Vitamins for Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is a common woe among women of different ages. Sometimes it is the effect of age, and sometimes because of the lifestyle we lead and the unhealthy diet we follow. Our diet plays a very important role in determining various aspects of our health, and healthy hair is one of them. Experts suggest that the health of your hair is determined by what you eat. Though there are several causes for premature hair loss in women, one of them is a vitamin deficiency. Almost all types of vitamins have a positive effect on hair. So here's how you can include them in your diet.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and a healthy dose can help overcome a hair loss problem. However, an excess can result in hair loss, so be careful when you consume it.

• Function: A lack of vitamin A in the body leads to a dry scalp and hair loss subsequently. A healthy dose of vitamin A, on the other hand, helps strengthen the hair by lubricating its roots. Thus, the dryness is eliminated and you have healthy, luscious hair.
• Sources: Some important sources of vitamin A are, carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, squash, cantaloupe, and liver.

Vitamin B Complex
Among the several vitamins for hair loss in women, vitamin B complex is known to be the most beneficial. If you visit a doctor regarding this problem, she/he is most likely to first prescribe a vitamin B complex supplement for it. Several vitamins comprise vitamin B complex that have different effects on hair. Take a look at the function and sources of each of these vitamins.

• Biotin: Biotin is useful in preventing hair loss as it is a fat soluble vitamin and promotes fats that are essential for healthy hair growth. It also prevents premature hair graying. Some sources of biotin include liver, kidney, egg yolk, yeast and milk.
• Niacin: Niacin or vitamin B3 has immense benefits for the hair. It promotes blood circulation in the scalp that causes the production of natural hair oils. These help in strengthening the root of the hair, thereby preventing hair loss. The benefits of niacin can be attained by consuming chicken, turkey, fish and wheat germ.
• Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA): This vitamin, combined with folic acid, works to restore healthy hair and thus, prevent hair loss. A lack of this vitamin may lead to premature graying. Important sources of PABA include kidney, yeast and different types of whole grains.
• Inositol: This vitamin has the capacity to prevent hair loss that may lead to balding. One of the reasons that men are prone to balding is because most of them have been found to lack the inositol vitamin. Some women are also affected by this problem, and it can be cured by including a healthy dose of whole grains, vegetables, bananas, citrus fruits, liver, and raisins in your diet.
• Pantothenic Acid: Also known as vitamin B5, this vitamin helps in putting a stop to the problem of hair loss. Its main sources include whole grains, organ meats, and egg yolks.
• Vitamins B6 and B12: Both, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 have also been found to have a positive effect on hair growth. Sources of vitamin B6 include avocados, green beans, whole grains, spinach, poultry, bananas, and seafood. Vitamin B12 can be found in foods such as liver, eggs, milk, fortified breakfast cereal, and seafood.

Vitamin C
Consuming vitamin C in its natural form is ideal, as supplements do not produce the same effects as does the natural form.

• Function: Not only does vitamin C help in preventing common cold, it is extremely beneficial to those who suffer from severe hair loss as it improves blood circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth. With its abundance in antioxidants, it also prevents premature graying.
• Sources: This vitamin is abundant in citrus fruits, tomatoes, green and red peppers, strawberries, Indian gooseberry, broccoli, and pineapples.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E has always been propounded as one of the best vitamins for healthy, lustrous hair. This is the reason the use of almond and olive oil for the hair is suggested, because both are abundant in this vitamin. Being a fat soluble vitamin, it should be consumed in limited amounts.

• Function: Vitamin E promotes blood circulation to the scalp, and helps generate important nutrients essential for healthy and strong hair growth.
• Sources: Important sources of vitamin E for hair growth include nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

It is clear that a balanced intake of the above-mentioned vitamins can definitely help reduce female hair loss. While several vitamin supplements are available for those suffering from vitamin deficiencies, it is better to consume these in their natural form. Only by balancing your diet will you be able to stop the increasing amount of hair loss you have been experiencing.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not intend to replace the diagnosis of and treatment provided by a doctor. Since an overdose of any vitamin has numerous side effects, the right amount to be consumed can be explained only by your doctor or a certified nutritionist. Do not consume vitamin supplements without a prescription.