Mitsubishi Reveals NMN’s Impact on Hair Growth in New Study

Research conducted by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences has unveiled significant findings regarding the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on hair growth. Published in the journal Cosmetics, the study indicates that NMN supplementation can markedly enhance hair length during the anagen phase, although it also noted a surprising decrease in total hair count among participants.

The study involved 15 healthy Japanese women, aged between 40 and 50 years, who participated in a single-arm, pre-post intervention study. Participants ingested 500 mg of an NMN supplement derived from fermented torula yeast daily for a duration of 12 weeks, specifically around breakfast time.

Key Findings on Hair Growth

The researchers employed several methods, including TrichoScan and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to evaluate the effects of NMN on hair health. Notable improvements were observed in hair length, with an increase in anagen hair elongation density. Three days after shaving, density surged from 55.9 ± 43.5 hairs/cm² at baseline to 87.7 ± 21.9 hairs/cm² post-supplementation. Terminal hair density also witnessed a significant rise, from 38.6 ± 33.7 to 66.2 ± 15.1 hairs/cm².

Additionally, the mean hair diameter increased significantly, rising from 75.3 ± 7.6 μm to 78.8 ± 9.7 μm after NMN intake. Despite these advancements, the total hair density dropped from 190.8 ± 34.0 to 167.9 ± 35.8 hairs/cm².

The researchers expressed surprise at the decrease in hair count, stating, “Although we cannot deny the possibility that the decrease in hair count is due to taking NMN, we speculate that it is due to seasonal hair loss.” The study was conducted from September 12 to December 5, 2022, a period known for seasonal variations in hair shedding.

Implications for Hair Health

Despite the reduction in total hair count, the improvements in anagen hair density suggest that NMN supplementation may enhance follicle maturation and boost nutrient supply to dermal papilla cells. This could lead to improved growth of existing terminal hairs rather than the creation of new vellus hair.

The SEM analysis corroborated these findings, revealing thicker hair shafts and enhanced cuticle conditions, which align with the TrichoScan results. Additionally, participants reported significant improvements in hair elasticity, ease of combing, gloss, and volume, as assessed through a self-administered visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire.

The study also indicated that NMN intake resulted in elevated levels of metabolites associated with energy metabolism, such as isovalerylcarnitine, creatine, and leucine. These findings imply that NMN may support mitochondrial ATP production and amino acid metabolism, both critical for maintaining healthy hair.

The researchers noted, “Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA),” emphasizing the role of NMN in hair growth and loss prevention. They concluded that oral NMN supplementation may represent a promising strategy for sustaining healthy hair, reinforcing the potential benefits of this supplement in overall hair health.

This research opens avenues for further exploration into the role of NMN in hair care and its broader implications for cosmetic applications in the beauty industry.