Good Vitamins & Minerals for Hair Growth

Hair loss is a problem for men and women. It may not be possible to stop it completely, but keeping the right nutritional balance of vitamins and minerals is important for hair growth.

B Vitamins

Biotin is essential to growing new hair. It is difficult to get enough in foods, but supplements are available. Vitamin B12, which can be found in poultry, eggs and meat, is also important to hair growth.

Zinc

Zinc can affect levels of androgens, which is a hormone that can trigger genetic hair loss. It is best to take zinc in a multivitamin that includes copper, as the levels of the two minerals should be balanced.

MSM

The sulfur in MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is important to the development of hair. Taking daily supplements of this nutrient can promote hair growth.

Iron

Iron deficiency, which is especially prevalent in women, can cause anemia, and anemia causes hair loss. You do not receive enough iron in your diet through such foods as red meat or broccoli, an iron supplement can help.

Beta-carotene

Just as beta-carotene can help with bone development, it also is important to healthy hair. It is found in orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Omega-3

The anti-inflammatory and fatty acids in omega-3 are important to the growth of healthy hair. Omega-3 is found in fish, walnuts, canola oil and soy.

References

• WebMD: Treating Hair Loss Naturally
• Vitamins and Nutrition Center: Vitamins for Your Hair