Hair Loss Prevention: Vitamin Supplements for Healthy Scalp and Hair

Some amount of hair loss is normal for everyone, as hair goes through a growing phase as well as a resting phase. Following the resting phase, the hair falls out, although new hair often fills in to take its place. Hair loss that is not replaced can lead to thinning or baldness, a condition that some people find disturbing. There are several treatments available for hair loss, including vitamin supplementation.

Alopecia

The clinical term for hair loss is called ‘alopecia’. Many people think of hair loss as male pattern baldness, a permanent condition that causes hair on the head to thin and fall out. This is an inherited condition known as androgenetic alopecia, which can affect men as well as women. Alopecia areata is another type of hair loss that results in hair falling out from the head as well as other parts of the body. It is the result of an autoimmune process in which the body damages its own hair follicles, causing them to fall out.

Biotin

Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that is created by molds, yeasts and bacteria, some of which are found in the gastrointestinal tract. Biotin helps the body get energy through the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates during digestion. It is found in foods such as yeast, eggs, pork, salmon, avocados and raspberries. Taking a biotin supplement of 300 mg per day may help with hair growth. Also, you may see results if you get enough biotin through food. Biotin deficiency causes hair loss, as well as a scaly facial rash, depression and lethargy.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc is important for cell growth and metabolism, as well as supporting the immune system and promoting wound healing. Most people under the age of 60 who live in developed countries do not have difficulties getting enough zinc in their diets. Severe zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, as well as diarrhea, lesions on the skin and eyes and a delay in sexual maturation. Zinc supplements may help with hair loss for those with alopecia areata. A 2009 study in the “Annals of Dermatology” reported that oral zinc gluconate, when given to patients with alopecia areata who had low levels of zinc, resulted in 60 per cent hair regrowth for some of the patients involved.

What to Consider

Although there are many different types of vitamin supplements available, see your doctor before attempting to treat your hair loss with vitamins. Some supplements are advertised as being specifically created to treat hair loss, but your doctor can help you to understand what treatments are appropriate for regrowing your hair. Always check labels before taking any kind of vitamin supplement to be aware of how much you are taking on a daily basis. In the case of vitamin supplements, taking too much could be harmful, and more is not necessarily better.