Nutraceutical compound for the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with brittle nails syndrome

Introduction: The use of nutraceutical products in the treatment of chronic telogen effluvium of non-specific cause – associated or not with signs and symptoms of nail plate frailty – has been proposed in the literature. Supplementation of nutrients and trace elements that are crucial to follicle’s metabolism seems to be linked to this effect.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical containing vitamins A, C, E and B complex, folic acid, iron, niacin, biotin, zinc and calcium pantetonate, among others, in the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with the brittle nails syndrome.
Methods: A clinical, prospective, open and monocentric study was carried out with the evaluation of 62 volunteers. Clinical evaluation measurements – based on digital phototrichogram and imaging – were performed at the baseline, and at 45 and 90 days after the use of the studied product.
Results: At the end of the study, a statistically significant (p <0.05) reduction of 31.56% in the number of telogen strands could be observed, coupled with a significant improvement in clinical parameters related to hair and nails. The instrumental evaluation based on image analysis showed a 36.63% reduction in nail desquamation, which, although not statistically significant, has shown benefits in the absolute outcome.
Conclusions: The use of nutraceuticals was proven effective in the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with the brittle nails syndrome.

Keywords: Alopecia; Dietary supplements; Nails