6 Best Supplements For Hair Growth

Deficiency of certain nutrients might increase hair loss and inhibit hair growth. People plagued by hair problems should not overlook the importance of diet and supplements in aiding hair growth.

6 Supplements for Hair Growth

1. Biotin (vitamin B7)

Biotin supports hair growth. Deficiency of this B vitamin triggers hair loss. This B vitamin is synthesized naturally by the bacteria living in the gut. Eggs, sardine, legumes, beans, nuts, whole grains, banana, mushroom and cauliflower are common dietary sources of this B vitamin. Poor diet and digestive disorders might reduce the biotin level in the body, leading to poor hair growth. Biotin supplement could help to restore the biotin reserve of the body.

Vitamin B complex supplements might supply your body biotin or you can take individual biotin supplement to trigger hair growth. People suffering from excess hair loss should take between 2 and 3mg of biotin daily. Just like other B vitamins, the body could not store extra biotin. Excess biotin is eliminated through urination. Hence, to treat hair loss, you should take biotin supplement daily.

2. Zinc

Biotin combined with zinc could prevent alopecia areata. While biotin increases the availability of amino acids for building the hair shafts, zinc corrects hormonal imbalances that trigger hair loss. Nutritional complications developing after gastrointestinal surgery increase hair loss. In a study in Manchester, UK, researchers found that consuming 600mg of zinc could reverse hair loss in gastric bypass patients.

In others, zinc supplements containing 80mg of zinc could reduce hair loss and restore the normal hair growth cycle. Health experts speculate that by correcting the abnormal activities of the hormone androgen, zinc might reduce hair loss.

3. Copper

Increasing zinc intake through supplements might increase the risk of copper deficiency, which might suppress hair growth. Hence, people on zinc supplements should simultaneously consume copper supplement to balance the zinc/copper ratio in the body. Copper inhibits activities of enzymes that aid conversion of the male hormone testosterone into DHT that triggers male pattern baldness.

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4. MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an important component in the hair and skin. Hair growth might be promoted by consuming about 700mg of MSM supplement daily. Sulfur present in MSM plays an important role in synthesis of keratin, the key component of hair shafts.

5. Vitamin B12

Excess hair loss and poor hair growth might be signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. This B vitamin is needed for the proper development of red blood cells. Vitamin deficiency is more likely to occur in older adults and vegetarians. Anemia developing from vitamin B12 deficiency increases hair fall. Supplements containing one to 25mcg vitamin B12 might benefit people suffering from poor hair growth.

6. Iron

Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of hair loss. Anemia reduces supply of nutrients to the hair follicles. This disrupts the hair growth cycle. Iron supplements help to restore the normal iron reserve of the body. However, it should be taken under medical supervision. In some cases, consumption of iron supplement causes diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. The side effects might be prevented by taking the supplement with foods. However, do not take iron supplements with tea, coffee, milk, dairy and cereals.