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Taurine for Hair Growth

Nutrients from your diet feed hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. You obtain L-Taurine from eating animal proteins such as seafood, beef, milk and eggs and it is one of the most abundant amino acids found in the body. It is believed to help promote hair regrowth.

  1. Background

    • There are many causes of hair loss, or alopecia, including hormonal changes, illness, medications and the most common of all--age. Fibrosis is one such age-related process that prevents the follicle from anchoring itself properly in the skin, inhibiting nutrient uptake, according to AllAboutHairLoss.org. Taurine is an antifibrotic.

    Related Research

    • In a 2006 French study published in the "International Journal of Cosmetic Science," researchers confirmed that when the follicle's bulb takes in Taurine, it increases hair survival in vitro (test tubes) and prevents a specific inhibitor of hair growth called TGP.

    Potential

    • L'Oreal, a large cosmetic and hair care company, has patented an oral hair growth compound containing Taurine, essential fatty acids and other ingredients that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. L'Oreal's hair growth pill has been sold in Europe since 2003.

    Benefits

    • Methionine and cysteine metabolism produces Taurine in the body. Methionine, a precursor amino acid to cysteine, is crucial for hair growth and repair, according to Family Hit. Cysteine is a key component in the bonding of keratin, hair's fibrous protein, according to Keratin.com.

    Types

    • Taurine supplementation may be taken as an oral vitamin or as a topical cream. Some hair products, such as men's shampoos that claim to promote hair regrowth as they cleanse, contain Taurine.

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