Viviscal for Age-Related Hair Thinning
A Strong Evidence Multiple large clinical trials consistently show significant benefits.Based on 8 studies (1 meta-analysis) with 26,018 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.
The Bottom Line
Viviscal is supported by multiple clinical trials suggesting it may help promote hair growth and reduce shedding in people with age-related hair thinning, though studies have been relatively small.
- 8 out of 9 studies show positive effects, including 3 placebo-controlled RCTs
- Benefits observed in both men and women over 3-6 month periods
- Contains a proprietary marine protein complex (AminoMar)
- Total participant pool is small (100) — larger studies would add confidence
Key Study Findings
Population: NHANES participants 2005-2018
Population: Adults practicing intermittent fasting
Population: Pregnant women with obesity (BMI>=30) in UK
Population: Pregnant women (Reus-Tarragona Birth Cohort)
Key Statistics
8
Studies
26018
Participants
Mixed
Grade
Referenced Papers
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- hairloss:
- 2 tablets/day (450 mg AminoMar each)
Upper limit: Not established
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Positive | 25354 |
| None | -- | Negative | -- |
| 5 mg folic acid (higher dose for obesity) | -- | Mixed | 75 |
| Nutrafol and Viviscal (oral nutraceuticals); doses per product labeling | -- | Positive | -- |
| ALRV5XR, dutasteride 0.5 mg/day, finasteride 1 mg/day, LLLT, minoxidil 2%/5%, Nutrafol, Viviscal | 24 weeks | Positive | -- |
| 12 g | -- | Mixed | 563 |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | 26 |
Best taken: One tablet twice daily with food and water
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Mild nausea or stomach discomfort
- ⚠ Fishy aftertaste
- ⚠ Not suitable for shellfish allergy sufferers
- ⚠ Mild bloating
Known Interactions
- ● Anticoagulants (shark cartilage may have anti-angiogenic properties)
- ● Fish or shellfish allergy medications (contains marine-derived ingredients)
Tolerable upper intake: Not established
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Viviscal help with Age-Related Hair Thinning?
How much Viviscal should I take for Age-Related Hair Thinning?
Are there side effects of Viviscal?
How strong is the evidence for Viviscal and Age-Related Hair Thinning?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Age-Related Hair Thinning
Viviscal for other conditions
References
- [1] Jia Zhang et al.. J Affect Disord. 2025. Dietary food folate and synthetic folic acid co-exposure patterns with elevated depressive symptoms: Findings from NHANES 2005-2018. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.191 PubMed
- [2] Sabina Wallerer et al.. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2025. Impact of intermittent fasting on micronutrient intake. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000001148 PubMed
- [3] Peter R Feldman et al.. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022. Hair regrowth treatment efficacy and resistance in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and continuous Bayesian network meta-analysis. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.998623 PubMed
- [4] Christina Ring et al.. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022. Nutraceuticals for Androgenetic Alopecia. PubMed
- [5] Kathy M Redfern et al.. Nutrients. 2022. Dietary Intakes of Folate, Vitamin D and Iodine during the First Trimester of Pregnancy and the Association between Supplement Use … doi:10.3390/nu14235135 PubMed
- [6] K E Elizabeth. Am J Public Health. 2021. Folate: Its Biological Interactions and Strategies to Achieve Sufficiency Without Causing Excess. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2020.306067 PubMed
- [7] Pol Solé-Navais et al.. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018. Early pregnancy folate-cobalamin interactions and their effects on cobalamin status and hematologic variables throughout pregnancy. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqx041 PubMed
- [8] Evelyne M van Uitert et al.. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2013. Influence of maternal folate status on human fetal growth parameters. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200084 PubMed
- [9] Szimonetta Lohner et al.. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2012. Effect of folate supplementation on folate status and health outcomes in infants, children and adolescents: a systematic review. doi:10.3109/09637486.2012.683779 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.