Recommended Vitamins for Healthy Hair & Hair Growth

Recommended Vitamins for Healthy Hair & Hair Growth
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Shiny, healthy hair is a sign of vitality and good health. Poor habits, such as a diet low in nutrients and vitamins and insufficient fluid intake, can result in dull, lifeless hair. Hair is made from protein and requires a number of vitamins in order to properly grow and thrive. Incorporate additional vitamins into your diet to ensure you experience the fastest hair growth and healthiest hair possible.

Vitamin B-Complex

Vitamin B-complex is a series of vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, according to the American Cancer Society. When these vitamins are deficient in the human body, the result can be hair loss. This is because B-vitamins are responsible for stimulating growth in the body by regulating a number of chemical reactions that help the body use food for energy. Vitamin-B complex can be purchased as a supplement. However, they also can be found in a variety of foods ranging from whole grains to eggs to green vegetables.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is needed to maintain good health and serves to protect the teeth and gums while promoting healing. The absence of vitamin C makes your hair appear dry and hair becomes easily broken off, according to the Merck Manual. You should aim to consume between 1,000 and 2,000 milligrams per day, according to vitamins-nutrition.org. In addition to supplementation, vitamin C can be consumed in citrus fruits and vegetables.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a form of vitamin A that can cause hair loss and dry hair when consumed in either insufficient or excess increments. Beta-carotene is responsible for keeping the skin and lungs healthy. Because hair is considered part of the skin, taking between 10,000 to 15,000 International Units per day or consuming foods such as liver, vegetables that are yellow, orange or green in color, or eggs and fortified milk products, can help your hair appear healthier.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which help to fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause a number of problems in the body, ranging from heart disease to arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It also can affect healthy skin and hair, making them appear more lustrous. Flaxseed oil is available in pill or liquid form and one tablespoon or one tablet per day can be taken, according to hairboutique.com.

References

Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Apr 7, 2010

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