Vitamins to Promote Hair Growth

Vitamins to Promote Hair Growth
Photo Credit drying of hair by a hair drier to the little girl image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com

Vitamins to promote hair growth can be in found sources ranging from topical to internal consumption. For the best results, you need to consume the vitamins as part of a well-balanced diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Be patient, since as a natural remedy, it takes time to see any noticeable results.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in your body. Another name for this nutrient is alpha tocopherol, according to Physicians Desk Reference. Vitamin E helps increase the blood circulation to your scalp, according to holisticonline.com. Increased blood flow stimulates your hair follicles, which helps promote hair growth. Use hair care products that contain the nutrient, including hair sprays, shampoos, conditioners, hot oil treatments and styling gels. Take the hair-healthy nutrient in supplement form as well. Check with your doctor to determine the proper amount of vitamin E for you. Too much may cause side effects including feeling tired, diarrhea, weakness, excess gas and vision problems, states the Physicians Desk Reference.
You may also get your vitamin E through dietary sources. This hair-healthy nutrient is found in nuts and seeds, olives, corn and asparagus. Dark, leafy green vegetables like spinach, collards, kale, bok choy, mustard greens, dandelion greens and turnip greens, will also help your hair growth, according to the American Heart Association. Get vitamin E by consuming vegetable oils from soybeans, cottonseeds, corn and sunflower.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 will promote hair growth, states holisticonline.com. This vitamin has the alternative name of riboflavin, according to the Physicians Desk Reference. Promote hair growth by either taking a vitamin B2 supplement, using hair hair products that contain the nutrient or by consuming dietary sources. Food sources of riboflavin include lean meats, eggs and dairy products, states the National Institutes of Health. Eat fortified foods such as cereals and breads. Legumes and green leafy vegetables are plant-based sources that can help your hair growth. Since this hair-healthy nutrient is destroyed by light exposure, store your riboflavin foods in a glass container away from light.

Vitamin B3

Even though all B vitamins are needed for hair growth, Vitamin B3 can be especially important, according to holisticonline.com. An alternate name for this vitamin is niacin, according to Physician Desk Reference. You need to replenish this vitamin daily since your body does not store it, states the National Institutes of Health. Help your hair by taking the vitamin in supplement form. If you have liver disease, stomach ulcers or are on cholesterol medications, do not take vitamin B3 supplements without checking with your doctor first. Get your vitamin B3 by eating foods that contain rich amounts. Niacin is most notably found in animal-based foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish and dairy products. Dairy products include eggs, milk, yogurt plus hard and soft cheeses. Legumes like soybeans, lentils, split peas, kidney beans and other beans contain niacin, states the American Heart Association. Niacin is also found in a variety of enriched breads and cereals but read the product label to be sure what you are buying includes this vitamin.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jun 5, 2010

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