Which Vitamins Make Hair Thicker?
Proper vitamin intake activates the blood cells in the scalp, which in turn absorbs the nutrients that impart thickness and healthiness to hair. Certain vitamins revitalize, nourish and moisturize hair and slow down the process of hair loss.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps the scalp to regulate the production of sebum, a yellow fluid produced and excreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin that moisturizes and keeps the scalp hydrated. Sebum also acts as a barrier for harmful chemicals, dirt and viruses penetrating the skin. Vitamin A works with the minerals silica and zinc to prevent the sebaceous glands from drying, which allows the sebum to work properly and hair to grow healthy and thicker.
Food sources of vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, cantaloupe, peaches, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, dried apricots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Dosage: Vitamin A is fat soluble and is stored in the body. So daily dosage should be around 5,000 IU. More than 25,000 IU is toxic and can cause hair loss and other serious health problems.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin
Proper blood circulation in the scalp is one of the major reasons for hair loss. Niacin promotes scalp circulation and regulates the quantity and quality of blood that reaches the roots hairs. This process ensures regular supply of blood, nutrients and oxygen to the root hairs lending to thick, bouncy hair.
A daily dose of vitamin B3 is 15 mg. Food sources include brewer's yeast, wheat germ and fish.
Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid
The water-soluble salt of pantothenic acid is converted into vitamin B5. It maintains the moisture level of the hair, stimulates cell growth and tissue regeneration. It helps in hair growth and may prevent greying of hair.
A daily dose is 4mg to 7mg. Food sources include whole grain cereals, brewer's yeast and egg yolks.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 assists in the production of melanin, which gives hair its colour. Better color gives the appearance of thicker hair.
Take 1.6mg daily. Food sources include brewer's yeast, whole grain cereals, vegetables and egg yolks.
Vitamin B12
B12 hinders growth of DHT (di-hydro testosterone), which slows the growth of hair and harms hair follicles. B12 also nourishes and heals the scalp. B12 also regenerates damaged hair follicles and triggers hair growth as well.
A daily dose is 2mg. Food sources include fish and eggs.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C: This antioxidant maintains healthy hair and normal growth. Take 60mg daily. Food sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green veggies.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that aids effective circulation in the scalp and in supplying oxygen to the blood, thus retarding cellular aging.
A daily dose is up to 400 IU. Food sources include cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green veggies.
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