Vitamins for treating hair loss

Vitamins always have a main role to play in the treatment of hair loss. These are micronutrients that are to be provided through diet or by supplements.

They are not synthesized in the body except for little amounts of vitamin K and vitamin D. They are a group of micronutrients divided in to two categories- the fat soluble and the water soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins comprise of vitamin A, D, E and K and water soluble vitamins comprise of Vitamin B complex and vitamin C. These are required in minute quantities for various functions in our body.

The minute quantities of vitamins really do a great job in preventing hair loss. Though androgen tic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, vitamins supplements are helpful in the prevention of other types of hair loss as well.

Hair follicles grow actively and they require vitamins and minerals. Hair follicles are buried deep inside the skin and the hair shaft emerges out from the surface of the skin.

Vitamins along with minerals like iron and zinc prevent hair loss and they are included in almost all the preparations meant for treating hair loss.

The following are some of the essential vitamins that are useful in the treatment of hair loss.

* Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It is one of the most potent antioxidants. Any substance with antioxidant properties helps in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Vitamin E also improves the blood circulation in the scalp. It is required in the dose of 400 IU per day. The source of vitamin E includes cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables.

* Vitamin C is another well known antioxidant. Unlike vitamin E, it is a water soluble vitamin and it is found in good quantities in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. It has to be provided in the dose of 50 mg per day.

* Vitamin B12 also called as cyanocobalamin is found only in animal sources like chicken, fish, eggs and milk. The recommended daily intake is 1 microgram.

* Pantothenic acid which is a B complex vitamin helps in preventing hair loss and graying of hair. It has to be supplied in the dose of 4-7 mg per day. Whole grain cereals, yeast, organ meats and egg yolks are rich in pantothenic acid.

* Niacin which is a B complex vitamin when provided in the dose of 15 mg per day promotes hair growth by improving the scalp blood circulation. Yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat are rich in niacin.

* Pyridoxine which is also called as vitamin B 6 prevents hair loss and graying of hair. The sources include yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. The recommended dose is 1.5 mg per day.


About the Author

Brad chase owns and operates ProgressiveHealth.com which provides information on topics such as: Supplements and Vitamins for Hair Loss . He focuses on research articles that illustrate how nutrition, exercise, and diet affect well being.