Your hair health is affected by many different things, including diet, illness, environmental factors and stress. Sometimes those things result in thinning, unhealthy hair. Hair loss can be extremely frustrating, but there are steps you can take to address the problem. For example, certain nutrients contribute to hair growth and health. The B vitamins help keep hair healthy, with vitamin B-12, in particular, playing a large role in hair strength and growth. If you suffer from hair loss, consult your physician, and consider these ways to increase your intake of vitamin B-12.
Step 1
Discuss your concerns about hair loss with your physician. Because hair loss can be caused by factors other than vitamin deficiencies -- including protein deficiency, rapid weight loss, certain illnesses and extreme stress -- there may be other issues your physician wants to address besides your nutrient intake. In addition, vitamins can cause side effects and drug interactions at times, and it's best to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding supplements and dosages.
Step 2
Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin B-12. Choose animal products, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Consider your diet and be sure you're getting these foods each day.
Step 3
Try a multivitamin. A daily multivitamin is often sufficient nutrition "insurance" to make up for gaps in your regular diet. Multivitamins contain vitamin B-12, and will help maintain healthy hair.
Step 4
Try a separate vitamin B-12 supplement or a B-complex vitamin -- which contains B-12 -- if your physician determines that you could benefit from additional B-12 to address your hair loss. Individuals who do not eat animal products, such as vegetarians or vegans, may be particularly in need of extra B-12, reports Columbia University Health Services. Talk to your doctor for the recommended dosage of these supplements to best support healthy hair growth.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin B-12-rich foods, such as meat, eggs and fish
- Multivitamin supplement
- Vitamin B-12 supplement
- B-complex vitamin supplement
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