Gut Health and Hair: The Microbiome–Nutrient Connection
See how gut bacteria influence nutrient absorption and hormonal balance crucial for hair growth.
The gut microbiome regulates absorption of iron, zinc, and B vitamins—all key to hair production. A 2025 cross-sectional analysis in Frontiers in Endocrinology linked microbial diversity to follicular health markers in 150 subjects.
- Reduced gut diversity correlated with low serum ferritin and B12.
- Probiotic supplementation restored nutrient levels and improved hair density by 18%.
- Microbial short-chain fatty acids modulated hormonal signals affecting follicles.
- Antibiotic use temporarily suppressed hair growth in animal models.
Gut health and hair health are interconnected through nutrition and endocrine signaling. Maintaining microbial balance is a new frontier for holistic dermatology.
The study was correlational and cannot prove that gut health directly causes hair changes.
Citation & Review Team
Full Citation
Kim Y et al., Front Endocrinol, 2025.Review Team
Author: Student Editor
Fact-Checker: Dermatology Researcher
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.