author's transl)].
- In people with moderate to severe acne taking a med for 3 months, hair growth measurements did not change in a statistically significant way.Read the study on PubMed (30350907) →
- In a large uncontrolled clinic series of 18,918 Asian men with male pattern hair loss, a combination treatment that included a med, minoxidil and an injected solution containing retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A) was followed by visible improvement in all patients on photographs, with 80 percent satisfied at 12 months; vitamin A was not tested alone.Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment in Asian Men.
- Among 3028 people with telogen effluvium, 4.4% had low folate, and folate was not tested as a treatment for hair loss.Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 pa…
- In a large retrospective review of 2851 women with telogen effluvium, folic acid deficiency was rare (8 people, 0.6%), and the authors emphasized ferritin and iron deficiency instead; this was not a supplement trial.Retrospective Review of 2851 Female Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Single-Center Experience.
- In a rural Indian clinic of 1,992 people, recurrent scalp hair loss was one of several signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, and adding vitamin powder to food raised blood levels, but the abstract does not report hair improving.Diagnostic Signs and Symptoms of Cyanocobalamin Deficiency at Rural Setting in India: Novel Method of Supplementation.
- In 973 patients with telogen effluvium, vitamin B12 levels showed no significant relationship with the anagen hair ratio measured by digital phototrichogram.Micronutrient Deficiencies and Digital Computerized Phototrichogram Analysis in Telogen Effluvium: a Retrospective Corre…
- Children with alopecia areata had lower vitamin B12 levels (233.5 vs 356.7 pg/mL) than matched healthy controls, and low B12 was an independent risk factor.Risk Factors for Pediatric Alopecia Areata: Clinical and Biochemical Findings from a Case - Control Study.
- In 554 non-anemic French menstruating women, low iron stores (ferritin 20 or less) were linked to recent hair loss, with about twice the odds of reporting it.Non-anemic iron deficiency: correlations between symptoms and iron status parameters.
- Lung cancer patients given 400 mcg folic acid daily with vitamin B12 shots before pemetrexed chemotherapy had hair loss rates similar to those not given the vitamins. Hair loss was a side effect of chemotherapy, not a treatment goal.Efficacies and adverse reactions of modified vitamin supplement programs before pemetrexed chemotherapy as a second-line…
- In a retrospective review of 210 people with female or male pattern hair loss compared with 210 matched healthy people, iron stores (serum ferritin) were lower in the hair loss patients, especially premenopausal women, suggesting iron may play a role in hair loss.Iron plays a certain role in patterned hair loss.
- In a 3-year follow-up of 313 people after weight-loss surgery, hair loss was the most common nutritional symptom, but the abstract reports no hair outcome tied to vitamin B12 supplementation.Pragmatic strategy for vitamin and micronutrient supplementation after metabolic and bariatric surgery.
- In a case-control study of 42 young adults with diffuse hair loss and 230 matched controls, dietary calcium intake was not linked to hair loss, while higher protein intake was the only nutrient directly associated with it.[Evaluation of the role of dietary intake in the occurrence of alopecia].
- In 261 patients followed for 6 months after bariatric surgery, vitamin B12 rose with routine supplementation but showed no consistent link to hair loss, while low iron was the strongest predictor.Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Hair Loss and Micronutrient Deficiencies After One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Vers…
- In newborn screening of 246 infants with biotinidase deficiency in Ontario, two children who stopped biotin developed hair loss, along with abnormal gait, skin rashes and developmental delay.Biotinidase deficiency: Spectrum of molecular, enzymatic and clinical information from newborn screening Ontario, Canada…
- Women with hair loss had lower vitamin B12 levels (185.5 vs 258.3 pg/mL) than 100 healthy controls, though this study did not test B12 supplementation.Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormon…
- In a retrospective study of 200 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a six-month supplement combining magnesium with myo-inositol significantly reduced hirsutism (excess body hair) scores; androgenic hair loss was not reported.Association of Myo-Inositol and Microlipodispersed Magnesium in Androgen-Dependent Dermatological Diseases: A Retrospect…
- Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were similar in 91 people with diffuse hair loss and 74 healthy controls. Folate was measured, not supplemented.The role of psychological factors and serum zinc, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the aetiology of trichodynia: a case-…
- Among 156 women who had sleeve gastrectomy, 1000 mcg of biotin daily for 3 months gave little benefit: only 5 of 22 women with biotin deficiency (23%) reported a clear reduction in hair loss, with no significant difference compared with those without deficiency.Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effect of Biotin Supplements.
