VIBRANCE
Vitamin C
The hair growth promoting effect of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a long-acting Vitamin C derivative
The ascorbic acid 2-phosphate derivative of vitamin C can promote hair growth.
Vitamin D
The Role of Vitamin D in Non-Scarring Alopecia
“According to the authors, vitamin D supplementation could be a therapeutic option for patients with alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, or telogen effluvium. However, further studies on a larger group of patients are required.”
Vitamin E
Effects of Tocotrienol Supplementation on Hair Growth in Human Volunteers
Subjects who took 100 mg of vitamin E family antioxidants tocotrienols experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth, versus a 0.1% decrease among placebo users.
OptiMSM®
MSM may improve hair and nail growth
“Oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to hair and nail growth. Hair and nail health was significantly improved in a short term of six weeks. If the trials were continued for eight to sixteen weeks, the results would have been even better for those on MSM."
Bamboo Extract
Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy
This paper says that there is “great therapeutic potential” for silicon supplements for skin and hair health. Bamboo extract is rich in silica.
L-Cysteine
[Low dosage retinol and L-cystine combination improve alopecia of the diffuse type following long-term oral administration].
“We conclude that long-term oral therapy with high doses of L-cystine and gelatin in combination with vitamin A may have beneficial effects on diffuse hair loss.”
L-Methionine
Senile hair graying: H2O2-mediated oxidative stress affects human hair color by blunting methionine sulfoxide repair.
L-Methionine provides antioxidant benefits for hair and helps to prevent graying.
PABA
Darkening of Gray Hair During Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid Therapy
PABA can darken gray hair.
Choline
Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair
Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid boosts tensile strength in hair.
Uncombable hair syndrome: Observations on response to biotin and occurrence in siblings with ectodermal dysplasia
This case study showed “significant improvement” in uncombable hair syndrome with four months of biotin supplementation.
Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause
When biotin is deficient, hair loss and greasiness may result, along with inflammation in the skin or brittle nails.
Zinc
The Effect of Melatonin, Magnesium, and Zinc on Primary Insomnia in Long‐Term Care Facility Residents in Italy: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
“The administration of nightly melatonin, magnesium, and zinc appears to improve the quality of sleep and the quality of life in long-term care facility residents with primary insomnia.”
Magnesium
The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
500 mg of magnesium daily over 8 weeks improved sleep efficiency and length of sleep over a placebo. Cortisol levels and sleep onset latency decreased. Scores on the insomnia severity index (ISI) improved.
Valerian
Effect of valerian on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
“Valerian improves the quality of sleep in women with menopause who are experiencing insomnia. Findings from this study add support to the reported effectiveness of valerian in the clinical management of insomnia.” 530 mg twice a day produced these results.
Passionflower Extract
A Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Investigation of the Effects of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) Herbal Tea on Subjective Sleep Quality
In this study, passionflower extract was “significantly better” at promoting sleep than a placebo.
Hop Extract
Effect of a fixed valerian-Hop extract combination (Ze 91019) on sleep polygraphy in patients with non-organic insomnia: a pilot study.
Within 2 weeks, hop extract improved sleep in patients with insomnia in conjunction with valerian.
Chamomile Extract
Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study
270 mg of chamomile twice daily improved sleep latency, night time awakenings, daytime functioning and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores.
Hypnotic Activities of Chamomile and Passiflora Extracts in Sleep-Disturbed Rats
Chamomile exhibits hypnotic effects like benzodiazepine.
Magnolia Extract
Soy isoflavones, lactobacilli, Magnolia bark extract, vitamin D3 and calcium. Controlled clinical study in menopause.
This research, “showed the efficacy of Magnolia extract and magnesium on psycho-affective and sleep disturbances in menopause, in addition to the effects of isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms.”
5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor.
“Therapeutic administration of 5-HTP has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including depression, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, chronic headaches, and insomnia.”
Why to Avoid Sleep Medications
Medications linked to cognitive impairment in older adults.
See the study above to learn how anticholinergic sleep medications have been linked to cognitive impairment.