Androgenetic Alopecia, or pattern hair loss has long been established, like aging itself, to be multifactorial. Although complex, the good news in this is that AGA can be successfully treated from multiple angles, and that treatment can be continually adjusted and, in many cases, tapered off to a steam lined maintenance regime over time. |
The following study found that a combination of phytochemicals (plant based) and melatonin successfully reversed AGA in subjects tested. |
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Feb;An Open-Label Evaluator Blinded Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a New Nutritional Supplement in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel oral supplement, Forti5®, containing green tea extract, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, cholecalciferol, melatonin, beta-sitosterol, and soy isoflavones, and in the management of subjects with androgenetic alopecia. Design: A prospective case series of 10 subjects. Setting: Open-label, evaluator-blinded, proof-of-concept study. Participants: Ten adult subjects with androgenetic alopecia completed the study. Subjects were not allowed to use oral or topical hair growth products in the 24 weeks preceding the study or during the study. The nutritional supplement was administered at a dosage of two tablets daily for 24 weeks. Measurements: Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and at 24 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using hair mass index measured by cross section trichometer, terminal hair count measured with dermoscopy and Investigator Global Photography Assessment. Results: Overall 80 percent of subjects (8/10) were rated as improved after 24 weeks of supplementation (mean change of +1.4 equivalent to slightly-to-moderately increased). Forty percent of subjects (4/10) were rated as moderately improved (2+), and 10 percent (1/10) were rated as greatly improved (3+). There was a significant improvement in terminal hair count (mean increase of 5.9% or 4.2 more terminal hairs in the area examined, p=0.014) and in Hair Mass Index (mean increase of 9.5% or 4.5 higher Hair Mass Index, p=0.003). Conclusion: These preliminary results indicate that Forti5® a novel nutritional supplement that contains cholecalciferol, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, melatonin, antioxidants, and botanical 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. |
The components of this well conceived formulation are supplements we have been recommending for hair growth for many years. The actual dose of each component of FORTI 5 is modest, and can readily be increased at an actually lower cost, if one uses these supplements individually and combines them. Forti 5 combines in a “proprietary blend” of 251.5 mg. the following: Green Tea Extract: Provides potent antioxidant activity, reducing androgen induced inflammation. Normalizes SHBG levels, which are lower in those with androgen mediated hair loss. Facilitates Equol production when combined with Green Tea. Reduces insulin resistance, a high incidence co-morbidity of Androgenetic Alopecia Vitamin D Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids: Reduces systemic and peripheral inflamation. Beta Sitosterol: blocks DHT production, via a localized and systemic inhibition of 5 alpha reductase inhibits DHT binding at receptor sites, body wide, Melatonin: downregulates androgen receptors, The hair follicle (HF) in its growth phase (anagen) endogenously produces melatonin.Melatonin is a potent antioxidant-free radical scavenger which can protect the follicle from the catabolic effects of systemic stress. Soy Extract: 150 mg. supports a more normally balanced androgen sex hormone state in the body, that favors hair growth.Provides antioxidant protection antioxidant to ameliorate oxidative stress-induced minaturization of the hair follicle seen in AGA The relatively small size of this “proprietary” blend indicates that each component is a relatively low dose. Data suggests that size does matter when using these compounds for health and hair growth, and that a more pronounced effect would likely be achieved by combining these ingredients separately, for example: Mega Green Tea Extract:[725 mg. to 98% polyphenols, 45% EGCG] Palmetto Guard: combination of320 mg C02 critical extract of Saw Palmetto, and 150 mg of Beta Sitosterol. Melatonin: 3-10 mg. Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones: 435 mg Soy Natto ( fermented Soy food to facilitate absorption) 135 mg of NovaSoy, Isoflavone concentrate. Super Omega 3 EPA/DHA: 700 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA- reduces systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Both Vitamin D and Melatonin are available and any drugstore, and their quality is fairly uniform across the supplement industry. 5,000-10,000 IU’S of Vitamin D, and 3-10mg of Melatonin is recommended. Although modest in its’ dose FORTI 5 is a very well conceived hair growth treatment, taking into account both androgens and inflammation, in a health promoting intervention. The fact this trial produced positive results is both vindicating for our research, yet hardly surprising. Forti 5 retails for $59.95 a month. The combination of supplements highlighted cost about $55.00 a month and delivers a significantly more potent dose of active ingredients, giving more pronounced hair growth and anti-aging benefits. |