Vitamins To Take For Hair Loss In Women

Although hair loss is traditionally thought to only happen to men, women actually account for 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Hair loss can be psychologically traumatic and damage a woman's self-image and emotional well-being. While most hair loss is pre-programmed into each person though genetics, there are some vitamins that women can take for hair loss.

Vitamin H (Biotin)

Vitamin H, also known as biotin, is one of the most well-known vitamins for promoting hair growth. This B-complex vitamin is water soluble and is recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center for strengthening and growing hair. It can be found in a number of cosmetic products for promoting hair growth. Additionally, vitamin H can be found in pecans, peanuts, walnuts, sardines, brewer's yeast, bananas and cauliflower. Egg yolk can also be a good source of vitamin H, but stay away from raw egg whites, which contain avidin, a protein that prohibits the body from absorbing biotin.

Iron

Iron is the primary cause of anemia in the world. Iron shortage in the blood is caused by a lack of red blood cells. Anemia develops slowly as the normal iron stores are depleted. Once the iron is depleted, the blood can't carry the oxygen necessary throughout the body, which can result in a hair disorder called alopecia. Alopecia makes hair growth stunted, dry, dull and brittle. Some dermatologists believe that the increase in hair loss within society is linked to the overall decline of red meat consumption. Red meat is high in iron and without it your body could experience anemia. However, it is important to keep in mind that iron is toxic at high doses and can cause hair loss, so it is vital that you only take what is recommended on your supplement bottle, in addition to maintaining a balanced diet.

Vitamins C and E

These vitamins are known as the antioxidant vitamins. They help increase the scalp's circulation as well as manage a healthy body and scalp. Vitamins C and E can be taken as supplements on their own or in a multivitamin. They are found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, potatoes and avocados.

B-Vitamins

Without the B-vitamins, hair can become brittle and dry. These vital vitamins can also promote faster hair growth, according to the Nutritional Supplement Educational Center. B-vitamins are found in vegetables, dark leafy greens and whole grains.

L-Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid that can help repair hair. This amino acid is not manufactured in the body, which means that you must obtain it from food sources. Food sources for lysine include cheese, fish, eggs, milk, red meat and yeast. Lysine deficiencies can lead to hair loss.