Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to some forms of hair shedding, but supplements are not a general cure for hair loss. The first step is identifying the cause.
Hair loss can be related to hereditary pattern hair loss, illness, stress, weight loss, iron deficiency, medicines and other medical conditions. Treating a confirmed deficiency may help when that deficiency is contributing to shedding, but taking extra nutrients when levels are already adequate has not been shown to reverse most common forms of hair loss.
Biotin is widely marketed for hair growth, yet deficiency is uncommon and evidence for supplementation in people without a deficiency is limited. Excessive supplementation can also be unhelpful or harmful; some nutrients can interfere with tests or cause adverse effects when taken in high doses.
Persistent, sudden or patchy hair loss should be assessed rather than treated with a generic supplement bundle. NHS guidance recommends seeing a GP to understand the cause before considering commercial hair-loss treatments.
Sources: NHS — Hair loss; NHS — B vitamins and biotin.
