Supplements (Biotin, L-Lysine, etc)

[Elissa]

My list:
-Iron (Slow FE)
-Copper
-Biotin
-L-Lysine
-Multivitamin

Just curious who else here is taking supplements and which ones. I recently started taking Biotin and L-Lysine one month ago (both were recommended on the WHLP blogs and I asked my derm if I can take). I have no idea if either of these will really help at all.. I tried researching both online and couldn't find any evidence of either helping with hair growth or preventing hair loss, but I am trying them anyway.

The only info I could find on L-Lysine is that is is normally recommended to prevent herpes cold sore outbreaks. Can't find literature on it helping hair. And the Biotin is usually recommended for nails and not hair. (Even the Biotin I bought at the hair loss specialist's office is marketed toward NAIL growth and doesnt make any mention of hair on the box!)

Am I just putting too much faith in these supplements, or does anyone have any positive results with these? If anyone has any articles or info or research on Biotin or L-Lysine helping with hair, please share!

So far all I notice is my nails are stronger

I am also taking Iron and Copper supplementation for low iron/ferritin levels and copper deficiency. It's going to be hard to figure out what is working and what isn't since I started so many things at around the same time! (I also started a multivitamin).

[TPROSE]

Originally Posted by Elissa My list: -Iron (Slow FE) -Copper -Biotin -L-Lysine -Multivitamin Just curious who else here is taking supplements and which ones. I recently started taking Biotin and L-Lysine one month ago (both were recommended on the WHLP blogs and I asked my derm if I can take). I have no idea if either of these will really help at all.. I tried researching both online and couldn't find any evidence of either helping with hair growth or preventing hair loss, but I am trying them anyway. The only info I could find on L-Lysine is that is is normally recommended to prevent herpes cold sore outbreaks. Can't find literature on it helping hair. And the Biotin is usually recommended for nails and not hair. (Even the Biotin I bought at the hair loss specialist's office is marketed toward NAIL growth and doesnt make any mention of hair on the box!) Am I just putting too much faith in these supplements, or does anyone have any positive results with these? If anyone has any articles or info or research on Biotin or L-Lysine helping with hair, please share! So far all I notice is my nails are stronger I am also taking Iron and Copper supplementation for low iron/ferritin levels and copper deficiency. It's going to be hard to figure out what is working and what isn't since I started so many things at around the same time! (I also started a multivitamin).

Hi Elissa!

I too have not found proof that Biotin really helps hair, but the latest doc I went to told me to take 8mg daily.Lysine is proven to help iron absorption in some women who would not be able to absorb iron otherwise.

I have been taking iron inconsistently. I take Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil every day. I also take probiotics every day too! I take a b12,b6,folic acid combination lozenge 2 times a day.

I am waiting on any other supplementation until the results of micronutrient test comes in.

[VictoriaG]

Hi Elissa, I take the same as you, except for the copper. I find the biotin makes my nails and hair grow faster, but it doesn't make new hair grow. L-lysine is an amino acid that is supposed to help with hair health. I take it at the sme time as my slow FE, with a source of vitamin C.

[TEforMe?]

I am currently taking as recommended by the "Hair Loss" Derm:

Iron
Vitamin C

On my own:
Multivitamin
Evening Primrose Oil
Biotin

I plan on adding:
L-Lysine
Saw Palmetto

[kawawa]

I tried a few of these supplements over the years, but honestly and sorry to say, nothing worked for me.

I searched and searched for natual remedies in the form of shampoos, creams, vitamins and such. My doctor was no help!

I truly believe that if there was a "cure" we would know it here first. I know that I have been on other forums and we are all trying the same stuff, but I don't see any real success stories. I do see remissions and regrowth in some women, but sadly they always seem to come back once it starts again.

I sort of had the ups and downs over the years with HL. I just looked at the ups as an opportunity of feel a little happier for a while.

