Certain vitamins, when taken on a daily basis, can help with hair loss, brittleness and dullness. Daily vitamins and supplements help fill gaps in or diets that can form from restriction of carbohydrates and fats in an effort to lose weight. However, systemic issues such as chronic anemia or thyroid problems can also lead to hair loss. Together, you and your physician can determine the cause and best treatment options for your hair loss. Listed below are vitamins and nutrients that have been shown to affect hair health.
- Iron – Iron carries oxygen to hair and promotes growth. Many women of child-bearing age and individuals who do not consume a lot of red meat are iron deficient. Iron- rich foods include: chicken, spinach, lentils and egg yolks.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D is essential for hair follicle cycling. Vitamin D – rich foods include: salmon, mushroom and fortified grains.
- Zinc – Zinc is an excellent hair growth mineral. Foods rich in zinc include: turkey, lamb, chocolate and pumpkin seeds.
- B-Complex Vitamins – Biotin, niacin, and cobalamin all help restore shine and thickness to hair. Eggs, avocados, whole grains and legumes are all rich in B-complex vitamins.
- Vitamin C, vitamin E and Copper are also essential for hair health.
Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.