skin & beauty

FADS1

Fatty Acid Metabolism in Follicle Activity & Hair Growth (FADS1)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on December 22nd, 2020

The FADS1 gene encodes an enzyme that produces EPA and arachidonic acid from other fats. How does it affect hair growth? Read on to find out.

Summary

FADS1 encodes fatty acid desaturase 1. Variants of FADS1 may play a role in male-pattern baldness by reducing follicle activity and decreasing hair quality. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by increasing the downstream products of FADS1 and FADS2.

FADS1 and Male-Pattern Baldness

The FADS1 gene encodes fatty acid desaturase 1, a protein that converts omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into EPA and arachidonic acid, respectively [R].

EPA and arachidonic acid are both important ingredients for making healthy hair. Arachidonic acid stimulates the production of growth factors which, in turn, enhance follicle activity and hair growth. EPA is directly incorporated into the outer layers of the skin structure; many studies have found that direct or dietary exposure to EPA improves the health of skin cells [R, R].

One variant in the FADS1 gene has been associated with male-pattern baldness. The detrimental allele of this variant likely reduces the function of the FADS1 enzyme, leading to decreased production of EPA and arachidonic acid from their fatty acid precursors [R, R].

As a result, people with this allele may have reduced follicle activity (due to low arachidonic acid) and poor-quality hair (due to low EPA) [R, R].

FADS2: A Secondary Association

The variant associated with male-pattern baldness, rs1535, may also affect the expression of FADS2. As its name suggests, FADS2 encodes an enzyme very closely related to FADS1 and with a similar function [R].

Decreased FADS2 enzyme function is associated with reduced production of EPA and DHA, which can lead to poor skin and hair quality, similar to FADS1 [R].

The FADS1 gene encodes an enzyme that converts omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into EPA and arachidonic acid, which in turn support follicle activity and hair growth.

Your FADS1 Results for Male-Pattern Baldness

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs1535

FADS1 rs1535 [R]

‘A’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of male-pattern baldness
‘G’ = Associated with relatively lower rates of male-pattern baldness
The ‘G’ allele may increase FADS1 and FADS2 enzyme activity, leading to higher levels of EPA, DHA, and arachidonic acid [R].

Recommendations

Fish & Fish Oil

FADS1 dysfunction may reduce the formation of EPA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid that is an important component of hair. EPA (and another important omega-3 fatty acid, DHA) is abundant in fish and fish oil [R].

Fish oil’s plentiful DHA content can also help make up for low FADS2 activity and help improve skin and hair [R].

Fish also contains arachidonic acid in quantities that are well-balanced with omega-3 fats. Arachidonic acid is abundant in animal-based foods (meat, fish, eggs, and dairy), so you probably don’t need to go looking for an extra source unless you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet [R, R].

In one study, fish oil derived from mackerel helped improve hair growth. The authors attributed the improvement to the high levels of DHA and EPA in the oil [R].

Researchers from Harvard Medical School suggest a daily dose of 1 gram of fish oil per day to maintain health [R].

If you use an omega-3 supplement other than fish oil, be sure it includes EPA specifically and not just ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). The FADS1 enzyme is needed to convert ALA into EPA, so people with potentially detrimental FADS1 variants may not get as much benefit from ALA as from EPA [R].

Fish oil is abundant in EPA and DHA, and it is also a balanced source of arachidonic acid. Limited research suggests that fish oil may support hair growth.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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Summary FADS1 and Male-Pattern Baldness Your FADS1 Results for Male-Pattern Baldness

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