Can Choline and Inositol combine to prevent hair loss?

Choline and inositol are both commonly used additives in most hair and anti-ageing supplements, and each has significant health benefits in its own right. But when taken together, or as part of a multi-vitamin supplement, they can go a long way toward boosting memory, motivation, focus, and hair health.

What is choline?

Choline is a water-soluble nutrient related to the B vitamin family, and it’s crucial for both brain and body. A choline deficiency can lead to a fat build-up that may create chronic liver damage and eventual liver failure.  Choline is essential for brain health and function, and choline deficiency is associated with memory loss, dementia, and depression.

Though choline, in the form of lecithin, is present in some foods, including egg yolks, beef liver, cod, salmon, soy products, and peanut butter, supplementation can be helpful in reaching the National Academy of Sciences’ established Adequate Intake levels (550 mg for men, 425 mg for women).

In order to increase choline levels in the brain, there are several choline supplements, such as Alpha GPC, CDP Choline, and centrophenoxine, that your body can utilise as a precursor to producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Read our guide to choosing a choline source for more information.

What is inositol?

Inositol is a naturally-occurring substance that’s similar to the B vitamin complex and is sometimes referred to as vitamin B8, though it’s not officially recognised as a vitamin.  Like choline, inositol is essential to both physical and mental function. Inositol can help the body break down and metabolise fats, lowers blood cholesterol, and prevents fatty buildup in the liver.

Inositol is also crucial to brain function and is important for hair growth. Men, who were taking inositol supplements, reported less hair loss, although clinical trials of it are yet to be carried out. Food sources of inositol include whole grains, wheatgerm, meat, citrus fruits, nuts, and rice.

How are Choline and Inositol connected to Hair Health?

Deficiency of Choline can cause stress which can lead to hair loss. Choline supports the healthy balance of the body which has a huge impact on the health of the hair and scalp. Stress is one of the most common causes of hair loss, and inositol helps regulate levels of serotonin in the brain and has been proven to have substantial calming effects - thus paving the way for less hair fall.

Choline deficiency can lead to hair loss, as well as many other unwanted conditions such as kidney necrosis and liver disease. Choline and inositol supplementation can halt the process of shedding, particularly in seasons when we are prone to the most hair loss and severe hair shedding.


There is no established/recommended intake for inositol, but it is far more beneficial to combine it with choline, whether that may be together in one supplement, or separately, for best hair health results.  This combination is not a cure for male/female pattern baldness, but they can play a key role in an effective treatment, hence why the best multi-vitamin hair supplements tend to contain both ingredients.

Though choline and inositol are both important supplements in their own right and each provides many physical and mental benefits, there’s a powerful synergy between them that makes them far more effective when they’re taken together.

These two supplements are  affordable, readily available wherever supplements are sold, and extremely safe and well tolerated. Choline and inositol are truly a dynamic duo that can have excellent benefits for your mind, body and hair.