- Folate levels were similar in 68 people with scarring alopecia and 68 healthy controls; folate was measured, not supplemented.Micronutrient levels and thyroid functions in scarring alopecias: Do they play a role in disease pathogenesis?
- Blood folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels were no different between 75 people with alopecia areata and 54 controls; folate was measured, not supplemented.Serum holotranscobalamine, vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine levels in alopecia areata patients.
- In 125 women with androgenetic hair loss, vitamin B12 was abnormal in only 5 percent of women, and B12 was not part of the treatment studied.[Hormonal diagnosis in so-called androgenetic alopecia in the female].
- In 113 people with hair loss after COVID-19, 20.4 percent had vitamin B12 deficiency, but the study did not test whether B12 treatment improved hair.Telogen Effluvium Following Coronavirus Disease-2019 Infection: A Retrospective Study of 113 Cases.
- In a single-center review of skin problems after liver transplant, one patient with hair loss caused by low blood magnesium was given a daily oral magnesium supplement; the abstract does not report how this patient's hair responded.Dermatologic complications after liver transplantation: a single-center experience.
- Blood folate levels were similar in 54 people with diffuse hair loss and 55 healthy people, while ferritin and vitamin D were lower in the hair loss group; folate was not supplemented.Serum ferritin and vitamin D levels should be evaluated in patients with diffuse hair loss prior to treatment.
- In 108 women with diffuse hair loss, folic acid levels were within normal limits and did not relate to hair density or hair-shedding measures. Folate was measured, not supplemented.Evaluation of the relationship of digital phototrichogram findings of patients with diffuse hair loss with blood TSH, fe…
- In a case-control study of 100 people recovering from COVID-19, those with telogen effluvium (excess hair shedding) reported using vitamin C less often than controls, which the authors suggest may mean vitamin C helps prevent post-COVID hair loss, though this is only an association.Post Covid telogen effluvium: the diagnostic value of serum ferritin biomarker and the preventive value of dietary suppl…
- In a retrospective study of 100 people with alopecia areata, folic acid deficiency was one of several factors linked to more hair-loss flare-ups, though the study did not test folate supplements.Evaluating the Effect of the Demographic, Trichoscopic and Laboratory Characteristics on The Recurrence of Alopecia Area…
- In a study of 100 women with non-scarring hair loss, average ferritin (iron store) levels were lower than in the control group (20.47 versus 27.87), with a statistically significant difference; this publication is marked as retracted.The Association of Serum Ferritin Levels With Non-scarring Alopecia in Women.
- In a cross-sectional study of 50 men with male-pattern hair loss compared with 25 healthy men, all of the patients had low folic acid, along with low vitamins B12, D and E; the amount of hair loss did not track with these levels, and no supplement was given.A Cross-sectional Study of Plasma Trace Elements and Vitamins Content in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men.
- In children on valproic acid, hair loss and skin rash improved after daily oral biotin 10 mg, which was given as a supplement to patients with low biotinidase activity.Low serum biotinidase activity in children with valproic acid monotherapy.
- Blood vitamin E levels were not different between 37 people with alopecia and 34 healthy controls, although beta-carotene was lower and lipid peroxidation higher in the alopecia group.Antioxidants and lipid peroxidation status in the blood of patients with alopecia.
- In 70 Japanese adults with alopecia areata, higher dietary retinol intake was linked to more severe hair loss on the severity score, but this food-questionnaire study cannot show that retinol causes the hair loss.Dietary Habits in Japanese Patients with Alopecia Areata.
- In 70 children with chemotherapy-induced hair loss, adding a cystine, yeast and vitamin B5 supplement to topical minoxidil gave thicker hair than minoxidil alone, with only 3 mild side effects reported.Topical minoxidil and dietary supplement for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in childhood: a retrospectiv…
- In a retrospective review of 66 Black women with hair loss, 69.6 percent reported clinical improvement using a compounded topical minoxidil that contained a retinoid, compared with 45 percent using over-the-counter minoxidil.Enhanced Clinical Outcomes and Treatment Adherence in Patients Using Compounded Topical Minoxidil to Treat Androgenetic …
- Serum folate levels were no different in 31 people with telogen hair loss and scalp pain than in 30 people with the same hair loss but no pain. Folate was measured, not supplemented.Evaluation of Anxiety and Levels of Serum B12, Folate, TSH, Ferritin, and Zinc in Telogen Alopecia Patients with Trichod…
- People with alopecia areata had lower red blood cell folate than healthy controls, and lower levels went with more extensive hair loss; folate was measured, not supplemented.Evaluation of Serum Homocysteine, High-Sensitivity CRP, and RBC Folate in Patients with Alopecia Areata.
