Nutritional Supplements and Hair Loss

People lose about one hundred hairs each day. Because hair is made of many nutrients, those nutrients need to be replenished in the body for hair to grow. Hair contains protein, fat, water, and carbohydrates. Foods to prevent hair loss can be found in oats, molasses, liver, and whole grains. Because water is comprised of water, it is important to stay hydrated to stimulate proper hair growth.  Hair loss increases with age, but proper nutrition and vitamins and supplements can help prevent hair loss, thinning hair, and balding.

Important Nutrients for Hair & Health

Vitamin A
Vitamin A stimulates the follicle where hair growth begins. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, as are other dark green and red vegetables. The excess of vitamin A could cause hair loss when taking more than 10,000 UI  a day.


B vitamins
B vitamins reduce the stress that can cause hair loss. The best way to take B vitamins is to combine all of the B vitamins. B vitamins are found in brewer`s yeast and red meat.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C prevents hair loss because it acts as an anti-oxidant. The suggested dose is 500 to 1000 mg taken twice daily. Eat more fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, especially citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is actually a hormone; adding vitamin D to the diet grows hair. Vitamin D can be synthesized on the skin after exposure to sunlight, but taking additional vitamin D helps prevent a deficiency. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D has been 400 IU per day, but research now suggests that daily intake as high as 4000 IU is beneficial.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential for the circulation in the body and has been shown to grow blood vessels, which increases circulation. The increased flow improves the body's ability to make new hair. The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 400 IU.

Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid and one of the building blocks of protein. Because hair is made of protein, adding lysine to the diet helps prevent hair loss. The suggested dosage is 500 to 1000 mg daily. Lysine is found in meat and eggs.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are a healthy form of oil found in fish, especially salmon and sardines. The recommended dose is one tablespoon of fish oil a day to prevent hair loss. Those taking aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs should consult with a doctor before taking fish oils because they can increase bleeding tendency.

Para-Aminobenzoic Acid
Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, known by its abbreviation, PABA, is another B vitamin. The deficiency of PABA has been shown to cause hair. To turn grey. Hair color can be returned by adding PABA to the diet. PABA and folic acid combine to help hair grow. PABA is found naturally in whole grains and yeast and in organ meats such as liver and kidney.

Protein
Because it is a component of hair, protein deficiency can cause hair loss. This is especially true for vegetarians or those on a reduced protein diet. Add protein by adding meat or fermented soy products to the diet.

Silica
Silica makes hair shiny and prevents hair from thinning. It is found naturally in oats, nettles, and alfalfa. An easy way to add silica to the diet is by drinking nettle tea.

Herbs to Help Grow Hair
Rosemary, thyme, and lavender help grow hair and prevent hair thinning and balding. The essential oils can be massaged into the hair after shampooing.

Every mineral vitamin and amino acids in the body affect every other mineral in the body. The physical body is made up of minerals, vitamins, and proteins (amino acids), which are the basis of all life.
 The chart above shows the 44 substances  essential to life and their interrelations :