Biotin is a B vitamin that plays an important role in promoting healthy hair growth. In fact, biotin is so closely related to hair growth that studies have found that 38% of women with hair loss problems have biotin deficiencies. 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 in any other way the editorial content of Forbes Health. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we believe will be relevant to you, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that the information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in relation to it, or to the accuracy or applicability of it.
Vitamins and Supplements That Promise Hair Growth Almost Sound 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 culprits, including nutritional deficiencies. So, while vitamins and supplements aren't a miracle cure by any means, the right ones could make a difference in the way your hair looks and feels. Here's a look at the best vitamins for hair growth and some supplements recommended by experts.
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 B vitamins if you follow 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 in hair growth.
And some of that exaggeration 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 food they eat, says National Institute of Health.
The best way to get more is to eat foods rich in biotin. Green recommends milk, eggs, bananas, salmon, sweet potatoes and almonds. If you think 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 allowance. 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. She recommends eating foods 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 makes up our hair, skin and nails, says Dr.
It's naturally produced by the body, and there are many keratin supplements that claim to help with hair growth. Green suggests “supplementing with keratin in a more natural way by eating protein-rich foods, such as eggs, beans, fish and meats, rather than taking a pill. You may also be interested in these hair growth products from our featured partner Gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, medicines and artificial additives. Gluten, dairy products, soy, hormones, medicines, artificial additives.
Nutraceutical for hair growth for women before, during and after menopause 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 plays a role in everything from growing cells to creating DNA. She recommends eating foods rich in zinc, such as meat, beans, nuts, and seeds.
She points out that while vitamin A deficiency can contribute to hair loss, it's not common in the United States, adding that unless you have evidence of a vitamin A deficiency, there's no reason to supplement. Eating foods rich in vitamin A may be better, he says, including leafy greens such as kale, spinach and broccoli, orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin 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 targeted at those struggling with thinning or hair loss. However, as with any supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Here are some expert-recommended hair growth supplements. Green, who is part of Nutrafol's network of doctors and offers the supplement through his practice, recommends Nutrafol if you are looking for an effective supplement that helps with 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 include shampoos and conditioners. Green recommends Viviscal as a good option for hair growth, saying that “it is 100% drug-free and contains ingredients such as vitamin C, biotin and other essential amino acids. Hair Sweet Hair by Hum Nutrition is a line of vegan gummies designed to make hair stronger and healthier, encouraging growth. Green recommends these gummies as 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.
Life happens, and it takes its toll on your hair. Nutrafol hair growth and support products are created from proprietary formulas targeting six key root causes that affect hair health and adapt to your ever-changing needs. It's normal to lose between 50 and 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 where a visit to the doctor is justified. Green recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist to review your options. The information provided in 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 appropriate for your circumstances.
We don't offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personalized advice, consult a medical professional. Forbes Health Adheres to Strict Editorial Integrity Standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date of publication, although the offers included 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. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen. Low levels can cause iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and hair loss.
You may already know that vitamin D is important for bones. But did you know that low levels are related to hair loss? Skin produces vitamin D when it gets sunlight, but many people can't get enough from the sun alone. You can increase your levels by eating fatty fish or drinking fortified milk. You can also ask your doctor to recommend a supplement for you.
Magnesium intake with vitamin D will improve bioavailability. Zinc may play a key role in protein production in hair and other cells. Your body can't do it, so you need to get it from food or supplements. Signs of low zinc levels include hair loss, poor wound healing, and a weak sense of taste or smell.
This hair supplement from one of our favorite collagen brands is designed to help thicken fine hair in as little as two weeks. Its vitamin and mineral blend, including zinc, biotin, amino acids and saw palmetto extract, is ideal for combating hair loss. There are several home remedies that can help thicken hair, including FDA-approved supplements and hair loss products. While research on the use of zinc supplements for hair growth is mixed, zinc deficiency has been associated with hair loss (2, 1).
Khetarpal says that the success of using a supplement or product depends more on the duration of hair loss than anything else. Only by getting the right balance of nutrients, knowing which vitamins are good for healthy hair, and implementing lifestyle changes, can hair goals be achieved and self-confidence improved. Blood tests may be taken and sent to the laboratory to determine if any abnormalities are contributing to hair loss. Perhaps the worst thing about hair loss is that it seems incurable, like a plague that knocks down all the hairs on the head.
A study by Egyptian scientists investigating serum ferritin and vitamin D found a link between low vitamin D levels and hair loss in women. Iron also plays a surprisingly important role in hair growth, and research from the Journal of Korean Medical Science suggests a link between iron deficiencies and hair loss in women Park SY, Na SY, Kim JH, Cho S, Lee JH. Biotin stimulates hair growth, while antioxidant vitamins C and E help cells fight free radicals, which are harmful to hair follicles, says Dr. Hair is an essential part of self-perception and self-confidence, and it can be frustrating and depressing to lose your hair.
Oxford Biolabs is committed to using safe and efficient therapies for the treatment of hair loss, especially when it is caused by androgenetic alopecia. Nutrafol offers subscription hair growth supplements designed to help support hair growth and prevent thinning. While the right vitamins for growth can help mitigate hair loss with continued use, professionals recommend talking to an expert to discover the true root cause to prevent further thinning in the long term. Note that Nutrafol Core for Women is not recommended for people under the age of 18 or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, although Nutrafol also offers a supplement formulated for postpartum hair loss.
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