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Hair Vitamins, Hair Minerals, Hair Supplements - Unbiased Guide to Healthy Hair from within

While it can be easily understood and agreed upon that vitamins are good for one's hair, just as they are for overall health, literature that takes a broad based look at the role of vitamins and minerals in one's hair health is lacking. This article will take the piecemeal research and facts and assemble it back together to establish an overview look at the role vitamins and minerals play in hair health and hair loss.

The First Commandment of Hair Vitamins and Minerals

Despite much of the sales literature you read on internet, hair vitamins and minerals will not induce new hair growth for follicles affected by dihydrotesterone. Also, over the counter hair supplements do not contain some miracle "DHT BLOCKER" that will act like finasteride. Hair loss treatment scams abound and thrive on the internet and those wanting an "all natural cure" to hair loss should first read our Hair Loss Treatment Scams section.

Too much of a good thing can cause hair loss.

Excessive intakes of nutritional supplements may actually cause hair loss and are not recommended in the absence of a proven deficiency. (1) For example, It is widely know that too much vitamin A can cause temporary hair loss, especially in women, in a condition known as hypervitaminosis. More than 25,000 IU daily is toxic and can cause hair loss and other serious health problems. The daily recommended dose is 5,000 IUs.

Not enough of a good thing can cause hair loss

Although some authorities state that a lack of vitamins and minerals does NOT cause hair loss, the majority of the available research and clinical studies suggests otherwise. An improper diet can lead to such nutrional disorders as anemia or protein deficiency which can cause hair loss. Those with vitamin D-dependent rickets are also susceptible to hair loss. (3)

Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause temporary hair loss include:

• Zinc (some experts disagree on the role of zinc)
• Iron (which results in anemia),
• Vitamin A (too much can cause hair loss too).
• Vitamin D
• Amino acids
• Biotin

It is important to remember, that deficiencies in these vitamins and minerals enough to cause hair loss is rare. A diet which includes the 5 major food groups, even a diet that is not particularly health, will contain enough vitamins and minerals to prevent hair loss. A deficiency will most likely occur under special circumstances which might include giving birth, a "starvation type diet to lose weight" or even weight loss surgery.

If you suspect you have hair loss caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency, please consult a dermatologist who can conduct the necessary tests to "root out" the true cause of your hair loss.

Vitamins and minerals designated for healthy hair

So what should you be taking to insure that you promoting healthier hair from within? While vitamin and supplements specifically designed for hair do exist, they are often not worth the price nor are the far reaching claims to be taken as gospel.

A simple multivitamin and mineral daily supplement manufactured by a quality company is enough for most people to make sure they are providing their hair with the nutrients they need. These supplements should include:

• Vitamin A or beta carotene:
• Vitamin B to include B12 and B6 and biotin.
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc (However, too much can cause hair loss)
  Iron

Taking the recommended daily allowance of these vitamins and minerals is adequate for most people. However, some people may want to take their hair care one step further and supplement their diet with: biotin, amino acids, Vitamin C, and folic acid.

When starting a new vitamin regime, it usually takes from 2 to 3 months to see results in your hair's condition. That means that patience and consistency is very important. It's also important to check with your doctor before starting a vitamin program, especially if you have health concerns. (4)

Is Faster Hair Growth with Vitamins and Minerals possible?

Normal hair growth for individuals is 1 cm to one-half inch a month. Many women around the world seek to grow their hair faster to achieve longer hair whether it's to escape a bad hair cut or change styles. Because of this desire on the part of women everywhere, a market has opened up for shampoos and vitamins that promise "faster hair growth."

A search of Google Scholar and OmniMedicalSearch.com for clinical studies on the effects of vitamins and minerals in promoting faster hair growth produce no results or studies worth mentioning.

Karen Shelton of hairboutique.com agrees that there is no "magic bullet" therapy that can induce faster hair growth in women. Clinical evidence, or lack thereof, offers no proof that faster hair growth can be achieved by taking this supplement or that vitamin.

If you look at the quote above, (When starting a new vitamin regime, it usually takes from 2 to 3 months to see results in your hair's condition.) you'll see that it can take 2 to 3 months to see the positive effects Vitamins have on your hair. Women looking for any kind of faster hair growth from vitamins may be disappointed to learn they have to wait 2-3 months before they can even start seeing the first results!

Women looking for faster hair growth should take their vitamins and let nature take it's course, which is about the rate of 6 inches per year. If that's not fast enough, women may consider getting hair extensions.

Sources:
1. Nutrional Factors and Hair Loss, D.H.Rushton, R. Dover, M.J.Norris. (2003) Is there really no clear association between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss?. British Journal of Dermatology 148:6, 1282-1284
2. Reasons for women's hair loss go beyond obvious; be thorough in work-up, Dermatology Times, Lisette Hilton, Feb 2005,
3. The alopecias associated with vitamin D-dependent rickets type IIA and with hairless gene mutations: Bergman R et al PubMed
4. Vitamins for Healthy Hair, Jennifer Bahney,

 

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