Hair becomes brittle not only from age, genetics, and medications, but also from malnutrition. Hair growth starts in the follicle, a pouch just below the skin layer. As it grows, the hair shaft pokes up and out of your skin. Brittle hair is a characteristic of its shaft. When your hair becomes brittle, there are vitamins that can be used to improve its health.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is most commonly known for being found in carrots. This is because Wachenroder, an early 19th century scientist, crystallized the compound from carrot roots. Beta-carotene isn't exclusive to carrots, however. It is predominantly found in pigmented compounds including green plants, sweet potatoes, and apricots. Since carotenes are converted to vitamin A and possess antioxidant properties, they are an essential vitamin to hair health.
Vitamin B-6
Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their distinctive color and has the primary function of transporting oxygen to tissues throughout your body. This includes your hair follicles. Vitamin B-6 is essential to the production of hemoglobin in your body. With an adequate intake of vitamin B-6, your body will experience normal cellular growth activity and maintain healthy hair.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that assists in growth and repair of tissues. When food is ingested, it is transformed into energy. Free radicals are a byproduct of this process and are detrimental to the body because of their high chemical reactivity. Antioxidants help to reduce the damage free radicals cause in your body. Since your body does not produce vitamin C on its own, it is important for you to maintain an adequate intake so your body can grow and nurture your hair.
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