Hair loss or alopecia gradually occurs in men and woman as they age. While women typically have a general thinning of the hair men are more apt to experience baldness. About 1/4 of men begin to show signs of balding by age 30 and more than 60 percent of men have a pattern of balding by age 60, reports Penn State Hershey. Hair loss can also occur as a result of hormonal imbalances and poor nutrition, especially when the diet lacks sufficient amounts certain vitamins and minerals.
B Vitamins
B complex vitamins help support healthy hair and skin and may even guard against male-pattern baldness, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC.
The suggested dosage for hair health is 50mg of vitamin B3 or niacin three times per day, three daily doses of 100mg of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid along with 50mg three times daily of pyridoxine or vitamin B6, notes the website Holistic Online.
Biotin
Biotin or vitamin H is also part of the B complex family and is important for skin and hair health. Biotin may improve thinning, brittle hair and nails, reports the UMMC. Biotin has also used in combination with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate, a corticosteroid, to treat hair loss. The recommended dosage is 30 mcg daily
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids are crucial for proper growth and development and help stimulate hair and growth, according to the UMMC.
Since the average diet provides adequate amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids supplements are not normally needed. Dietary Omega-6 fatty acids include soybeans, sunflower seeds, corn and Brazil nuts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may enhance the immune system and improve scalp circulation thereby carrying blood to the hair follicles, notes the website Holistic Online. A vitamin C deficiency may lead to dry and splitting hair, reports Medline Plus. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin C for adults is approximately 80mg.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may promote circulation to the scalp, which may improve hair health and encourage its growth, notes the website Holistic Online. An average daily dosage of vitamin is 400 IU.
Zinc
The mineral zinc may encourage hair growth due to its ability to improve immune function. A zinc deficiency may cause hair loss in severe cases, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The suggested daily dosage of zinc ranges between 50 and 100mg.
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