Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Unveils NMN Breakthrough for Hair Growth

Recent research conducted by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences has revealed promising results regarding the effects of NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) on hair growth. The study, published in the journal Cosmetics, indicates that NMN supplementation can significantly enhance hair length during the anagen phase, which is the active period of hair growth lasting two to eight years.

The study involved 15 healthy Japanese women, aged between 40 and 50 years, who participated in a single-arm, pre-post intervention over a 12-week period. Each participant ingested 500 mg of a torula yeast-fermented NMN supplement produced in Japan, taken around breakfast.

Key Findings on Hair Growth

One of the standout outcomes of the study was the notable increase in anagen hair elongation density. After three days of supplementation, this density rose from 55.9 ± 43.5 hairs/cm² at baseline to 87.7 ± 21.9 hairs/cm². Terminal hair density also demonstrated significant growth, increasing from 38.6 ± 33.7 hairs/cm² to 66.2 ± 15.1 hairs/cm². Terminal hair is defined as having a diameter of at least 40 μm.

In addition, the mean hair diameter improved, rising from 75.3 ± 7.6 μm at baseline to 78.8 ± 9.7 μm following supplementation. However, the total hair count decreased from 190.8 ± 34.0 hairs/cm² to 167.9 ± 35.8 hairs/cm², a finding that contradicted the researchers’ initial hypothesis.

The researchers suggested that the decrease in hair count could be linked to seasonal shedding patterns, as the study was conducted between 12 September 2022 and 5 December 2022. They noted, “Previous studies have confirmed seasonal variations in hair shedding, peaking in September due to summer UV damage,” indicating that environmental factors might have influenced the results.

Potential Mechanisms of Action

Despite the decline in total hair count, the researchers pointed to the significant improvements in hair length as evidence that NMN may enhance follicle maturation and improve nutrient supply to dermal papilla cells. This enhancement could promote the growth of existing terminal hairs rather than the generation of new vellus hairs, which are finer and softer.

The study also utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, which indicated thicker hair shafts and improved cuticle conditions, corroborating the positive findings from the TrichoScan assessments.

Additionally, participants reported improvements in various subjective measures, including fatigue reduction and perceptions of gray hair. Significant enhancements were noted in hair parting concerns, hair loss upon waking and shampooing, as well as improvements in elasticity, combing ease, gloss, and volume.

Researchers also observed that NMN intake resulted in increased levels of metabolites associated with energy metabolism. These included isovalerylcarnitine, creatine, creatinine, leucine, and isoleucine. The implication is that NMN supplementation could bolster mitochondrial ATP production and amino acid metabolism, both critical for sustaining hair health.

The researchers stated, “Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA),” emphasizing the importance of mitochondrial health in hair growth.

In conclusion, the findings from Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences suggest that oral NMN supplementation may provide a viable strategy for maintaining healthy hair. As further research is conducted, the potential of NMN as a therapeutic option for hair health continues to gain attention in the scientific community.