Effect of an oral probiotic formula on scalp and facial skin condition, glucose, and lipid metabolism | Functional Foods in Health and Disease - Online ISSN: 2160-3855; Print ISSN: 2378-7007 Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer Open Menu Functional Foods in Health and Disease - Online ISSN: 2160-3855; Print ISSN: 2378-7007 Home Food Science Publisher Functional Food Center Current Archives About About the Journal Aims and Scope Contact Editing Services Editorial Team Express Peer Review Graphical Abstract Journal Insights Privacy Statement Submissions Announcements Search Search Register Login Home / Archives / Vol. 12 No. 7 (2022): July 2022 / Research Articles Effect of an oral probiotic formula on scalp and facial skin condition, glucose, and lipid metabolism Authors Peng Yu West China Hospital of Sichuan University Xiaoyue Teng Harbin Institute of Technology Tingzhu Liu Memoo (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd. Yuhan Li Memoo (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd. Jiayi Ni Sprim (China) Consulting Co. Ltd. Siliang Xue West China Hospital of Sichuan University Juan Wang Memoo (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v12i7.944 Abstract Objective: We conducted this study to explore the effect of oral probiotic supplementation on hair density as a primary outcome in subjects with hair loss and at high risk of metabolic syndrome. The secondary objectives were to assess probiotic effects on skin barrier function,metabolic health and stress responses. Methods: We supplemented the diets of Chinese adults presenting with hair loss and high risk of metabolic syndrome (n = 26, male gender 38.5%, age = 33.6 ± 4.5 years) with a multi-strain probiotic formula at a dosage of 18.1 billion colony forming units (CFU) twice daily for 12 weeks. We compared the hair density, hair loss, anthropometrics measures, blood biochemistry markers, skin biophysical characteristics and stress-associated responses between baseline and the end of the trial. Results: After 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation, 96.2% of the study participants had improvement in hair density (median density level increased: 1; interquartile range: 1-2). Participants reported reduced hair loss both quantitatively and qualitatively. The majority (73.1%) of the participants reported apparent relief of scalp itching. Stratum corneum hydration and pH increased, while transepidermal water loss and sebum decreased on both scalp and facial skin. Body weight and body mass index decreased following probiotic consumption. Most components of glucose metabolism and the lipid profile were significantly better, with increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reductions in glucose, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance, total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Inflammation and oxidative stress markers improved with increases in interferon-γ and superoxide dismutase, and reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-31 and malondialdehyde. No changes were observed in glycated hemoglobin, insulin, immunoglobulin E and interleukin-10 levels. Besides, perceived stress relieved in participants accompanied with improved sleep quality as well as better overall perception of life quality and health. Conclusion: Twice-daily supplementation with the test probiotic formula over a 12-weeks period may exert profound beneficial effects on hair growth, skin condition, glucose and lipid metabolism, and stress-associated psychological and physiological responses in participants presenting with hair loss and high risk of metabolic syndrome. This study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100050498). Keywords: hair density, hair loss, metabolic syndrome, oral probiotic supplementation Author Biographies Peng Yu, West China Hospital of Sichuan University Department of Dermatology Xiaoyue Teng, Harbin Institute of Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Siliang Xue, West China Hospital of Sichuan University Department of Dermatology Downloads {Abstract} {Full Article} Published 2022-07-28 Issue Vol. 12 No. 7 (2022): July 2022 Section Research Articles License Authors retain the copyright of their articles and grant the Functional Food Center (FFC) and its journals the right of first publication under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, including commercial use, provided the original author(s) and source are properly credited. 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