Hair loss can have many contributing factors, including over-styling, hormones, genetics, illness, and poor diet. In the case of poor diet, hair loss is caused by a lack of the nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. The good news is that hair loss caused by poor diet can be easy to reverse. For thicker, healthier hair, make sure you’re taking these essential hair loss vitamins to support healthy hair growth.
Natural Vitamins for Hair Loss and Thinning
There are many effective vitamins for hair loss, but the most important include:
- B vitamins, including Biotin (B7) and Niacin (B3)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
It’s important to consume enough of all of these vitamins to improve hair growth and maintain healthy hair strands.
Biotin and B-Vitamin Groups
There are several different types of Vitamin B that are necessary for healthy hair growth:
- Biotin (B7) rebuilds hair structures damaged by UV rays, over-styling, and over-shampooing. Biotin also promotes hair growth and keeps hair moisturized.
- Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, can help grow thicker hair that’s more resistant to breakage. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that panthenol, the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid, can increase hair strand diameter and pliability. The result? Thicker, stronger hair.
- Vitamin B6 reduces dandruff, which helps promote an optimal scalp environment for healthy hair growth.
- Vitamin B3, otherwise known as niacin, reduces cholesterol in the blood vessels to the scalp, which can inhibit hair growth. Like B6, niacin also promotes circulation to the scalp.
To keep hair healthy and strong, eat a diet rich in B vitamins, including eggs, chicken, avocado, and nuts. Take a B-complex vitamin, or take Biotin and individual B-vitamin supplements separately to help strengthen hair.
Take a Vitamin D Supplement for Hair Loss
Vitamin D helps maintain a healthy hair growth cycle. In fact, patients with alopecia areata are often found to have a vitamin D deficiency. Luckily, hair loss caused by a vitamin D deficiency appears to be reversible. A 2002 animal study demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation may help to stimulate hair growth in mammals.
There are many other benefits to taking a vitamin D supplement, including improved bone strength, better moods, and a stronger immune system. Take a vitamin D supplement to stimulate the growth of hair follicles, or eat foods rich in vitamin D such as fish, egg yolks, shiitake mushrooms, milk, oatmeal, and cheese.
Vitamin A for Hair Loss
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that fights structural and DNA damage caused by free radicals. This nutrient also aids in scalp oil production to keep hair moisturized and prevent breakage. However, too much vitamin A can cause hair loss, so if you take a vitamin A supplement, make sure to follow the directions carefully.
Food sources that are rich in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach and broccoli.
What Vitamins Are You Lacking for Hair Loss?
If you suspect that your hair loss is caused by a vitamin deficiency, speak to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to diagnose whether your hair loss is caused by poor diet or a more serious underlying issue. If it is a deficiency, your doctor will be able to look at your diet and make recommendations for changes and supplements.
How to Support Healthy Hair Growth with Supplements
The best way to help prevent hair loss caused by a nutritional deficiency is to eat a well-balanced diet of foods rich in hair-healthy vitamins and minerals.
To help ensure that you’re getting the right nutrients for your hair, take a daily supplement specifically formulated to support healthy hair growth, like Viviscal Extra Strength.
Do you take any supplements to prevent hair loss? Let us know in the comments!