Vitamin B-5, also known as calcium pantothenate and pantothenic acid has been shown to be remarkable effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris, a condition that has a similar etiology to male pattern baldness. There have been numerous anecdotal reports indicating a rapid cessation of hair loss and initiation of hair regrowth, often within weeks using liberal doses of vitamin B-5. Vitamin B-5, is a low cost item available at any health or nutrition store. The recommended dose for hair loss would be similar to that recommended for acne: 10 grams a day for two weeks, 5 grams a day maintenance thereafter.
1: Med Hypotheses 1995 Jun; 44(6):490-2 Related Articles, Books
Pantothenic acid deficiency as the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Leung LH.
Department of General Surgery, Hong Kong Central Hospital, Hong Kong.
“One hundred patients of Chinese descent were included in the study, 45 males and 55 females. The age ranged from 10 to 30, and with about 80% between 13 and 23. The severity of the disease process varied. They were given 10 grams of pantothenic acid a day in four divided doses. To enhance the effect, the patients were also asked to apply a cream consisting of 20% by weight of pantothenic acid to the affected area, four to six tines a day. With this treatment regimen, the response is as prompt as it is impressive. There is a noticeable decrease in sebum secretion on the face usually 2-3 days after initiation of therapy. The face becomes less oily. After two weeks, existing lesions start to regress while the rate of eruption of new acne lesions begins to slow down. In cases with moderate severity, the condition is normally in complete control in about eight weeks, with most of the lesions gone and new lesions only to erupt occasionally. In those patients with severe acne lesions, complete control may take months, sometimes up to six months or longer. In some of these cases, in order to get a more immediate response, it may even be necessary to step up the dose to 15-20 grams a day. In any event, the improvement is normally a gradual and steady process, with perhaps minor interruptions by premenstrual flare or excessive intakes of oily food. With this form of treatment, another striking feature is the size of the facial skin pore.”