I was spending $40 a month on Biotin, $20 on Rogaine, $30+ on other supplements and about $90 every six weeks for Demi color and haircuts, so when I decided to get my bonded topper the cost was minimal. I now pay $199 for everything and use normal shampoo and I have hair. Too Cool!

I don't mean to be negative this was just my experience and my observations from reading hundreds of posts by other women.

[TPROSE]

I am taking so much more now:

In the early morning (7-8 am) I am taking:

Licorice Plus (2 pills) by Metagenics (http://www.metagenics.com/products/detail.asp?pid=168)

Iodoral (1 pill) by Optimox
(http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Iodoral.htm)

In the mid morning (10-11 am) I am taking:

1-2 Bio-Kult --- a probiotic (http://www.bio-kult.com/)
400 mg mixed tocopherols (vitamin e)
B12-2000 Lozenge by Biotics Research (their site is down)
N-A-C or N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (2 pills/1000mg) (precursor to Glutathione) by Jarrow Formulas

At 4pm and 8pm I take Adreset by Metagenics (1 pill) http://www.metagenics.com/products/detail.asp?pid=211

By the end of the day, I need to make sure I have taken 4 Bio-Kult, 2000 mg of Glutathione, and supplemental zinc (I am currently taking Zinc Drink by Metagenics).

The Licorice Plus and Adreset are for my adrenals ("prescribed" by a doctor....anyone can buy them though)

My other supplementation is based on the suggestions given to me by the lab that conducted my microntutrient test, which I blogged about a couple weeks ago.

My doctor is also going to experiment with me by giving me a small dose (1/2 grain) of Nature-Throid, desiccated thyroid to see if that helps with energy and hair.

Any questions or if you are curious about anything, let me know!!!!!

[Ashah]

Hi TPROSE... I would like to know if your regimen is helping your hair? Were you diagnosed with a thyroid condition? Thanks!

[TPROSE]

Originally Posted by Ashah Hi TPROSE... I would like to know if your regimen is helping your hair? Were you diagnosed with a thyroid condition? Thanks!

Hi Ashah,
This a new regimen for me, so it has not helped. I was not diagnosed with a thyroid condition officially. My bloodwork does not indicate one. But that does not mean that I do not have one. The doctor is putting me on a small dosage to see if it helps my energy levels and other issues that point to a possible thyroid condition. I'll keep you posted!
Tracy

[ShinyObjects]

Hi,

I just wanted to share as over the last few years I've tried Quite a lot of random herbs, vegatables, minerals, a few animals , with varying levels of success.

Unfortunately I can't take iron pills, they make me Ridiculously hungry, and I can do without being overwieght as well as balding!
I don't really think iron has anything to do with my hair loss anyway, I give blood and they always say my iron levels are fine.

I take (currently):
Biotin 3mg - not much but it just helps hair grow faster and possibly a little thicker, no amazing re-growth tricks!
35mg Horsetail Extract- rich in silica which again helps hair growth, not re-growth, also has antioxidants in apparently, but I doubt they do much!
10mg Panthenol- There are a few studies saying this + various things causes hair re-growth, nothing dramatic so far for me I must say, but a possible improvement? If not it definitely seems to make my hair look healthier/shinier.
200mg Reservatrol & 50mg Curcumin Extract - read about this on a "male" forum and someone said it alleviated their shedding, this is the main focus of my "attack plan" as I didn't want to carry on taking DHT inhibiting supplements, and since going from saw palmetto to these two my hair loss has definitely stayed stable and manageable, not getting worse at any rate.

I'm always up for trying something for a few months, so if anyone has a plan please share!
I wanted to know anyon'es opinion on IgG? It seems to be creeping into certain branded products, but I can't find out why, or if it'll do any good!

[VictoriaG]

Hi - I am very interested about what you wrote in regard to iron, that it makes you hungry. I started taking slow FE a little over 2 months ago, and I actually find myself wanting to eat all the time - and thinking about it, it seems to have started around that time! Thank you for giving me something to blame it on!!