Keratin for Telogen Effluvium
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Based on 11 studies (1 meta-analysis, 1 RCT) with 61 total participants. 6/11 studies show positive effects.
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B
The Bottom Line
Research does not support keratin supplementation as helpful for telogen effluvium — the limited evidence available suggests it is unlikely to meaningfully reduce this type of hair shedding.
- Majority of studies show negative or no effects for keratin in telogen effluvium
- Very small participant pool (60 people) limits the reliability of findings
- Telogen effluvium has different underlying mechanisms than age-related thinning, where keratin shows more promise
- Other approaches may be more effective for addressing telogen effluvium specifically
Key Study Findings
Case Reports
n=1
Open-label
Plica Neuropathica (Polonica) Secondary to Diffuse Alopecia: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: 62-year-old female with diffuse alopecia and plica neuropathica
Systematic Review
Regenerative medicine in the treatment of specific dermatologic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled …
Dose: Various regenerative methods
vs: Standard treatment or placebo
Outcome: Dermatologic disease improvement
Effect: None
None
Population: Patients with specific dermatologic diseases
Review
The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism in Healthy Brain Aging.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: folate status
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Review
Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: Hair regrowth
Effect: None
None
Population: Alopecia patients
Other
Reply to "Vitamin D status in scarring and nonscarring alopecia".
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Key Statistics
11
Studies
61
Participants
↑
Positive
B
Grade
Referenced Papers
Plica Neuropathica (Polonica) Secondary to Diffuse Alopecia: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Case Report
Cureus
2025
Scientific reports
2025
Regenerative medicine in the treatment of specific dermatologic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Systematic Review
Stem cell research …
2024
2 citations
Nutrients
2023
9 citations
Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature.
Review
Regenerative therapy
2022
96 citations
Journal of the …
2022
6 citations
Journal of cosmetic …
2021
44 citations
Experimental dermatology
2020
10 citations
Clinical, cosmetic and …
2019
7 citations
Comparative evaluation between two nutritional supplements in the improvement of telogen effluvium.
Other
Clinical, cosmetic and …
2018
16 citations
Medical archives (Sarajevo, …
2018
16 citations
Journal of photochemistry …
2018
16 citations
Experimental dermatology
2003
35 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- hairloss:
- 500 mg/day
Upper limit: Not established
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Mixed | 1 |
| Various regenerative methods | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Negative | -- |
| not applicable (genetic association study) | -- | Negative | 60 |
| recommended daily intake amounts; taken orally for 180 days | 26 weeks | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With meals for better absorption
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Generally well tolerated
- ⚠ Mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals
- ⚠ Rare allergic reactions
Known Interactions
- ● No significant drug interactions established
- ● May interact with protein absorption in individuals with digestive disorders
Tolerable upper intake: Not established
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Keratin help with Telogen Effluvium?
Based on 11 studies with 61 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Keratin may support Telogen Effluvium management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Keratin should I take for Telogen Effluvium?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 500 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Keratin?
Reported side effects may include Generally well tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, Rare allergic reactions. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Keratin and Telogen Effluvium?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 11 peer-reviewed studies with 61 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Telogen Effluvium
Keratin for other conditions
References
- [1] Alondra Saray Polanco-Llanes et al.. Cureus. 2025. Plica Neuropathica (Polonica) Secondary to Diffuse Alopecia: A Case Report and Literature Review. doi:10.7759/cureus.93402 PubMed
- [2] Stefanie Klingenstein et al.. Sci Rep. 2025. Ex vivo detection of SARS CoV 2 spike protein in human hair follicles and potential link to telogen effluvium. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-28909-3 PubMed
- [3] Alireza Jafarzadeh et al.. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2024. Regenerative medicine in the treatment of specific dermatologic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials. doi:10.1186/s13287-024-03800-6 PubMed
- [4] Sapna Virdi et al.. Nutrients. 2023. The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism in Healthy Brain Aging. doi:10.3390/nu15183891 PubMed
- [5] Yusuke Shimizu et al.. Regen Ther. 2022. Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature. doi:10.1016/j.reth.2022.10.005 PubMed
- [6] Shawn Afvari et al.. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022. Reply to "Vitamin D status in scarring and nonscarring alopecia". doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.04.055 PubMed
- [7] Kriteeka Saini et al.. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. doi:10.1111/jocd.14421 PubMed
- [8] Ralf Paus et al.. Exp Dermatol. 2020. Topical L-thyroxine: The Cinderella among hormones waiting to dance on the floor of dermatological therapy? doi:10.1111/exd.14156 PubMed
- [9] Iman Seleit et al.. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019. Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism In Chronic Telogen Effluvium; A Case-Control Study. doi:10.2147/CCID.S227232 PubMed
- [10] 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
- [11] Erkin Pekmezci et al.. Med Arch. 2018. Proprietary Herbal Extract Downregulates the Gene Expression of IL-1α in HaCaT Cells: Possible Implications Against Nonscarring Alopecia. doi:10.5455/medarh.2018.72.136-140 PubMed
- [12] 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
- [13] Petra Clara Arck et al.. Exp Dermatol. 2003. Topical minoxidil counteracts stress-induced hair growth inhibition in mice. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00028.x 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.