Types of Vitamins for Hair Growth

Types of Vitamins for Hair Growth
Photo Credit Vitamin C image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com

Ensuring that your hair grows properly and efficiently is important. If you do not take proper care of your hair, it may result in your hair becoming dry, brittle or thin. Fortunately, there are a number vitamins that can assist in growing and maintaining your hair to keep it healthy and hydrated.

Biotin

Biotin, also called vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy for the body to use and burn off. All B vitamins help in keeping the hair, skin and liver healthy. They also help in making sure that the nervous system is functioning well. Your body needs biotin, as it metabolizes carbs and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, preliminary research suggests biotin supplements may help in improving thin, brittle and thinning hair.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for the repair and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It helps to produce a protein called collagen, which makes ligaments, blood vessels, scar tissue and skin. Vitamin C acts as antioxidant and can help in protecting the body from free radicals. Vitamin C helps to fight off a hair disorder called alopecia, which can result in a receding hair line and broken hairs and can potentially lead to hair loss. A lack of vitamin C can also result in dry and splitting hair.

Iron

Iron is a mineral found in every cell of the body. It is considered to be essential because it helps with the creation of red blood cells. The most important function is to assist in producing hemoglobin, a substance that carries oxygen within red blood cells. Iron is important for the normal growth and maintenance of hair, according to Womens Fitness. A deficiency in iron can lead to anemia, which will make you feel extremely tired and fatigued.

Zinc

Zinc is found in every cell of your body and has been used for its healing abilities. It plays an important part in the immune system, growth, taste, smell and reproduction. Your body does not require a lot of zinc, but a deficiency may lead to hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

References

Article reviewed by Julie Mendenhall Last updated on: Jul 7, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments