Does Serrapeptase Cause Hair Loss: What You Need to Know Before a Trial

Serrapeptase has created much buzz as a mass started using it for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. It is a proteolytic enzyme that comes naturally from silkworms and breaks down proteins into amino acids. Besides all the health benefits, it possesses a myth circulating the internet and among health enthusiasts: “Does Serrapeptase Cause Hair Loss.”  We have decided to untangle the story and take a deep dive into the scientific studies available so far to determine the role of serrapeptase in hair loss.

Let me give you a heads-up: the relationship between using serrapeptase and hair loss has yet to be established. Many proven factors can cause a potential loss of hair, such as hormonal imbalance, genetic causes, stress, and underlying health conditions. We should not let anecdotal proofs hijack our intelligence or determine what can benefit us. It is recommended to consult a healthcare expert before using any supplement for a particular health issue.

What is Serrapeptase

• Serrapeptase is an enzyme derived from the bacteria found in the gut of silkworms. Scientifically, it is known as serratiopeptidase, which has become a popular health supplement due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties.
• The enzyme has been extracted from a microorganism and then processed in the supplement form.
• It breaks down the proteins in amino acids. In the medical setting, it has been used to reduce excess tissue growth and for anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits of Serrapeptase

This dietary supplement has gained popularity due to various health benefits. However, some of the claims about serrapeptase need supporting scientific facts. Here are some of the health benefits of serrapeptase supported by proponents.

1. Anti-Inflammatory

• Often cited as one of the essential reasons to consume serrapeptase. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Regular prescribed consumption can alleviate the symptoms of body inflammation.

2. Sinus and Respiratory Health

Breaking down the mucus and reducing inflammation in airways can help serrapeptase manage conditions like sinusitis.

3. Fibrosis Reduction

Serrapeptase has anti-fibrotic properties that can reduce the size of excessive fibrous tissues.

Does Serrapeptase Cause Hair Loss

Serrapeptase is an enzyme derived from a silkworm commonly used as a dietary supplement to control inflammation. Besides all the health benefits that serrapeptase provides, its use has been under the radar as a speculative question that haunts us all: “Does Serrapeptase Cause Hair Loss.” Let’s discuss some available facts.

1. Unproved Theories

• No scientific study can establish a possible link between using serrapeptase as a supplement and hair loss. 
• We should not conclude from anecdotal proof as they can be biased and don’t support anything scientifically.

2. Factors Possible for Hair Loss

• Before blaming serrapeptase, we should closely look at the proven factors that can promote hair loss.
• Stress, hereditary, hormonal imbalance, and underlying health diseases are the main reasons for hair loss.
• If you experience a depletion in the volume of your hair after taking serrapeptase, consult with a healthcare expert. 

3. Effectiveness of Serrapeptase in Hair Growth

• According to a study, serrapeptase shows a promising response in treating alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition.
• One of the leading causes of hair loss and thinning is androgenic alopecia, and serrapeptase has positively impacted it.

Must Read: Magnesium Stearate and Hair Loss: Debunking Common Myths

Dosage and Safety Precautions While Using Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is extracted from silkworms. It is taken as a supplement and is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. As recommended, we should consult a healthcare expert to determine the dosages. General dosage and safety concerns are as follows.

1. General Dosage

• The recommended dosages of serrapeptase should be between 10 to 60 mg daily.
• According to the potency of the dosage, it should be divided for full-day consumption. 
• It should be taken on an empty stomach (30 minutes before a meal). This range holds absolute for most of the adults.

2. Dosage For Specific Conditions

3. Precautions

• We should always consult a healthcare expert before getting dependent on any supplements. This can be critical if you have underlying health issues.
• Always stick to the recommended dosages, and do not go beyond it. The dosage is strictly dependent on factors like age and current body condition.
• Serrapeptase can interact with certain medicines. Consult a healthcare expert before making a dependency on any supplement.

4. During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Currently, we do not have any concrete information on the side effects of serrapeptase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some of the potential problems that can be possible are.

A. Uterine Contraction

It is an early speculation and yet under the radar to become a possible side effect. Some theories predict that serrapeptase can cause uterine contraction, which can cause risk to the pregnancy. 

B. Bleeding

Serrapeptase is known for blood-thinning properties and can be problematic during delivery.

Side Effects of Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is considered safe for human consumption and should be taken as directed by healthcare experts. However, like a supplement, it can cause some sensitive individuals a certain degree of discomfort. Let us learn more about the common reported side effects of serrapeptase.

1. Gastrointestinal Issues

• Some individuals have reported gastrointestinal discomfort when taking serrapeptase as a supplement.
• One can experience the symptoms of nausea, bloating, or diarrhea.
• We need a doctor’s consultation if these symptoms do not fade away slowly.

2. Allergic Reactions

• If we are allergic to using serrapeptase as a supplement, we experience skin rash, itching, redness, or respiratory problems.
• However, allergic reactions are rare, but if the symptoms persist, we must consult a healthcare expert.

3. Bleeding Risk

• This can be a real threat as there are possibilities that an individual taking serrapeptase as a supplement can have bleeding disorders.
• It has anticoagulant properties, which will slow down the body’s process of making clots.
• People who are already taking blood thinners like aspirin and clopidogrel should consult a healthcare expert before taking serrapeptase.

4. Medicines Interaction

• Serrapeptase can interact with certain medicines, which can affect their absorption in the body and impact the efficacy of a treatment.
• It will interact with medicines like aspirin and clopidogrel, which are taken as blood thinners. This interaction can be problematic in the future, so consulting with a healthcare expert is recommended.

We should remember that all these side effects largely depend on body type, metabolic rate, and other vitals of an individual. Generalizing them will not be correct as it can present wrong information. To avoid any misinformation, it is recommended to consult a healthcare expert before becoming dependent on any supplements.

Conclusion

In the quest to solve the question, “Does serrapeptase cause hair loss?” we took a deep dive into the benefits and cautions of the supplement. It is an enzyme derived from a silkworm and has shown potential for improving hair quality instead of causing hair loss. Some research shows their effectiveness in treating alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia. It can be used to treat body inflammation in conditions like arthritis and also to control the growth of excessive fibrous tissues. We recommend discussing it with a healthcare expert before tossing it away based on anecdotal proof. They will be better able to prescribe it to you based on the body examination.