- After bariatric surgery in adolescents, 12 of 61 had temporary hair loss and 5 had folate deficiency.Excellent Short- and Medium-term Result of Bariatric Surgery in Adolescence. A Single Center Study.
- People with alopecia areata, psoriasis or vitiligo had significantly lower blood and tissue vitamin E and PON1 levels than 15 healthy controls.The antioxidant role of paraoxonase 1 and vitamin E in three autoimmune diseases.
- People with alopecia areata had significantly lower serum vitamin E than 30 healthy controls, and this level did not differ by disease severity.Investigation of ischaemia-modified albumin and antioxidant vitamins and minerals levels in alopecia areata patients and…
- In a case-control study of 60 women, those with diffuse hair shedding had much lower ferritin (about 16 vs 60 ng/mL) than women without hair loss, and low ferritin at 30 or below was strongly tied to hair shedding.Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women.
- In 50 people who had weight-loss sleeve surgery, 56% developed hair loss within 6 months, and those with hair loss had lower folic acid levels afterward (about 8 ng/ml lower on average); this was not a supplement trial.Hair Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
- In 49 patients with advanced cancer given a med, pretreatment serum folic acid did not predict drug tolerance. Hair loss occurred in 4 patients as a drug side effect, and folate was not given as a treatment.Read the study on PubMed (4256007) →
- In 48 men with male-pattern hair loss treated for 4 months with topical minoxidil plus vitamin and mineral corrections, folic acid levels did not separate responders from non-responders. Only zinc levels differed between the groups.Plasma Zinc Levels in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia as Possible Predictors of the Subsequent Conservative Therapy's E…
- In 17 girls with anorexia nervosa, 14 had a hair shaft defect called pili torti, which the authors linked to high vitamin A intake and raised blood vitamin A levels; 15 healthy girls had no such defect.Acquired pili torti--a structural hair shaft defect in anorexia nervosa.
- Infants fed only hydrolysate formula, which contained little biotin, had low blood biotin, and one of them developed hair loss linked to biotin deficiency.Low serum biotin in Japanese children fed with hydrolysate formula.
- In a review of 25 children with short anagen syndrome, a condition where hair does not grow long, biotin alone or with topical minoxidil was reported to be an effective treatment.Short anagen syndrome: A case series and algorithm for diagnosis.
- Patients taking a med (median 20 mg weekly) with folate supplementation sometimes had hair thinning as a side effect; folate itself was not studied for hair.Read the study on PubMed (11567968) →
- In 14 children with methylmalonic acidemia treated with vitamin B12 and carnitine, the abstract reports general improvement but does not report hair outcomes specifically.[Diagnosis and treatment of methylmalonic acidemia in 14 cases].
- In five men with male pattern hair loss, a topical solution containing 0.2% biotin along with minoxidil and a med was judged successful for all five over 6 months, with moderately thicker hair and higher hair density in photographs.Read the study on PubMed (32023218) →
- In a study of children taking valproic acid, three girls who lost hair had their hair loss disappear within about 3 months of taking 10 mg of biotin daily.Serum biotinidase activity in children treated with valproic acid and carbamazepine.
- Three children with valproic acid-related hair loss and normal blood biotin levels had their alopecia resolve within 3 months of taking 10 mg of oral biotin daily.The influence of valproic acid and carbamazepine treatment on serum biotin and zinc levels and on biotinidase activity.
- A genetic analysis (Mendelian randomization) of large Finnish populations suggested that higher alpha-tocopherol levels are linked to lower risk of androgenetic and alopecia areata; this is association evidence, not a supplement trial.Elucidating causal relationships of diet-derived circulating antioxidants and the risk of non-scarring alopecia: A Mende…
- In women taking cyproterone acetate with ethinyl oestradiol for androgen-related hair thinning, serum vitamin B12 fell over 6 months, while serum folic acid and red-cell folate stayed within the normal range. Folate was not given as a supplement.Reduced serum vitamin B12 levels during oral cyproterone-acetate and ethinyl-oestradiol therapy in women with diffuse an…
- In a retrospective review of people with telogen effluvium (a type of temporary hair shedding), the authors highlighted vitamin D, ferritin and zinc deficiencies as common, and did not report folate as a notable finding.Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.
