Biotin & Arginine for Hair Growth
Biotin is a B complex essential vitamin. Arginine, unlike biotin, is semi-essential, meaning the body usually produces a sufficient amount of it. People are more likely to need B vitamin supplements, but supplementing arginine or biotin might benefit hair growth. Does this Spark an idea?
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Arginine
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Supplementation with this amino acid is popular among bodybuilders as it helps with protein synthesis. Arginine supplementation can stimulate hair growth by way of vasodilation, the relaxation of hair follicles, according to Hairlossinfo.org.
Nitric Oxide
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Arginine produces nitric oxide, which opens potassium channels to the hair follicles for hair growth, according to Regrowth.com. Arginine deficiency may lead to hair loss, according to Mayoclinic.com. Currently, no studies have proven that arginine promotes hair growth.
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Biotin
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Claims that biotin can help with hair loss have not yet been proven, according to Mayoclinic.com. Egg yolks are a good source of protein and biotin, essential for healthy hair, according to Webmd.com.
Biotin Deficiency
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Severe biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss as well, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Like argenine, there's no published scientific data showing biotin actually stimulates hair growth in men or women.
Forms
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Biotin doesn't require a prescription and is available in capsule and tablet form. Arginine comes in powder, liquid and capsule form. Topical arginine gel is also available.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Klaus Post
