There are no clinical studies that definitely support vitamin supplements that restore hair growth and prevent further loss. A vitamin supplement's ability to help hair health boils down to what's causing hair loss. Whether it's due to medications you're taking or a medical condition, vitamins for hair growth aren't going to help. Herrmann says that taking vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid may be helpful for hair growth.
Remember to consult a doctor before taking any type of supplement. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice that our editorial team provides in our articles, nor does it affect the editorial content of Forbes Health in any way. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we believe you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that the information provided is complete and makes no representations or guarantees regarding it, its accuracy or applicability. Vitamins and supplements that promise hair growth seem too good to be true.
Can taking a pill once or twice a day really make your hair longer, stronger and healthier? Hair loss or thinning can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies. So while vitamins and supplements aren't a miracle cure by any means, the right ones could make all the difference in the way your hair looks and feels. Here's a look at the best vitamins for hair growth and some supplements that experts recommend. You may also be interested in these hair growth products from our leading partner: gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, drugs and artificial additives.
Gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, medicines, artificial additives. Nutraceutical for hair growth for women before, during and after menopause. B vitamins play a role in hair growth and are “essential for metabolism and nervous system function,” says Dr. Research shows that you can easily reach daily amounts of vitamin B if you eat a balanced diet.
B vitamins can be found in a variety of foods, including 100% whole grains, meat, fish, whole eggs, nuts, and avocados. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a complex B vitamin that is often touted for its benefits for hair growth. And some of that hype may be worth it. Biotin has the function of “creating red blood cells”, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles, says Dr.
It also “plays a role in the production of keratin, which is a major component of hair. Most people get enough biotin from the foods they eat, the National Institutes of Health notes. The best way to consume more is to eat foods rich in biotin. Green recommends milk, eggs, bananas, salmon, sweet potatoes and almonds.
If you feel like you need an extra boost, talk to your doctor. Supplement labels reveal that many biotin supplements for hair, skin and nails far exceed the recommended daily amount. Vitamin C is not only good for maintaining immunity, but it can also strengthen hair. Green points out that, as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is essential for healthy hair growth.
He recommends eating foods that are high in iron, such as clams, red meat, spinach and lentils. It may also be worth adding an iron supplement to your routine if you are at risk of iron deficiency, but check with your doctor first. Keratin is a protein that forms our hair, skin and nails, says Dr. It's naturally produced by the body, and there are many keratin supplements that claim to help hair growth.
Green suggests “supplementing with keratin in a more natural way by eating protein-rich foods such as eggs, beans, fish and meats” instead of taking a pill. A vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss, according to Dr. Zinc is a trace mineral and is only needed by the body in small amounts. It's small but powerful, and it plays a role in everything from cell growth to the creation of DNA.
Recommends eating zinc-rich foods, such as meat, beans, nuts, and seeds. He points out that while vitamin A deficiency may contribute to hair loss, it's not common in the U.S. Department of State, adding that, unless a vitamin A deficiency is demonstrated, there is no reason to take supplements. Eating foods rich in vitamin A may be better, he says, such as leafy greens such as kale, spinach and broccoli, orange vegetables such as carrots, squash and sweet potatoes, and yellow vegetables such as pumpkin.
In addition to a diet rich in all the vitamins and minerals that can affect hair growth, there are a variety of over-the-counter supplements specifically aimed at those struggling with thinning or hair loss. However, as with any supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor. Here are some hair growth supplements recommended by experts. Green, who is part of the Nutrafol network of doctors and offers the supplement through his office, recommends Nutrafol if you're looking for an effective supplement that helps hair growth.
Nutrafol also contains vitamins A, D and C, biotin and zinc. Viviscal is another line of supplements for hair growth. The brand offers supplements for women and men, and has a line of hair care products that includes shampoos and conditioners. Green recommends Viviscal as a good option for hair growth, saying that “it's 100% drug-free and contains ingredients such as vitamin C, biotin and other essential amino acids.
Hair Sweet Hair from Hum Nutrition is a line of vegan gummies designed to make hair stronger and healthier, encouraging growth. Green recommends these gummies because they contain biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12 and zinc, as well as other ingredients that have been shown to promote hair follicle health and prevent hair loss. It's normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, even if it seems like a lot, Dr. For many, hair loss is also part of aging.
However, there are cases in which a visit to the doctor is justified. Green recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your options. The information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and well-being are unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances.
We don't offer individual medical advice, diagnoses or treatment plans. For personal advice, consult a medical professional. Forbes Health meets strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is correct as of the date of publication, although the offers contained in this document may no longer be available.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. Iron also plays a surprisingly important role in hair growth, and research published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science suggests a link between iron deficiencies and hair loss among women Park SY, Na SY, Kim JH, Cho S, Lee JH. But if you ask the experts or me, who tried taking them for two months and were only left with breakouts, the answer to whether hair vitamins really work or not is more than a big NO in all areas. While research on the use of zinc supplements for hair growth is mixed, zinc deficiency has been associated with hair loss (2, 1).
However, specific research on the effectiveness of vitamins for hair growth in generally healthy people is lacking (. While these are technically multivitamins and are not specifically intended for hair growth, they contain essential ingredients such as omega-3 and vitamin D, which professionals recommend to help keep hair strong. And while you've probably heard of biotin, a common ingredient in many hair supplement products, it's important to know that it focuses primarily on hair strength. Even if you ate three times the vitamins your body needs (hey, don't), you still wouldn't get triple, or even double, the rewards for hair growth.
Its vitamin and mineral blend, which includes zinc, biotin, amino acids and saw palmetto extract, is ideal for combating hair loss. However, limited research suggests that folate and vitamin B12 supplements may promote hair growth even in people who do not have a deficiency (. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss and, in some cases, a health professional may recommend a supplement (2,. These supplements also have a blend of vitamins and MSM, which create an optimal environment for hair to thrive.
While the right vitamins for growth can help mitigate hair loss with continued use, professionals recommend talking to an expert to find out the true cause and thus avoid further thinning in the long term. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, although research on the use of zinc supplements for hair growth is inconclusive (2, 1) Seriously, if they don't ask me about hair supplements in my MDs, I get ads about hair gummies on my social networks. . .
