Vitamins Required For Faster Hair Growth

Healthy eating choices are crucial to the development of cells, tissue and production of keratin, the key structural component in hair. Slow hair growth leading to potential hair loss can be the result of nutritional deficiencies. Many vitamins have a positive effect on overall hair health, but the B family of vitamins is especially important for hair growth. The Vitamins and Nutrition Center website suggests a daily intake of 50 mg of the major B-vitamins, including folate, biotin, inositol and vitamin B6.

Niacin

Niacin, or vitamin B3, in the diet encourages scalp circulation to promote formation of hair follicles. Although food sources such as wheat germ, fish and brewer's yeast contain niacin, topical applications also have proven effective for hair growth. A 2005 study by the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine examined the effect of two niacin derivative topical applications on females with hair loss and concluded a significant increase in hair fullness with 35 mm photographic analysis, as published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology."

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is important to support metabolic requirements for optimum hair growth. Nuts, liver, green peas and whole grains are good dietary sources. Avoid eating uncooked eggs because a protein in raw egg whites binds with biotin, making it unavailable to the body. Dietary supplement makers promote biotin to treat frail fingernails and to prevent hair loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, website reports that biotin supplements may improve thin and brittle nails and hair, which could encourage hair growth.

Pantothenic Acid

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is an active ingredient in many hair-care products claiming to restore hair's natural color and stimulate hair growth by assisting the body to utilize vitamins from food. However, according to MedlinePlus, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of pantothenic acid in preventing gray hair or hair loss. Almost every food contains pantothenic acid, with high amounts in whole grain cereals, legumes, organ meats and eggs.

Vitamin B6 and Inositol

Men deficient in pyridoxine, more commonly known as vitamin B6, often lose hair. Vitamin B6 contains elements indirectly linked to hair growth. According to the Vitamins for Hair Growth website, amino acids, especially cysteine, help promote hair growth and keep hair from falling out. Vitamin B6 aids in balancing proteins and metabolizing amino acids in the body. Vitamin B6 also promotes and regulates inositol, a B-vitamin that generates growth of hair follicles. Sources of vitamin B6 include brewer's yeasts, liver, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolks.

Folate

Vitamin B9, or folate, is necessary for DNA synthesis in the body to assist in the division of cells, including hair follicles. With folate being a water-soluble vitamin, with excess amounts excreted in urine, you need a continuous supply in your diet. A deficiency in folate can result in gray hair, hair loss or complete baldness. Folate occurs naturally in beans and legumes, citrus, dark green leafy vegetables, poultry, pork and shellfish. Supplements contain folic acid, the manufactured form of folate.