There are a few of the basic vitamin requirements, deficiency of which may lead to hair loss. Some of the vitamins that play primary role in nourishing hair are iron, vitamin B or folic acid etc-. Iron deficiency (anemia) or low level of vitamin B or folic acid can lead to hair fall too. Protein deficiency is also a cause of hair loss. Vitamin B 5 is also helpful in retaining the pigmentation of hair and stops our hair from premature graying.
Vitamins Required for Hair Growth
Biotin : Biotin is rich in B vitamin, prominently important for hair growth and its health. It is also instrumental in retaining metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and the generation of energy. Biotin is found in sardines, carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, egg yolks, yeast and bananas. Biotin is also termed as Vitamin H.
Vitamin C and E : Inadequate quantity of vitamins C and E can also result in insufficient circulation in the scalp, which can lead to hair loss or brittle hair. In addition, lack of minerals like zinc, iron and potassium, may result in breaking down of scalp tissues and eventually loss of hair.
Minerals and Hair growth
Potassium : It is one of the important mineral necessary for the nutrition of hair. It is required for right cellular function of hair. In the lack of potassium, your cells cannot perform properly and may lead to hair loss. Insufficient level of potassium may lead to a medical condition called hypokalemia. Inadequate potassium level is mostly witnessed in people who eat excess of salt. Foods rich in potassium include lean meats and bananas. You can opt for these and control your hair fall.
Sodium / Salt : Salt is a toxic agent for hair follicles. If you intake excess of salt, the excess of sodium will be deposited around the hair follicles. These salt licks work as a strong barrier prohibiting necessary nutrients from getting access into the follicle. The lack of nutrients leads to hair fall.
Excess of Copper : Copper toxicity is one of the prominent reasons for hair loss. Copper is a basic agents of the pill (contraceptive pills) as it enables control the ovulation cycle. In addition, some IUDs are also made of copper. If you are using any one of these types of birth control pill or other birth control options, you may witness hair loss. If you often use these options it will add to your level of copper which means your system is having much more copper than required and it may be toxic for your body leading to hair fall. Apart from this you can also get excess of copper through copper pipes and pots which you use to retain drinking water and food.
Low Zinc Level : Zinc is yet another component necessary for hair growth, deficiency of which can result in hair fall. If you are suffering from low zinc level there are ample variety of food that can balance the level of zinc in your body and maintain the right proportion of zinc. The food items that you should opt for include pumpkin seeds, oysters and other shellfish, eggs, soybeans, herring, wheat germ and lean meats.
Zinc controls nutrients for producing progesterone. Lean protein is best for zinc absorption. If you are a vegetarian and also suffer from PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome), you should start eating protein or protein supplements two days prior when PMS is scheduled to start and you should discontinue when you get your period. Maintaining a balanced ratio of copper and zinc will lead you to a fuller hair follicle and you would be able to control your hair fall.
Vitamins and minerals play a very important part in healthy hair growth, their excess and their defeciency can lead to issues such as hair loss and other problems. Take a balanced dies and ensure your hair remain healthy!