Effect of B Vitamins on Hair Growth

If there were ever such a thing as a magical hair growth pill, it would be a B-complex supplement. Of all the nutrients, the B vitamins have the greatest effect on hair. Without them, the body is unable to synthesize new hair, and old hair is likely to fall out.

B Complex:

• Unlike Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, the B-complex is not a single vitamin, but rather a team of eight nutrients that work together.

Names of the B-Vitamins:

• This team includes Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Biotin, Folic Acid, and Cobalamin (B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 12 respectively). There are also other lesser known B vitamins, such as PABA, choline, and inositol.

Melanin Production:

• B vitamins provide essential nutrients for the prevention of gray hair. Animal studies have shown rats that lack B vitamins will show signs of premature gray hairs. One particular B vitamin, Para-aminobenzoic Acid, supposedly restores gray hair to its original color.

Blood Circulation:

• The body uses B vitamins, such as folic acid and pantothenic acid, to make new blood cells. The formation of new blood cells is important to hair growth because these cells circulate nutrients to hair follicles.

Protein Synthesis:

• B vitamins are vital for protein synthesis, which is an important part of hair growth. Whenever cells reproduce, they need B vitamins, such as folic acid and cobalamin (Vitamin B12) in order to make DNA. B Vitamins also help in the formation of keratin, which is the main protein in hair.