Not all that glitters grows hair. Let’s separate science from hype.
Why People Are Talking About Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a byproduct of beer fermentation. It's rich in B vitamins, amino acids, and minerals—nutrients essential for hair growth. But can it reverse hair loss? The myth started in the 1960s when brewery workers were found to have full heads of hair. That’s how brewer’s yeast supplements like Pantogar were born.
What Does the Science Say?
Pantogar was tested in women with telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding), and it showed results. However, for androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), brewer’s yeast has no proven effect. In fact, Pantogar's own label warns: "Not to be used for hereditary hair loss."
What About Biotin?
Biotin is a common ingredient in hair supplements. While a deficiency can cause brittle nails or hair thinning, biotin deficiency is extremely rare. Most people already consume enough through food. Taking mega doses (like 5,000–10,000 mcg) offers little extra benefit—and can interfere with lab tests, including heart attack markers. One death was even reported due to misdiagnosis.
So, What Actually Works for Male Pattern Baldness?
According to research, three supplements have shown some effectiveness for androgenic alopecia:
- Pumpkin Seed Oil – Contains beta-sitosterol and omega-3s. One Korean study showed a 40% increase in hair count over 6 months.
- Viviscal – A marine protein complex supplement that improved hair density and thickness in clinical trials.
- Saw Palmetto – Works similarly to finasteride by inhibiting DHT. One study showed a 38% improvement over 2 years.
Lifestyle Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore
Supplements aside, some lifestyle choices are scientifically proven to affect hair loss:
- Smoking – Increases hair loss by 1.8x; impairs blood flow to hair follicles.
- Obesity – Correlated with hair loss and worsens hormonal imbalances.
- Exercise – Especially aerobic workouts. One study found 5.4x improvement with regular cardio over 60 mins.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely
Not all “hair vitamins” are created equal. Brewer’s yeast may help in specific types of hair shedding—but not for genetic baldness. If you’re battling male pattern hair loss, talk to a doctor about medications like finasteride. Consider science-backed supplements carefully, and don’t forget: quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and exercising may be more powerful than any pill.
—SELFLOVECLUB Team