- In a family study of people with partial biotinidase deficiency, one child who was not initially given biotin developed hair loss, hypotonia and a skin rash, and these resolved after biotin therapy; the abstract does not give the dose or duration.Partial biotinidase deficiency: clinical and biochemical features.
- In primary care patients with alopecia, adding an automatic ferritin test found iron deficiency in about 28% of women, but the study did not test whether iron treatment improved hair.Alopecia and Iron Deficiency: An Interventional Pilot Study in Primary Care to Improve the Request of Ferritin.
- In 30 people with alopecia areata and 31 healthy controls, blood iron was higher in the alopecia group, and the authors concluded that prescribing iron is fruitless for this condition while low zinc and manganese were linked to it.Alopecia Areata Different View; Heavy Metals.
- In a multicentre psoriasis study, a retinoid taken by mouth caused diffuse hair loss on trichogram testing in 27 patients, usually starting around weeks five to eight, and the hair loss improved after the dose was lowered or stopped.[Hair growth, liver function and light sensitivity during oral retinoid therapy for psoriasis (author's transl)].
- In 20 cancer patients given doxorubicin chemotherapy, high-dose alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) did not prevent hair loss; 90% had severe hair loss and 10% moderate.High-dose alpha-tocopherol as a preventive of doxorubicin-induced alopecia.
- In 20 women with telogen effluvium taking a tablet with amino acids, trace minerals and vitamin B5 for 6 months, trichoscopy showed hair improvement in 17 and no one stopped due to side effects. The study had no control group.Oral supplementation in female telogen effluvium: a clinical and instrumental objective evidence of efficacy and tolerab…
- In 15 people with psoriatic arthritis taking etretinate, skin and joint symptoms improved, but hair loss was common among those treated and remained tolerable.Tigason (etretinate) treatment in psoriatic arthritis.
- In 13 people aged 50 to 70 taking 25,000 IU of retinol daily for 9 months, two people had mild skin dryness, headaches, or hair loss, and blood chemistry did not change significantly.Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of retinol administered at a chemopreventive level to normal subjects.
- In mice prone to hair scarring, the amount of vitamin A in the diet changed the disease, and the 28 IU per gram diet increased follicular damage or scarring in some experiments; this was not tested in people.Retinoid metabolism is altered in human and mouse cicatricial alopecia.
- After five days of topical tretinoin, 43% of people in this androgenetic alopecia cohort who were predicted to respond poorly to minoxidil became responders to it.Tretinoin enhances minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia patients by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzy…
- In people with zinc deficiency skin disease, hair changes and hair loss can occur, and severe cases were treated with intravenous or high-dose oral zinc, but the abstract reports no measured hair outcome after treatment.[Zinc deficiency dermatoses. Etiology, clinical aspects and treatment].
- In newborn mice, skin lotion containing ferrous ferric chloride stimulated skin cell growth and hair growth and markedly reduced alopecia hair loss.Ferrous ferric chloride stimulates the skin cell function and hair growth in mice.
- In a mouse study, pups nursed by mothers with low iron delivery in milk developed anemia and hair loss on the trunk, which recovered after weaning; giving the mothers iron by injection improved their pups' anemia and development.Maternal intestinal HIF-2α is necessary for sensing iron demands of lactation in mice.
