The Best Vitamins For Hair Loss
Healthy body, healthy hair – this has long been my mantra given that hair is the reflection of our overall health. Don’t believe this? Well, the lack of zinc on your body will cause a dry and flaky scalp, and the lack of iron will have you shedding like crazy. Just like any other part of our body, hair also needs plenty of nutrients to grow healthy. While genes play a significant role as well, nutrient intake is vital. Ideally, you consume foods that are packed in nutrients which will be your primary source of vitamins, but supplements are also a great addition.
These supplements are beneficial for people who experience hair loss, hair thinning, or even for people who want thicker and longer hair. So, if vitamin deficiency is causing your hair loss, then taking supplements for that particular vitamin can be the best solution. Vitamin deficiency can be resolved with a blood test. If the blood test shows you lack in many essential areas, your doctor will recommend a daily multivitamin to increase the intake of key nutrients for better overall health.
Scroll down for the best vitamin supplements for hair growth.
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Every cell needs vitamin A for growth. This includes hair as well, the fastest growing tissue in the human body. Vitamin A also helps produce scalp oil, also known as sebum, which moisturizes the skin. Vitamin A deficiency causes hair loss, but note that vitamin A overdose can also cause hair loss. Balance is key indeed. Animal products like eggs, milk, and yogurt contain vitamin A, but cod liver is the best source of this vitamin.
The best B-vitamin for hair growth is Biotin. It strengthens hair follicles and is used as an alternative hair-loss treatment. Biotin deficiency is not common since it’s found in a wide range of foods. Other B-vitamins help create red blood cells which then carry nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. You can get B-vitamins from foods like meat, fish, almonds, leafy greens, but mostly from animal foods which are the only good sources of vitamin B12. For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, we recommend taking a supplement.
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This vitamin is an antioxidant that helps protect hair from the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The body needs vitamin C to create collagen, a protein which is an essential part of hair structure. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, also necessary for hair growth. If you’re wondering which foods are the best sources of vitamin C, add more peppers, strawberries, and citrus fruits to your diet.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with alopecia, an inflammatory hair loss. New research also claims vitamin D helps create new hair follicles. Our body produces vitamin D when in direct contact with the sun, while other sources of this vitamin are cod liver, fatty fish, some mushrooms, and fortified foods.
Vitamin E is also known for its antioxidant properties and helps reduce radical free damage. It has been used in dermatology since the 1950s to protect the skin against aging, sun damage, and inflammation. Vitamin E also improves scalp circulation, balances oil production, and adds shine. Vitamin E deficiency is rare because we get plenty of it every day, so there’s no need for supplements.
Note that many factors contribute to hair loss, and although vitamins are helpful, it’s always best to see your doctor before you add supplements to your diet. We already mentioned vitamins could be harmful if you aren’t deficient, all the more reason to check with your doctor.
Read also: Effective Hair Loss Remedies
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.