The Best Vitamin Supplements for Thinning Hair

Thinning hair makes men and women alike seek treatment, because it can affect self-esteem and confidence. Shampoo and hair care products cannot treat thinning hair, but can only manage what is left, says Medical Group Bauman. Genetics, medications, medical conditions, illness, stress, surgery and nutritional deficiencies are often blamed for thinning hair. Eating well and taking vitamins and minerals can make the hair stronger and increase hair growth, and certain supplements are better than other.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for cell growth, but too much can damage the hair. All excess is stored in the liver and vitamin A toxicity causes hair thinning according to “The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book.” So beware of oversupplementation. If an adult takes 100,000 international units daily for several months, the toxicity is possible. About 5,000 to 50,000 international units per day is all you need.

Vitamins B and C

Male hair loss can start as early as the age of 20s and might be due to lack of folic acid (B9). Taking B vitamins individually is not recommended, says Dr. Shari Lieberman, unless you are advised to do so by a medical professional. Instead, both men and women can benefit from supplementation with vitamin B complex (50-300 mg for men and women).

Get enough vitamin C as you age is challenging. Take at least 500 mg per day of vitamin C, although you can exceed this without toxicity.

Biotin & Zinc

Biotin and zinc deficiency can cause or accelerate, thinning hair. Biotin does not cure baldness but resolves the underlying skin conditions due to lack of said Dr. Shari Lieberman. Get 300 micrograms of biotin daily in your supplements. No need to take as a supplement for individuals, according to “The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book.” A good daily vitamin should contain enough biotin, said Dr. Alan j. Bauman Medical Group Bauman.

Zinc is present in your hair, but it is difficult to store so it must be replenished frequently. You need 15 milligrams of zinc per day. Dr. Shari Lieberman suggests zinc gluconate and zinc citrate (chelated zinc) as the best form. People tolerate this and they are relatively inexpensive.

Iron

Women can have thinning hair after child birth or as a result of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is more common in women menstruate and pregnant and vegetarian. If you know that anemia is a problem, iron supplementation (18-30 mg for women) is required for thicker hair. Iron glisinat, fumarate or gluconate are advised to avoid constipation and abdominal pain.