- In mice, iron nanoparticles made from a Blumea eriantha plant extract pushed hair follicles into the growth phase, though less effectively than the minoxidil control.In vivo and in vitro hair growth-promoting effect of silver and iron nanoparticles synthesized via Blumea eriantha DC pl…
- In a rat study lasting 6 weeks, a combination of arginine silicate inositol complex with the higher dose of magnesium biotinate (325 micrograms per rat per day) increased hair density and the share of hair in the growth phase compared with shaved controls, but this was an animal study, not a human trial.Effects of a Combination of Arginine Silicate Inositol Complex and a Novel Form of Biotin on Hair and Nail Growth in a R…
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only5 reviews
5 reviews · EBay 3 · Facebook 2
Customers most often praise Folexin for visible improvements in hair over a couple of months. People describe less shedding, thicker-feeling hair and some new growth. Several reviewers write that they noticed changes after about two months of steady use. Many also like that the label lists every ingredient and dose, which not all hair products do. The herbal and "natural" formulation, including saw palmetto, biotin and fo-ti, appeals to people who want to avoid meds or surgery. Some say the brand is honest that it is not a miracle cure. Reviewers also say they did not get unwanted body hair growth. The most frequent complaint is the large capsule size, which a review roundup lists as the main drawback. Digestive side effects are the second recurring theme. One 2-star reviewer said the iron upset their GI system. Others say results are slow, inconsistent or not noticeable. They feel the price is high if they have to commit to several months. Some Amazon buyers raise worries about fo-ti and liver safety, and a few skeptics question how much of the formula is backed by strong evidence. Overall, one review roundup says the brand says results take time and the reviews back this up. Satisfied customers are mostly patient, long-term users with mild to moderate thinning. People expecting fast or dramatic regrowth, or those with sensitive stomachs, are the most likely to be disappointed. Another roundup reports Amazon ratings around 4 stars, and most verified buyers there are positive. Note that many of the sources I found are affiliate-style review sites, which may skew toward favorable accounts.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only8 of 10 recommend it
8 of 10 biohackers on our panel recommend it
The panel is split on biotin, the main ingredient in this product, and only two of the ten clearly recommend it. Those two point to hair strength, keratin production and hair follicle growth, and one notes that food such as eggs, almonds and salmon supplies it. Three others lean cautious: two warn that biotin can throw off blood tests for testosterone and estrogen, so it should be avoided before such a test, and one thinks it is overhyped and says enough protein is probably more useful for hair, skin and nails. The remaining five were neutral, with one saying low biotin may show up as thinning hair, and none of them gave a dose or a preferred form. Magnesium and vitamin D are smaller ingredients in this product that many panelists use for sleep and general health.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dr. Eric Berg · Biotin · neutral
- States that thinning hair often indicates low biotin, which is required to produce keratin for hair, skin, and nails.
- Dr. Berg warns that the recommended daily intake for vitamin D is based on a massive error and that the actual necessary amount is closer to 8,895 IU, with millions remaining deficient.
- Recommends getting vitamin D levels tested to ensure they are between 50 and 70, as vitamin D is intimately involved in regulating prostate size.
- Recommends ensuring sufficient zinc intake because the prostate needs enough zinc for the conversion from testosterone to DHT to be smooth and optimized.
- Recommends taking at least 10,000 IUs of vitamin D3 every single day in the winter, stating it is the most important vitamin to lower cancer risk.
- Recommends vitamin D to support the immune system, aiming for blood levels between 80 to 100 ng per ml.
- Dr. Eric Berg states that magnesium supports energy, muscle function, and sleep, and that most of it is stored inside cells, making deficiencies harder to detect with a standard blood test.
- Identifies iron as the Achilles' heel of cancer, as it is needed for its DNA to replicate.
- States that people need more potassium than any other mineral, yet most people aren’t getting enough.
- Notes that magnesium could also be a factor in preventing muscle cramps.
- Explains that potassium is essential for peristalsis, the pumping action through the colon, and without it, things can sit there, leading to constipation.
- Mentions that lemon is loaded with vitamin C, and when combined with coffee, vitamin C significantly increases the bioavailability of antioxidants in the coffee.
- Recommends taking no less than 10,000 IU's of vitamin D3 for osteoporosis, alongside magnesium and K2.
- Recommends increasing vitamin D to restore balance and support healthy blood pressure.
Thomas DeLauer · Biotin · warns
- Thinks biotin is a little overhyped, suggesting that consuming adequate protein is probably more effective for hair, skin, and nails. He notes that some people might be deficient, especially if consuming a lot of eggs with avidin, but doesn't consider it the 'Mecca of perfect hair'.
- Uses Element's cans which contain 30 milligram magnesium, finding that electrolytes help his workout performance.
- Uses Element's cans which contain 100 milligram potassium, finding that electrolytes help his workout performance.
- Recommends taking vitamin C along with collagen about an hour before a workout for connective tissue benefits.
- Uses Element's 30 mg magnesium cans first thing in the morning to prime his day and help with workout performance.
- Uses Element's 100 mg potassium cans first thing in the morning to prime his day and help with workout performance.
- Recommends magnesium around the time one would normally break a fast to calm the brain and dull feelings of conditioned hunger.
- Uses vitamin C as part of their immunity duo, stating it is important for boosting the immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
- Adds zinc to their immunity duo because it helps them absorb vitamin C, considering the two together a fantastic combination for fall and winter.
- Uses vitamin D3 in the fall and winter months when getting less sun, as it's important to supplement it then.
