What Vitamins Assist in Hair Growth?

Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth. A deficiency in the correct vitamins and minerals will cause brittle hair and even baldness over time. Knowing about the vitamins necessary to assist in growth is the first step to beautiful and lustrous hair. Aside from vitamins, support hair growth by giving your scalp a daily massage and managing your stress levels.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A keeps hair soft and shiny. It produces a healthy amount of sebum in the scalp preventing hair from drying out. Animal products such as whole milk, cream and liver are rich sources of Vitamin A.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are one of the main components of hair. The entire B-complex is imperative for hair growth. B vitamins are found in meats, dairy products, nuts, oats brewer's yeast, wheat bran and avocado.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C increases circulation in the scalp. A lack in vitamin C will cause hair to become dry and brittle and eventually fall out. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits and green vegetables.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E encourages growth and enhances hair health. It increases circulation to the scalp and is an effective antioxidant. Vitamin E can be found in seeds, nuts, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.

Calcium

Calcium is important for hair growth. A healthy intake of low-fat dairy will provide you with an adequate amount of calcium. Products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources.

Iron

Thinning hair is commonly linked to a deficiency in iron. Iron helps store and transport oxygen needed for circulation and healthy hair growth. Supplementation needs to be under a doctor's supervision, but increasing your intake of iron through diet is strongly recommended for hair growth. Iron can be found in fortified cereals, certain fish, meat, beans and nuts.

Zinc

Zinc supports hair growth by keeping the immune system strong and fostering healthy tissue. Zinc also assists in the absorption of other vitamins needed for hair growth. Zinc is found primarily in high protein meats and whole grains.

Resources

• http://www.hairfinder.com/hairquestions/hq-hairgrowth.htm