Which Vitamins Stimulate Hair Growth?

Hair is primarily made of proteins and fats circulating through the body. Without these proteins, hair can become lackluster, dull or even fall out. People who begin to notice more and more hair falling out and piling into their shower drain or clumping on their brush should seek the advice of a dermatologist. But if you haven't reached the clumping, falling out stage, you can help stimulate your hair by taking a few vitamins.

Vitamin H

Vitamin H, also known as Biotin, is a part of the B complex group of vitamins that helps the body convert food into fuel. These B vitamins help you metabolize fats and proteins and are necessary for growing health hair. Biotin supplements can be found in many cosmetic products for the hair. It is also found in brewer's yeast, egg yolk, sardines, nuts, legumes, soybeans, whole grains, bananas and mushrooms.

Iron

Iron deficiency, the number one cause of anaemia in the world, causes a deficiency of the red blood cells. When there aren't enough red blood cells to take oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, hair growth can become stunted. The hair may become dry, brittle and dull and hair shedding may increase. Most people need iron replacement therapy in the form of tablets, oral liquids or injections to replenish their iron stores.

B-Complex Vitamins

B-Vitamins are essential for promoting hair growth. According to the Nutritional Supplement Educational Center, doctors say that these "beauty vitamins" promote healthy hair growth. Without them, hair and nails can become brittle and dry. Part of the B-complex family, Inositol is also responsible for healthy hair and nail growth, as well as Beta-carotene, which makes hair shiny. Vitamin B is typically found in fresh fruit, whole grains, milk, fish and eggs.

L-Lysine

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that must be obtained from food sources. It is essential for tissue repair, the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes, L-Lysine is also essential for stimulating and repairing hair growth.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, healthy is maintained by fat, which helps the body absorb and move the Vitamins A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream. While eating to much saturated puts you at risk for heat disease, eating lean protein-rich foods and fish with Omega-3 fatty acids can help stimulate hair growth.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Mar 27, 2010

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