- Recommends taking a massive amount of vitamin D simultaneously with an early morning massive breakfast to help reset circadian rhythms and address hyperphagia.
- Recommends Vitamin B12 for mental health and mood, explaining its role in myelination and neurotransmitter production. They specifically recommend a liposomal and micellar form of methylcobalamin B12 for better absorption and to avoid toxicity.
- Recommends magnesium, noting it is a cofactor for enzymes that build neurotransmitters, and deficiency can affect mood, happiness, and motivation.
- Recommends zinc, noting it is a cofactor for enzymes that build neurotransmitters, and deficiency can affect mood, happiness, and motivation.
Dave Asprey · Biotin · neutral
- States that biotin clears out oxalates.
- Takes Vitamin DAKE from Suppgrade Labs.
- Mentions magnesium in the context of sleep but states that it doesn't address the core issue of waking up during the night.
- Suggests that vitamin D supports brain health, muscle function, and focus.
- Suggests that magnesium may help slow aging, support cellular repair, and improve sleep.
- Recommends taking vitamin C for better skin health.
- States that magnesium can affect how the body responds to a supplement.
- States that folate can affect how the body responds to a supplement.
- Host Dave Asprey explains why correcting a vitamin D deficiency still makes sense for male fertility, even though supplementation did not improve overall semen parameters in a randomized trial.
- States that currently, he is only taking vitamin C and vitamin D.
- States that currently, he is only taking vitamin C and vitamin D.
- Dave Asprey's kids get a little bit of vitamin E every day, which helps to stabilize the bad oils they get when eating at restaurants.
- Developed a nonnano zinc sunscreen over five years, stating her skin is probably better now than it's ever been.
- Recommends fixing sleep with 300mg of Magnesium 101 before bed if diet and exercise aren't melting stubborn belly fat.
Andrew Huberman · Biotin · neutral
- Mentions biotin.
- Zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of your gut.
- Notes that AG1 Pro contains zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of the gut.
- Discusses Magnesium Threonate as a tool for falling asleep.
- States that AG1 Pro contains zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of the gut.
- Uses AG1 Pro, which contains zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of the gut.
- States that AG1 Pro contains zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of the gut, and he was already taking some of these ingredients separately.
- States that AG1 Pro includes zinc carnosine, which he was already taking separately, to support and improve the lining of the gut.
- Notes that most people are probably deficient in vitamin D and benefit from supplementing, but there's no point in doing it unless you're deficient for most things.
- Personally takes zinc carnosine, which is included in AG1 Pro to support and improve the lining of the gut.
- AG1 Pro has zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of your gut. Some of these ingredients I personally was already taking separate from the AG1 formula.
- States that AG1 Pro contains zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of your gut.
- Uses AG1 Pro, which contains zinc carnosine to support and improve the lining of the gut.
- Takes 400 mg of Magnesium Threonate before bed for sleep.
Siim Land · Biotin · neutral
- Siim Land's company has published papers and filed patents for improvement in mitochondria in the skin using their core mitochondrial approach and other things like biotin.
- Advises against taking vitamin D in the morning with other supplements because it is fat soluble and requires dietary fat for better absorption.
- Recommends taking Vitamin D with fat for better absorption.
- Recommends taking vitamin C with collagen to support joint collagen synthesis.
- States that Magnesium can be a useful addition for some people for sleep.
- States that Vitamin D connects biology to light and that UVB reaching the skin enables its production.
- States that vitamin C is needed for initiating collagen synthesis and that higher vitamin C intake appears to increase vitamin C content in the skin.
- Mentions that iron is a mineral necessary for making collagen.
- Recommends magnesium for sleep, especially deep sleep, and suggests trying better types like Threonate, Biscinate, or Torate, referencing a study where magnesium supplementation improved deep sleep.
- Recommends Magnesium for blood pressure, migraines and deficiency, based primarily on human research, especially randomized controlled trials showing measurable benefits.
- Lists Magnesium as one of 15 supplements backed by human studies.
- Lists sauerkraut and fruit as sources of Vitamin C.
- States that magnesium is a fundamental mineral governing over 600 enzymes and metabolic reactions, and recommends that most people need at least 400-500 mg/d for health, with some needing up to 600 mg/d.
- Lists seafood and pumpkin seeds as sources of Magnesium.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Biotin · warns
- Advises avoiding biotin-containing supplements before a testosterone blood test as they can cross-detect with estrogens and confound results.
- Magnesium supplementation has lowered blood pressure in randomized controlled trials. An analysis of 34 trials involving over 2,000 participants found modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressure, with a median dose of 368 mg/day.
- Warns that some magnesium supplements make the dose look much larger than it really is and that labels can fool people.
- Vitamin D supplementation was linked to a 40% lower risk of dementia in an observational study of more than 12,000 older adults.
- Mentions that vitamin D also plays a role in maintaining muscle mass.
- Mentions magnesium as an important nutrient component for testosterone.
- Notes that not getting enough zinc can affect testosterone, as zinc is very important for testosterone synthesis.
- Warns that some supplement companies mislead consumers by listing the total compound weight of magnesium citrate as the elemental magnesium dose, when the actual elemental magnesium content is much lower, potentially around 44-66 milligrams.
- Recommends ensuring adequate vitamin D intake for men's sperm health.
- Recommends men take a 30 milligram zinc supplement for sperm health when preparing for IVF.
- Recommends ensuring adequate methyl folate intake, ideally through a prenatal vitamin, for women preparing for IVF.
- Vitamin D and strength training alone did not, but adding them strengthened the effect on one clock, with the full combination slowing that measure by ~3.8 months.
- States there is not yet strong, consistent evidence that magnesium supplementation reliably improves sleep, noting that while some meta-analyses suggest it can improve sleep quality scores, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration, individual studies are inconsistent and several have found no meaningful effect.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be obtained from certain multivitamins.
Peter Attia · Biotin · warns
- Warns that biotin, found in many supplements, can completely obscure findings and render a non-LCMS test for estradiol and testosterone irrelevant due to interference with ELISA-based assays.
- States there is some evidence that increasing dietary potassium through potassium-rich foods like bananas and potatoes, rather than supplements, can lower blood pressure.
- Peter reviews the evidence for select off-label medications and supplements commonly used for sleep, including glycine, magnesium, ashwagandha, and phosphatidylserine.
- Suggests that zinc and magnesium could potentially help with vasodilation and sleep, particularly for women experiencing severe symptoms in the luteal phase.
- Lists vitamin D as one of her staple supplements.
- Suggests that zinc and magnesium could potentially help with vasodilation and sleep, particularly for women experiencing severe symptoms in the luteal phase.
- Notes that several studies show patients taking vitamin D can reduce TPO levels and prolong the honeymoon period of Hashimoto's disease.
- Peter discusses electrolytes and fiber and the ketogenic diet, specifically preventing magnesium loss.
- States that in mouse studies, there was a combined effect of alpha ketoglutarate with vitamin D for both sexes.
- Notes that in mouse studies, there was a combined effect of alpha ketoglutarate with vitamin A for male mice.
- Uses vitamin D as an example of how people might dismiss its efficacy due to failed clinical trials that didn't adjust the dose or measure levels.
- In mouse studies, Peter Attia's team found a combined effect of AKG with Vitamin D for both sexes.
- In mouse studies, Peter Attia's team found a combined effect of AKG with Vitamin A for male mice.
- Suggests that supplementing with lots of vitamin D might help overcome the negative effects of phenytoin on bone health by improving calcium absorption, though he is unaware of studies on this.
Ben Greenfield · Biotin · recommends
- Recommends biotin (Vitamin B7) for supporting keratin production and strengthening hair, noting it can be found in eggs, almonds, and salmon.
- Uses magnesium during surgery because it is neuroprotective.
- Ben Greenfield's formulation includes 30 grams of zinc a day, taken for one week before surgery and two weeks after, as it is an important cofactor for wound healing.
- Mentions a recent study showing no significant increase in bleeding for patients on Vitamin E supplementation during open heart surgery, which was interesting for him to learn.
- States that vitamin C is extremely important for collagen turnover and cites orthopedic data showing that 500 mg to 1 g of vitamin C can reduce the rate of complex regional pain in total knee replacements and wrist fractures.
- Notes that Vitamin D is actually a hormone and recommends patients aim for levels around 40 to 50, or even 60 for fracture healing, for optimal healing, as opposed to just above 20 which is considered normal.
- Says he is drinking LMNT, which contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and states that he actually drinks this stuff.
- Says he is drinking LMNT, which contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and states that he actually drinks this stuff.
- Notes that Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports healthy skin cell turnover.
- Mentions magnesium as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Advises getting red blood cell magnesium levels to the high end of the range as a minimum step for overall health and to slow down heart disease.
