Vitamins That Help Hair

Vitamins That Help Hair
Photo Credit hair image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com

Vitamins play an important role in the overall health of hair. Not getting the proper amount of vitamins can cause the hair growth cycle to slow down, which will lead to hair loss. Hair that does not receive the proper nutrients will often become dry and brittle, which can lead to easy breakage. Getting the proper nutrients to the hair follicle is especially important for older people, as blood circulation to the scalp tends to decrease as people age.

Vitamin A is taken to keep the scalp well moisturized. A deficiency of vitamin A can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. Vitamin A can be found in dairy products, dark green vegetables and in many orange fruits and vegetables.

The vitamin B family is important for healthy hair and hair growth. These include vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and inositol, which is sometimes referred to as vitamin B8. Biotin, or vitamin B7, is another important supplement for hair. A good B-complex vitamin should include most, if not all of these. Vitamin B3, niacin, is good for scalp circulation. Vitamins B5, B6, B12 and biotin are believed to prevent hair loss, as well as encourage healthy growth. Inositol is good for the hair follicles. Meat, nuts and dairy products are good sources of the vitamin B family.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps increase circulation to the scalp. Vitamin C can be found in all fruits and vegetables, with citrus, green leaf vegetables and berries containing high amounts. The body is unable to produce or store vitamin C, meaning that a constant intake is needed to provide the most benefit.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant known to help with scalp circulation. Foods that contain vitamin E are nuts and seeds, whole-grain products, green leafy vegetables and vegetables oils, such as corn and sunflower oil.

References

Article reviewed by demand25069 Last updated on: Mar 23, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments