P5P: why the lesser-known vitamin is a powerful hair restoration supplement

Also known as P5P (a hair restoration supplement), or Vitamin B6, the nutrient plays a critical dual role in creating the ideal situation for optimum hair growth.

A component of P5P regulates the function of testosterone, which leads to the production of hair loss hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The vitamin also sustains enzymes which trigger the production of two hair proteins, keratin and melanin, responsible for maintaining hair growth and renewal.

In doing so, Pyridoxal 5–Phosphate can easily be regarded as the perfect supplement for men undergoing a hair transplant or a medical hair restoration programme.

The intake of Vitamin B6 during the months preceding a hair transplant helps to create healthier hairs for transplant. Following an FUE procedure it nourishes the donor area of a scalp, creating thicker hair growth. 

The nutrient then helps to ensure the health of implanted follicles as well as stabilising hair loss in follicles around them.

The overall end result of both of these influences is that P5P, the most active form of vitamin B6, alters the hair growth cycle, reducing the amount of time follicles spend in their resting (telogen) phase, moving them to their active growth (anagen) phase more quickly and for longer.

RESEARCH

The evidence to back up claims that Vitamin B6 both stems hair loss and boosts hair growth is abundant and irrefutable.

Research conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology in 2007 ascertained that Vitamin B6 combined with azelaic acid and high strength zinc supplements prevented 90 percent of testosterone from converting to DHT, preventing significant amounts of androgenetic hair fall.

In 2003, the Journal of Investigative Dermatology published the results of research into the effect of Vitamin B6 on phases of the hair cycle in humans and mice. Researchers found that hair follicles in subjects given higher levels of Vitamin B6 more readily incorporated amino acid proteins – cysteine, cystine and methionine – into hair building processes.

The study showed follicles progressing from the telogen (resting) phases to anagen (active growth) phases more readily. It supported the researchers’ hypothesis that vitamin B6 is significant in the metabolism process of creating new hair shafts.

Earlier in 2000, scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University observed Vitamin B6 binding itself to testosterone receptors and stopping the formation of DHT, so restoring natural hair growth.

All three sets of results in the western research labs have since been compounded by a study published in the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s trade journal. It found that P5P in combination with azelaic acid greatly accelerated hair growth. The East Asian study revealed Vitamin B6 to help colour restoration in hair by increasing the formation of melanin – a natural colouring pigment.

HEALTH

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin needed by the body for several functions other than hair growth.

It is key to protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells. It plays a role our blood sugar levels, muscle movements, memory and how we produce and expend energy from food.

Studies are underway into P5P’s effect on mood, depression, fatigue and Alzheimer’s as well as eye health, heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

SOURCES

Most people get enough vitamin B6 through their diet when they eat Vitamin B6-rich foods like turkey, chickpeas, tuna, watermelon, potatoes, spinach, kale, whole grains and cereals.

MHR Clinic supplies its clients with the highest quality of P5P supplements of part of bespoke hair restoration programmes designed to encourage hair growth before and after hair transplants, as well as part of medical only plans. 

If you would like more information about maintaining a healthy head of hair, please contact MHR Clinic on 01565 745 344 or each out to us with contact through this website.