Vitamins That Improve Hair Growth

With 100,000 strands, a one-half inch monthly growth and a loss of 50 to 150 strands a day on the average head of hair, many people want to know if vitamins can promote hair growth. While vitamins have been proven to produce more luxurious locks, there is no reliable research to show that they help hair to grow faster. Studies have found, however, that certain vitamins and nutrients can promote hair regrowth.

Iron Maiden

• Women who have lost hair due to illness, trauma, heavy menstruation or crash dieting may be able to regrow hair by getting enough iron in their diets. When a woman has an iron deficiency, her body stops growing hair. The average female should take18 mg of iron daily and up to 50 mg if she is experiencing hair loss.

Vitamin C

• Alexander Zemtsov, MD, of Indiana University School of Medicine, recommends a daily dose of 100 milligrams of vitamin C in order to boost iron absorption. After two to three months of an iron/vitamin C regimen, hair growth should be normalized.

Biotin

• Biotin may help hair growth as well as thicken hair fibers and decrease shedding.

Vitamin B

• Hair is primarily protein. Feed your hair foods rich in protein such as soy, brewer's yeast and wheat germ which all contain vitamin B.

Multivitamins

• Since a large assortment of nutrients play a part in hair growth, it may be wise to take a multivitamin including iron, zinc, vitamin C, biotin and folate.