“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
To date, no clinical studies show that hair vitamins and supplements promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, or improve other facets of healthy hair such as dryness, shine, and thickness. In rare cases in which poor hair health is caused by nutrient deficiencies, taking supplements may improve hair quality.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) 5% is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for female-pattern hair loss. The once daily use foam treatment regrows hair in 81% of the women who try it. Liquid options of 2% and 5% solutions are available over the counter.
Vitamin B-
Vitamin B is one of the best-known vitamins to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. It helps create red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. This creates a healthy hair growth atmosphere. The most famous and commonly heard B-vitamin is Biotin.
Iron deficiency (ID) is the world's most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss.
Both Viviscal and Nutrafol are successful at treating hair thinning and we have carried both of these products in our office. Nutrafol, however, is more effective at not only provided the body with the nutrients needed but also addresses other issues that play a roll in hair loss like stress and hormones.
Here's the truth: You can't change the size of your hair follicles. If you were born with fine hair, it's genetics, and no product will completely alter that. Of course, there are ways to maintain your hair health, add volume, and keep it from getting any thinner.
Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness.
What vitamins are good for hair? Experts say that over-the-counter vitamins for hair growth and thickness often contain B complex vitamins, iron, protein, and vitamin D. "We know that low levels of these vitamins are associated with hair thinning," Dr. Zeichner tells Health.
Medications are the most common treatment for hair loss in women. They include the following: Minoxidil (Rogaine, generic versions). This drug was initially introduced as a treatment for high blood pressure, but people who took it noticed that they were growing hair in places where they had lost it.
Estrogen and progesterone levels fall, meaning that the effects of the androgens, male hormones, are increased. During and after menopause, hair might become finer (thinner) because hair follicles shrink. Hair grows more slowly and falls out more easily in these cases.
While folic acid is essential in supporting healthy hair growth, it is not the only vitamin or supplement that benefits both the hair and skin. Rather, it's best to choose hair care supplements that include additional hair-boosting ingredients, such as B complex, vitamin B12 and biotin.
According to Levitan, getting between 800 and 2,000 IU—or 20 to 50 micrograms—of vitamin D daily is usually enough, and “too much can cause toxicity.” Some people require 5,000 IU daily to maintain optimum blood levels and Vitamin D should be taken in the morning with Magnesium for maximum bioavailability.
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
"Sudden thinning hair can be a symptom of anemia (low red blood cell count), hormonal issues especially related to events like pregnancy, or a thyroid disorder, which are all very common in women," says Dr. Peredo.
Viviscal Professional supplements are not suitable for children under 18, those with an allergy to fish or shellfish, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.
Nutrafol Side Effects
Biotin, one of the main ingredients in Nutrafol, can cause nausea, cramping, and diarrhea. If you take too much biotin, you may also experience skin rashes and high blood sugar levels. Check the ingredients in the formula you are taking to avoid an allergic reaction.
Nausea. The inclusion of iron in the oral Viviscal Professioanl supplement could cause stomach irritation. Skeletal issues. Joint stiffness or pain may result from Viviscal Professional but is not common.
Sources of Biotin
Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) [2,12].