Vitamins for Male Pattern Baldness

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, which is further divided in male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss. Male pattern baldness affects as many as 50 percent of men and is influenced by hormones and heredity, according to Merck Manual. Conventional therapy includes medication like minoxidil and finasteride. Natural medicine therapy focuses on vitamins and various herbs that help promote hair growth. If you suffer from this condition and consider taking vitamins you should first talk to your doctor.

B Vitamins

All B vitamins are very important for a healthy hair, and deficiencies in these nutrients are often linked with skin problems and hair loss, according to Dr. Balch, author of "Prescription For Nutritional Healing." University of Maryland suggests that supplementation with B complex vitamins and increasing the consumption of B vitamin rich foods like whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables help prevent possible shortages of these groups of vitamins that may be linked with hair loss.

Vitamin D

Preliminary studies show that vitamin D may play a role in the growth of the hair, according to a research team from University of Texas, US. Vitamin D may be particularly important in the initial phase of the growth of the hair called anagen phase and further studies are needed to further evaluate the benefits of this vitamin for treating hair disorders, concluded this study, published in February 2010 issue of "Dermatology Online Journal."

Another study from November 2002 issue of "Endocrinology" showed that a vitamin D drug significantly stimulates the hair growth and the production of normal hair follicles. This study was conducted on nude mice, which are mice that usually do not grow hair.

Vitamin A

Retinol, a vitamin A derivate enhances the effects of conventional drug minoxidil by improving the skin of the scalp and promoting the growth of the hair in androgenic alopecia, according to an in vitro study featured in January 2007 issue of "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin."

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that may positively influence the hair follicles and improves the circulation of the scalp, according to James Balch, MD and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that also may help male pattern baldness. This vitamin improves the oxygen uptake and further the circulation of the scalp. In addition, vitamin E in the form of d-alpha-tocopherol form may stimulate healthy hair and its growth, says Dr. Balch.

Considerations

Consult a qualified professional to find out optimal dosage of these vitamins that may help your condition. Keep in mind that vitamins do not replace conventional drugs used for treating male pattern baldness.

References

• Merck Manual: Alopecia
• Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center: Hair Disorders
• "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin."; The Additive Effects of Minoxidil and Retinol on Human Hair Growth in Vitro; January, 2007.
• "Endocrinology"; Does D matter? The Role of Vitamin D in Hair Disorders and Hair Follicle Cycling; V.Vegesna et al; November, 2002
• "Dermatology Online Journal."; Does D Matter? The Role of Vitamin D in Hair Disorders and Hair Follicle Cycling; KT.Amor et al; February, 2010
• "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James Balch, MD et al; 2002