I have been taking B5 for a couple of weeks now, and I have noticed my hair has been thinning.. is hairloss a side effect of B5?

I know that B-5 is good for hair in general and is used in many shampoos. I suppose in extreme dosages it can have a negative side-effect.

Using it for over a year now (3g/day), haven't noticed any hairloss (or other side effects) whatsoever.

I was taking 10g a day for about six weeks up until last week when I stopped because I'm now on Roaccutane and there's no need for both. I didn't notice at first (maybe it took a while) but the B5 must have caused my hair to become really dry since recently it looks terrible. I have fairly dry hair naturally but it's usually manageable with some gel or wax. I resorted to clipping it down to grade 2 to reduce the appearance of split-ends but they looked worse with the shorter hair. It's been growing back for 2 weeks now (I can't wait to have my fringe back :)) and since stopping the B5 it's looking healthier and stronger every day. I didn't experience hair loss, but definitely a loss in hair strength and integrity. Not even Roaccutane causes that much damage.

I have been taking B5 for a couple of weeks now, and I have noticed my hair has been thinning.. is hairloss a side effect of B5?
Dreamer99, whats your complete B5 regimen?

When taking a high dose B5, you should/must take a B-complex to minimize vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiency might cause hairloss. A lot of people somehow don't seem to know this.

Dreamer99, also take extra biotin (vit H/B7/B8 ) because a B-complex usually does not contain much biotin. Biotin is good for the hairs and might improve the effect of B5. A high dose of B5 can cause biotin deficiency which might cause hairloss. Because you are experiencing hairthinning, I would start taking 3mg biotin/day or more. Biotin can be cheap ([url removed]) and does not (as far as I know) have any sideeffects.

I would like to know how you progress, because I have experienced the same while on B5. I don't know if it's caused by B5, because in my case their might also be other causes. So please keep us updated.

@Jhart999,
did you take a B-complex while on B5?

No Hewk, I didn't take a vitamin B complex. Thank you for the advice. Do you think it would help if I took such a supplement whilst I am taking Roaccutane to reduce the bad side-effects to my hair? I have stopped taking B5 but I still have dryness brought on by the Roaccutane and residual B5. I am extremely ignorant about vitamin deficiencies - what do we need to keep our hair strong and healthy? Any further information would be greatly appreciated ;)

@Jhart999,
I correct, you should watch out for extra vitamin A while on (Ro)Accutane.

I have read a number of posts on different forums where people who experience hair problems while on RoAccutane, are recommended to take extra biotin. I don't know if it will help, but I would try it in your case, because its cheap and if correct without sideeffects.

Thank you Hewk, I will probably buy some biotin tomorrow - I have seen it before and it seems quite inexpensive. I will report back my findings in due course :) I can't wait to get the balance between reduced acne and healthy hair and skin - I might feel human again!

Hi, my routine is simple really, I take 10 500mg pills in the morning after breakfast, and 10 at night after dinner. I do not take any other B vitamins. But it seems like I should be taking Biotin. Could I have more information on what vitamins I should be taking aside from B5?

yes it did cause hairloss for me i had to stop using it. accutane also caused me to have hairloss. i guess i just have very sensitive hair or somehing :mad: