Nutrition and Hair Loss: Protect Your Hair Health with the Right Vitamins
Although no solid evidence directly links specific vitamin intake to a definitive action against hair loss, there are clear indications of the beneficial role that adequate nutrition in certain vitamins can play in maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.
Research highlights the beneficial effects of B-complex vitamins and vitamin D on hair health.
A. B-Complex Vitamins
In addition to regulating metabolism and supporting proper nervous system function, B-complex vitamins seem to have a positive impact on hair health. They help maintain strong and soft hair while reducing daily hair loss.
These vitamins aid in synthesizing the amino acids that form the hair shaft and follicle.
While biotin has gained prominence due to its role in keratin production (a key component for hair health), the importance of other B-complex vitamins should not be overlooked.
Sources of B vitamins include leafy green vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, beans, nuts, and seafood.
B. The Role of Vitamin D
Though research is limited regarding vitamin D’s ability to reverse hair loss, evidence suggests its significant role in preventing it by promoting hair growth.
Vitamin D assists in “waking up” hair follicles and contributes to the creation of new ones.
Although this follicle activation does not guarantee hair growth, the findings are encouraging.
Sources of vitamin D include fish such as salmon and herring, mushrooms, soy milk, and regular milk. Direct sun exposure on the skin also stimulates the production of this vitamin.
C. Other Vitamins
• Vitamin A: Helps protect hair from dryness and breakage by supporting the production of healthy sebum.
• Vitamin E: Some studies suggest it reduces the risk of hair loss by boosting the immune system and protecting hair from aging.
• Vitamin C: Aids in collagen synthesis, a protein essential for the tissue base of the follicle, from which hair regenerates and grows.