Baldness and hair growth are dictated by a number of factors, ranging from internal hormonal balances to genetics. In addition, the nutrients obtained from the foods you eat also play a role in patterns of hair growth and baldness, with a number of nutrients required for proper hair growth. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to premature hair thinning and baldness, so consuming adequate amounts of certain vitamins can prove beneficial for maintaining the health and thickness of your hair.
Vitamin A
One vitamin that may help aid baldness and support hair growth is vitamin A. This vitamin can support healthy hair growth by helping to maintain healthy skin, including a healthy scalp. As a result, if you suffer from hair loss as a result of nutritonal deficiencies that lead to an unhealthy scalp, vitamin A supplements may help. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that vitamin A can treat a number of skin disorders that can affect the skin, while vitamin A deficiencies can cause skin problems.
Vitamin H
Another vitamin that may aid in premature baldness is vitamin H, also called biotin. Vitamin H proves essential for the health of several tissues, including your skin and hair. In addition, biotin deficiencies can negatively affect hair growth, with severe deficiencies causing hair loss, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. As a result, a diet poor in biotin may eventually lead to premature hair thinning or balding, and addressing the deficiency may help restore normal hair growth.
Vitamin C
Supplements containing vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, may also prove helpful in treating hair disorders including, thinning and baldness. Vitamin C plays a role in hair growth by promoting the formation of collagen, a protein found within your skin and hair, that provides strength and resilience and prevents breakage. As a result, adequate vitamin C consumption can support collagen production, and in turn supports healthy hair growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking vitamin C supplements twice daily, for a total vitamin C supplementation of between 1,000 and 2,000 mg daily to treat hair disorders.
Warnings
When taking vitamin supplements to help promote healthy hair growth, it proves important to monitor your vitamin intake to prevent over-dosing on supplements. In some cases, consuming high doses of supplements can worsen the health issue you are trying to address -- for example, vitamin A overdose can lead to skin problems and hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To avoid negative effects associate with vitamin overdoses, take any dietary supplements at the dosages recommended by your physician.
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