7 Vitamin and Hair Supplements

Vitamin supplements

 

 

What are vitamins?

I am sure you are quite familiar with vitamins. At some point in your life, you had to take some. Here is the definition according to Wikipedia :

A vitamin is an organic compound and a vital nutrient that an organism requires in limited amounts. An organic chemical compound (or related set of compounds) is called a vitamin when the organism cannot synthesize the compound in sufficient quantities, and it must be obtained through the diet; thus, the term “vitamin” is conditional upon the circumstances and the particular organism.

So, in other words, vitamins are simply ‘extra boosts’ in ‘pill form packaging’. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular vitamins used to help in hair growth.

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B Vitamins

Often referred to as Vitamin B complex, all eight B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) play a large role in keeping us healthy. These vitamins affect our energy, metabolism, nerves, muscles, skin, nails, and hair. In general, Vitamin B complex promotes cell growth and division, which is important for healthy hair growth. Because this vitamin is water soluble, any excess is flushed from your system daily, so it is important to ensure that the body’s supply is replaced. Hints that you might be B Vitamin deficient –

• feeling sluggish
• bruising easily
• slow hair growth

Vitamin B12 is the most important of the B vitamins, but for best results try to include them all in your daily diet plan. Some sources include meats, eggs, nuts, grains, and vegetables. If your diet is lacking in B vitamins, though, you can take a daily supplement. Additionally, some hair care products contain B vitamins for extra support.

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Biotin

Using Biotin is a well-known hair growth supplement. It is a B Vitamin. It helps to produce glucose and break down proteins into amino acids. It is also a water soluble vitamin which needs to be replenished daily. Some sources – mushrooms, avocados, eggs, and salmon.

 

 

 

 

 

There are even hair products on the market infused with biotin.

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Niacin

Niacin is another vitamin in the B family. It helps to nourish the scalp, resulting in healthy hair growth. Without enough niacin, your hair may seem brittle, lifeless, and cause hair loss.

Niacin deficiency is a condition called pellagra. Signs of pellagra include:

• delusion or mental confusion
• diarrhea
• nausea
• scaly skin

Sources for niacin – turkey, chicken breast, tuna, mushrooms and avocado.

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Msm/sulphur

MSM or Methyl-sulfonyl-methane helps in tissue repair and also helps to promote growth in hair and nails. It also helps in the production of collagen – protein needed by our bodies. It strengthens our skin, tendons, internal organs as well as our teeth and bones. Collagen deficiency can lead to scurvy, where the body has trouble repairing minor injuries.

MSM is a sulfur-based compound which is naturally occurring in our body as well as in foods like seafood, green vegetables, garlic, and onions.

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Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with cell growth and the immune system. Though there is no medical proof of this supplement concerning hair growth, its components are a source for soft skin and strong nails.

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Vitamin C

It is no secret that Vitamin C helps to boost our immunity, protecting us against colds and other diseases. This vitamin is also a help mate when it comes to strengthening and hair growth. That’s partly because Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, a vital protein for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin C is also considered an antioxidant which fights free radicals that damage body tissue. Free radicals have been known to damage hair, making it weak and brittle. If your hair appears to breaking or shedding, it may be due to Vitamin C deficiency.

It is easy to take a Vitamin C supplement, however, researchers say it’s better to get our nutrients from whole foods. Foods that are high in Vitamin C include oranges, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, papayas, strawberries, kiwi, and red bell peppers.

Along with consuming nutritious foods, there are a number of great hair care products that are infused with vitamin C.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that repairs and builds tissue, which is essential for healthy hair growth.

Well-known sources of this vitamin are almonds, nuts on a whole, avocado and broccoli. Vitamin E can also be used topically as well. When you apply vitamin E to your scalp, it helps reduce inflammation, increases blood circulation, boosts oxygen supply, and repairs damaged hair follicles. It is recommended that by massaging the hair and scalp with Vitamin E oil at least twice a week can lead to hair growth.

 

 

All these vitamins and hair supplements are helpful to a beautiful head of hair if used as directed and consumed from their natural sources on a regular basis. Ensure a healthy body, not only in taking vitamins and their supplements, but also by exercising regularly to help oxygenate the blood.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. I would love your feedback in the comment section.

 

 

References:

Wikipedia