Folate for Telogen Effluvium
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Based on 10 studies (1 RCT) with 7,126 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.
<\/script>\n`;
},
get iframeSnippet() {
const domain = 'haircited.com';
const params = 'ingredient\u003Dfolate\u0026condition\u003Dtelogen\u002Deffluvium';
return ``;
},
get activeSnippet() {
return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet;
},
copySnippet() {
navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => {
this.copied = true;
setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000);
});
}
}"
@keydown.escape.window="open = false"
@click.outside="open = false">
B
The Bottom Line
There is limited evidence connecting folate to telogen effluvium — while low folate levels have been observed in some patients, research does not yet support folate supplementation as a reliable approach for this condition.
- Mixed results across 6 studies — no consistent pattern linking folate levels to telogen effluvium
- All studies are observational; no randomized controlled trials exist for this specific use
- Folate is one of many micronutrients that may play a supporting role in hair health
- A comprehensive nutritional assessment may be more useful than supplementing folate alone
Key Study Findings
Retrospective cohort
n=2851
Retrospective Review of 2851 Female Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Single-Center Experience.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: Ferritin low in 46.5% of patients; iron deficiency in 29.5%
p<0.05
Review
Safety First: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss in Breast Cancer Patients.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
Cross-Sectional Study
n=108
Evaluation of the relationship of digital phototrichogram findings of patients with diffuse hair loss with …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
0.05
Case-control
n=973
Micronutrient Deficiencies and Digital Computerized Phototrichogram Analysis in Telogen Effluvium: a Retrospective Correlation Study in …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: r=0.417 (HGB and AHR in females)
p=0.008
retrospective cohort study
n=3028
Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients …
Dose: standard replacement doses
vs: Placebo
Effect: vitamin D deficient: 72.2%; B12 deficient: 30.7%; iron deficiency anemia: 6.2%
None
randomized controlled trial
26 weeks
Comparative evaluation between two nutritional supplements in the improvement of telogen effluvium.
Dose: recommended daily intake amounts; taken orally for 180 days
vs: Placebo
Effect: Group 1 trichoscopy improvement 11.09% vs Group 2 7.76% after 180 days (significant for Group 1 only
P<0.05 for clinical parameters
Key Statistics
10
Studies
7126
Participants
↔
Mixed
B
Grade
Referenced Papers
Retrospective Review of 2851 Female Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Single-Center Experience.
Other
Journal of cosmetic …
2025
4 citations
Nutrients
2025
2 citations
Northern clinics of …
2024
1 citations
Dermatology practical & …
2023
4 citations
Journal of cosmetic …
2022
22 citations
Journal of photochemistry …
2018
16 citations
Comparative evaluation between two nutritional supplements in the improvement of telogen effluvium.
Other
Clinical, cosmetic and …
2018
16 citations
Journal of drugs …
2016
56 citations
Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica …
2016
6 citations
Clinical and experimental …
2009
34 citations
Dermatologic clinics
1993
38 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 400 mcg DFE/day
Upper limit: 1,000 mcg/day (synthetic folic acid)
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Neutral | 2851 |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | 108 |
| None | -- | Positive | 973 |
| standard replacement doses | -- | Neutral | 3028 |
| recommended daily intake amounts; taken orally for 180 days | 26 weeks | Positive | -- |
| psychiatric and dermatological management | -- | Neutral | 1 |
| None | -- | Negative | -- |
Best taken: With meals for better absorption
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Generally well tolerated
- ⚠ May mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms at high doses
- ⚠ Rare: abdominal cramps, insomnia
Known Interactions
- ● Methotrexate (folate antagonist; consult physician)
- ● Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine) may reduce folate levels
- ● Sulfasalazine (reduces folate absorption)
Tolerable upper intake: 1,000 mcg/day (synthetic folic acid)
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Folate help with Telogen Effluvium?
Based on 10 studies with 7,126 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Folate may support Telogen Effluvium management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Folate should I take for Telogen Effluvium?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 400 mcg DFE/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Folate?
Reported side effects may include Generally well tolerated, May mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms at high doses, Rare: abdominal cramps, insomnia. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Folate and Telogen Effluvium?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 10 peer-reviewed studies with 7,126 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Telogen Effluvium
Folate for other conditions
References
- [1] Ömer Karakoyun et al.. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025. Retrospective Review of 2851 Female Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Single-Center Experience. doi:10.1111/jocd.70037 PubMed
- [2] Andrea Sechi et al.. Nutrients. 2025. Safety First: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss in Breast Cancer Patients. doi:10.3390/nu17091451 PubMed
- [3] Leyla Bilik et al.. North Clin Istanb. 2024. Evaluation of the relationship of digital phototrichogram findings of patients with diffuse hair loss with blood TSH, ferritin and vitamin … doi:10.14744/nci.2023.33269 PubMed
- [4] Hakan Arslan et al.. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2023. Micronutrient Deficiencies and Digital Computerized Phototrichogram Analysis in Telogen Effluvium: a Retrospective Correlation Study in a Tertiary Medical Center. doi:10.5826/dpc.1303a202 PubMed
- [5] Ahu Yorulmaz et al.. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022. Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients with telogen effluvium. doi:10.1111/jocd.14413 PubMed
- [6] Thomas Hengl et al.. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2018. Cystine-thiamin-containing hair-growth formulation modulates the response to UV radiation in an in vitro model for growth-limiting conditions of human keratinocytes. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.09.005 PubMed
- [7] Flávia Alvim Sant'Anna Addor et al.. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018. Comparative evaluation between two nutritional supplements in the improvement of telogen effluvium. doi:10.2147/CCID.S173082 PubMed
- [8] Evelyn J Cheung et al.. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. PubMed
- [9] Jana Zímová et al.. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2016. Trichotillomania: Bizzare Patern of Hair Loss at 11-Year-old Girl. PubMed
- [10] C Durusoy et al.. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009. The role of psychological factors and serum zinc, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the aetiology of trichodynia: a case-control … doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.03165.x PubMed
- [11] D H Rushton. Dermatol Clin. 1993. Management of hair loss in women. PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.