Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Reports Breakthrough in Hair Growth Research

A recent study conducted by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences has revealed promising findings regarding the effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) on hair growth. In a single-arm, pre-post intervention study, researchers observed significant improvements in hair length during the anagen phase among 15 healthy Japanese women aged between 40 and 50 years. Participants ingested 500 mg of a torula yeast-fermented NMN supplement daily for 12 weeks, with results documented in the journal Cosmetics.

The anagen phase is critical for hair growth, lasting approximately two to eight years and determining the ultimate length of hair. The study reported that the anagen hair elongation density increased significantly post-supplementation. Specifically, three days after shaving, measurements indicated an increase from 55.9 ± 43.5 hairs/cm² at baseline to 87.7 ± 21.9 hairs/cm² following NMN intake. Similarly, the terminal hair density rose from 38.6 ± 33.7 hairs/cm² to 66.2 ± 15.1 hairs/cm², with terminal hair defined as having a diameter of at least 40 μm.

Despite these positive outcomes, the researchers identified a notable decrease in total hair count, which fell from 190.8 ± 34.0 hairs/cm² to 167.9 ± 35.8 hairs/cm². The authors speculated that this decline could be attributed to seasonal hair loss patterns rather than NMN supplementation itself. They referenced previous studies indicating that hair shedding tends to peak in September due to summer UV damage, with their research conducted from September 12 to December 5, 2022.

The study’s findings suggest that NMN supplementation may enhance follicle maturation and improve nutrient supply to dermal papilla cells, potentially promoting the growth of existing terminal hairs instead of generating new vellus hair. The researchers noted that this enhancement could lead to improved hair volume and texture by strengthening and thickening existing hair, likely due to better scalp conditions and follicular cell functions.

Advanced imaging techniques, including TrichoScan and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to analyze hair density and quality. SEM revealed thicker hair shafts and improved cuticle conditions, supporting the TrichoScan findings. Additionally, subjective assessments using a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire showed significant improvements in participants’ perceptions of fatigue, gray hair, and various hair health metrics such as elasticity, gloss, and volume.

The study also highlighted that NMN intake resulted in elevated levels of metabolites associated with energy metabolism, including isovalerylcarnitine, creatine, and leucine. These metabolites could play a role in promoting hair health by supporting mitochondrial ATP production and amino acid metabolism. The researchers emphasized the importance of mitochondrial function in relation to hair growth and the prevention of conditions like androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

In conclusion, the study’s results suggest that oral NMN supplementation may represent a promising strategy for maintaining healthy hair. The researchers pointed to NMN’s potential to enhance the sirtuin pathway and mitochondrial function, which are both critical for hair growth and overall hair health.