- Mentions vitamin C as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Mentions vitamin D as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Advises getting vitamin D levels between 60 and 100 nanograms per milliliter as a minimum step for overall health and to slow down heart disease.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Biotin · recommends
- Recommends supplementing with biotin for hair follicle health and growth.
- Recommends considering magnesium glycinate before bed for nervous system support, deeper sleep quality, and to help the body transition into rest, and states that they take it every night.
- Recommends Vitamin D for health, stating that amazing things happen when patients' vitamin D statuses reach optimal levels.
- Recommends Magnesium Breakthrough Advanced 10 from Bioptimizers for restful sleep, muscle recovery, stress resilience, and metabolic health, especially during stressful times of the year.
- Mentions vitamin D as an existing biomarker that plays a role in mental health, which Function Health includes in their measurements.
- Mentions iron as an existing biomarker that plays a role in mental health, which Function Health includes in their measurements.
- Notes that taking folate can lower homocysteine levels, which has shown health benefits and physical improvements in brain scans in clinical trials.
- Notes that vitamin D plays a role in immune function.
- Notes that some people may need a little bit extra folate with a supplement.
- Mentions that vitamin A levels can be looked at to get a deep sense of what's happening with nutrient levels.
- Warns that potassium bromate, a dough conditioner banned in the EU, UK, and Canada, is still allowed in U.S. bread.
- Recommends magnesium because it is involved in over 600 reactions in the body and up to 80% of people may have low levels that never get flagged on a standard blood test.
- Recommends magnesium as a basic supplement during detoxification to support pathways, help with constipation, and provide electrolytes.
- Recommends vitamin C as a basic supplement during detoxification to help with inflammation and detoxification.
Bryan Johnson · Biotin · neutral
- Mentions biotin as an example of an ingredient that AG1 lists with a specific dose, but then contrasts it with other ingredients in proprietary blends where doses are not disclosed.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Takes 400 mg of Magnesium Threonate before bed for sleep.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Takes 400 mg of Magnesium L-Threonate before bed for sleep.
- Has had low iron for 11 years and despite eating meat and trying all forms of iron supplementation at different times and sequences, none of it worked to raise his iron or ferritin levels.
- Had low iron for 11 years, with ferritin averaging 38 ng/mL, and has finally boosted it back to healthy levels.
- Mentions that the sunlight assessment claims low vitamin D levels cause the immune system to misfire, and notes that their vitamin D has been measured.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for longevity.
- Takes 400 mg of Magnesium Threonate before bed for sleep.
- Takes 15 mg of Zinc in the morning for longevity.
- He takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- He takes 400 mg of Double Wood Magnesium L-Threonate before bed for sleep.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Hair Growth
Biotin at a full dose and vitamin B6 have some human support for hair, but most other ingredients are at low doses or untested, and there are no counted reviews, so the evidence stays emerging.
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
Where the evidence disagrees: 67 of the 123 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Skin and hair, Digestive system
Combine with: For hair support, Folexin pairs well with iron (if ferritin is low), zinc, vitamin D3, vitamin C, collagen peptides, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support follicle health and scalp circulation. If thyroid health is the real goal, look for a dedicated thyroid formula with selenium, iodine (only if deficiency is confirmed), zinc, and vitamin D, and consider ashwagandha under medical guidance. Stop biotin about 2 to 3 days before thyroid blood tests to avoid skewed results, and consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially if you take meds.
Possible side effects: Reviewers mention large capsules and stomach upset, including one who blamed the iron, and some raise concerns about fo-ti and the liver. The folate dose is above the daily recommended limit.
Supplement Facts
Vitamin A 120 mcg RAE · Vitamin C 120 mg · Vitamin D 20 mcg
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 2 Capsule(s)
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE | |
| Vitamin C | 120 mg | |
| Vitamin D | 20 mcg | |
| Vitamin E | 14 mg | |
| Thiamine | 6 mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 8 mg | |
| Folate | 1,467 mcg DFE | |
| Vitamin B12 | 12 mcg | |
| Biotin | 5,000 mcg | |
| Pantothenic Acid | 30 mg | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | |
| Magnesium | 120 mg | |
| Zinc | 7 mg | |
| Manganese | 4 mg | |
| Potassium | 12 mg | |
| Proprietary Blend | 359 mg | † |
† Daily Value not established.
Other ingredients: Cellulose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide.
Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Graded November 6, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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