Vitamin B12 for Activating WNT Pathway

[Thor9]

Vitamin B12 Activates the Wnt-Pathway in Human Hair Follicle Cells by Induction of beta-Catenin and Inhibition of Glycogensynthase Kinase-3 Transcription

Background and Objectives: Micrograft transplantation is accompanied by a transient induction of telogen in transplanted hair follicles (HF), which might be avoided by supporting the metabolic pathways of the micrograft during the ex vivo period. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) has been suggested to...

www.scirp.org

Conclusions: Our data demonstrate a hair growth promoting effect of vitamin B12 in vitro. This effect is accompanied by the modulation of intracellular signal transduction molecules of the wnt-pathway and might promote hair growth after micrograft transplantation.

Ran across this and thought I'd share since it doesn't seem to have been discussed before. It is a cheap and easily available ingredient to add to topicals to cover the important WNT pathway.

Only concern is the study mentions B12 as cobalamin, while all supplements contain either methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin or adenosylcobalamin - I'm not sure if these would have the same effect. Any thoughts?

 

[partysnacks]

Based on a study I found in this old thread, https://www.hairlosstalk.com/intera...in-2-forms-of-atp-sensitive-k-channels.35352/, it looks like cyanocobalamin should work:

Topical administration of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) showed suppression of potassium channel inhibitor (tolbutamide) and induction of murine hair anagen phase & synergistic effect with minoxidil

induction of murine hair anagen

Prepare for a shed though

 

[Thor9]

Based on a study I found in this old thread, https://www.hairlosstalk.com/intera...in-2-forms-of-atp-sensitive-k-channels.35352/, it looks like cyanocobalamin should work:





Prepare for a shed though

Nice find. It helps to know there is a study which shows that its effective.

 

[whitecoatblackhat]

I've been using cyanocobalamin for 5-6 months now.

I add it to a hair lotion that I compound myself.

I suggest you temper your expectations. It doesn't do much (if anything) for hair growth.

I included it in my formulation primarily to help with premature greying, and the hair growth via Wnt was my side thought.

If you are nutrient replete, though, topical cyano or methyl cobalamin probably won't make much of a difference.

Also, the MW of cyanocobalamin is 1,355 daltons. Without adequate penetration enhancers, the chances of it passing through the SC are slim to none.