What Vitamin Will Help With Dandruff in Hair?
Dandruff is a common condition that results in shedding flakes of skin from the scalp. It occurs more frequently in men and is associated with oily skin rather than dry skin. Washing hair infrequently can cause dandruff but it also can be triggered by changes in health. These changes can involve increased stress, hormone imbalance, immune deficiencies or Parkinson's disease. It has also been associated with vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B complex. Vitamins can be used to improve dandruff because they benefit skin and hair health, help to balance skin moisture and increase circulation.
Vitamin B
Take a vitamin B complex supplement. According to Phyllis Balch C.N.C. in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," vitamin B is actually a complex of similar nutrients. This complex benefits the overall health of the body, especially the skin, hair, liver and nerves. Imbalances or deficiencies in vitamin B can occur when nutrient absorption is low. This naturally occurs as we age but stress and other health factors can cause nutrient-absorption problems.
Thiamine and niacin, vitamin B1 and B3 respectively, improve circulation. Increased blood flow to the scalp can help reduce dandruff and improve skin health. Riboflavin, also known as B2, helps to reduce dandruff and improve skin and hair health by increasing their use of oxygen. Biotin is also necessary to skin and hair health. Deficiencies of biotin are rare but can lead to dandruff and other scalp conditions. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can also lead to flaky skin and hair loss.
Vitamin E
Supplement with vitamin E. Like vitamin B, this vitamin helps to increase circulation to the skin. Vitamin E aids in improving the health of skin and hair. Natural sources of vitamin E, often labeled as d-alpha tocopherol, are more easily absorbed. To get more vitamin E from foods, choose green leafy vegetables, cold-pressed oils, nuts, seeds, legumes and brown rice.
Keep in mind that vitamin E blood levels are maintained with adequate amounts of zinc absorbed from your diet or a multimineral supplement. If you are taking an iron supplement, take it at the opposite time of the day as the vitamin E supplement since inorganic forms of iron can destroy vitamin E. Talk to your doctor before taking additional vitamin E if you have diabetes, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, rheumatic heart disease or you are taking anticoagulants.
Vitamins A and C
Vitamin A helps to prevent skin disorders and dry skin. It is also necessary in the process of repairing damaged skin, and it improves dry hair and skin conditions. Vitamin A is often successfully taken as beta-carotene. However, for those who have diabetes or hypothyroidism, the liver may not be converting beta-carotene into vitamin A. Taking vitamin C aids the functioning of vitamin E and increases healing of the scalp. It also prevents skin and tissue damage from dandruff irritation.
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