Hair loss is devastating, whether it occurs in small patches or large clumps. Hair loss can affect your social life, self-esteem and relationships. There are treatment options available, such as surgery, which can be costly. Yet there are supplements that can help you re-grow hair, thus restoring your self-confidence and help you regain your social life. Although certain supplements can help you re-grow hair, always consult your physician prior to taking them.
Biotin
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that consuming 300 mcg per day of biotin and trace minerals may promote hair growth. Biotin, along with zinc aspartate has been used to treat children who suffer from alopecia areata. Biotin is found in multivitamins but can also be purchased over-the-counter as individual supplements. Good sources of biotin include romaine lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and chard. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin which requires you to replace the vitamin daily since your body does not store it.
Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol
Taking a combination of 200 mg of saw palmetto and 50 mg of beta-sitosterol twice per day can help hair growth in men who suffer from male pattern hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The UMCC cites a study which concluded that men who took the recommended dosage of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol had more hair growth than the men taking a placebo. The UMMC warns that if you take hormone therapy medications, consult with your physician prior to taking saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol for hair growth.
Oral Zinc Gluconate
According to a study conducted in February 2008 by the Department of Dermatology of the Hallym University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea, 50 mg of oral zinc gluconate was tested on 15 subjects for a 12 week period who suffered from alopecia areata. The Department of Dermatology measured hair growth on the subjects using a four-point system; measuring specific points of the scalp. The results of the study concluded that 66 percent of the subjects experienced a positive result in hair growth. Of those who experienced hair growth, oral zinc gluconate increased zinc serum levels. In the end, the Department of Dermatology concluded that oral zinc gluconate will effectively increase zinc serum levels in patients who suffer from low zinc serum levels to grow hair.
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