Certain vitamins promote healthy hair.
Lack of hair or impaired hair growth is a source of concern. A number of factors affect hair growth: alopecia; male pattern balding brought on by age or damaged hair follicles; undue stress; certain medical conditions; genetics; or poor nutrition. A balanced diet is the best way to ensure hair health. There are also certain vitamins that help to promote hair growth, though the claims are not conclusive.
B Vitamins
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating foods rich in B vitamins helps hair growth. For instance, B3 increases circulation to the scalp, thereby promoting hair growth. Water-soluble biotin, or vitamin B7, is found in such foods as liver, salmon, soy, cereals, cauliflower and yeast. Biotin supplementation helps to stop hair loss, especially if there is an existing biotin deficiency. According to Natural News, B12, a component of hair, helps to prevent hair loss; inositol helps to speed hair growth. Food rich in B vitamins include green leafy vegetables, meats, eggs and seafood.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in animal or plant sources. Foods like liver, kidney, eggs and diary contain the active form of vitamin A, retinol. Richly colored vegetables and fruits such as carrots, pumpkin, spinach, apricots, peaches and bell peppers contain beta-carotene, which has the highest vitamin A activity. Vitamin A is needed for the proper functioning of healthy teeth, skin, vision, skeletal and soft tissue, and healthy hair. According to World of Hair, vitamin A helps to produce healthy sebum in the scalp, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It boosts the immune system, fights damaging free radicals and maintains healthy skin and hair. According to Holistic Online, vitamin C maintains the health of capillaries carrying blood to the hair follicles, thereby promoting scalp circulation. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupes, blueberries, tomatoes and dark green leafy vegetables. When taking a vitamin C supplement, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests 500 to 1,000 mg, taken twice daily.
Vitamin E
According to Medline Plus, vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects against free radical damage to cells, tissues and organs. Vitamin E also helps with the formation of red blood cells. Adequate intake of vitamin E ensures proper blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn encourages hair growth. Natural sources of vitamin E includes wheat germ, nuts, seeds, olives, green leafy vegetables and healthy oils such as corn, sunflower and olive.
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