There are hundreds of dietary supplements that may encourage healthy hair growth. Some of these options can be effective if you have a deficiency of a certain vitamin or mineral. These hair growth supplements can provide treatment for slow-growing hair or can increase overall thickness of hair. These supplements likely will not have an effect on hormonal hair loss conditions such as male pattern baldness and other forms of alopecia. Please consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
Protein
Protein may be the most important nutrient for healthy hair growth. Since hair is made of protein, examining your protein intake in a good place to start. It is very easy to quickly become protein deficient by avoiding meat and dairy. This can often be seen in women and vegans. A protein deficiency can leave hair very brittle and weak. Signs of a protein deficiency are flaky skin, fatigue, poor muscle tone and trouble gaining weight. rnrnA protein powder supplement is an easy, inexpensive and tasty way to add protein to your diet if you do not consume the traditional sources such as meat, fish, eggs, or daily products. Plant protein powders can help to satisfy protein requirements for vegetarians and vegans.
Biotin
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that plays a role in the hair cycle. The body requires biotin to metabolize protein and form new cells. A biotin deficiency can directly cause hair loss, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. A biotin deficiency is rare but you may be at risk if you do not consume breads, cheese, eggs, or meat. Symptoms of a biotin deficiency include abnormal hair loss, a scaly rash on the face, fatigue and depression. rnrnWhile supplementing for a biotin deficiency should encourage healthy hair and a normal growth cycle, researchers at Oregon State note that there is no evidence that biotin will speed hair growth if there is not a deficit.
Niacin
Niacin or vitamin B-3, like its vitamin B cousin Biotin, can promote healthy hair growth. Researchers at the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University concluded that topically applied niacin "demonstrated statistically significant increase in hair fullness" in females suffering from alopecia. Female alopecia is thought to be a hormonal condition. This is significant because the subjects in this study did not necessarily have a B vitamin deficit and still experienced hair growth. The findings suggest that niacin may benefit males suffering from male pattern baldness, which is also a hormonal condition.
References
- Healthy Skin Guide: Protein For Hair Growth
- Life 123: Protein Deficiency Symptoms
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Biotin
- Article Alley: Beautiful Hair Comes From Within With Silica
- Pub Med: A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia.
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