Who doesn’t want to have thick, luscious hair? Nutraceuticals for hair loss have garnered a lot of fame for their promise to promote hair health and boost growth. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, vitamin E, and folic acid, nutraceuticals serve as dietary supplements crafted to promote hair health. Unlike traditional capsules or tablets, these can also be found as gummies that offer a tasty and enjoyable go-to choice for individuals seeking to elevate their hair care regimen.
Types of Hair Loss
There are several types of hair loss, each with its causes and characteristics. Here are some common types:
-Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): Hereditary, age-related, hormonal, and the most common type of hair loss is also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness.
-Alopecia Areata (AA): An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round patches.
-Telogen Effluvium (TE): This hair loss is usually temporary and stress-induced.
-Anagen Effluvium: Rapid hair loss during the anagen (growth) phase, often due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
-Traction Alopecia: Hair loss due to constant pulling or tension on the hair, often from certain hairstyles like tight ponytails or braids.
-Scarring Alopecia: Hair loss with irreversible scalp scarring resulting from various conditions, including certain skin diseases and injuries.
-Trichotillomania: A psychological disorder where individuals have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair, leading to noticeable hair loss.
-Cicatricial Alopecia: is another term for scarring alopecia, which refers to hair loss associated with irreversible damage to the hair follicles.
-Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA): A type of scarring alopecia that often starts at the crown.
-Drug-Induced Hair Loss: Caused as a medication side effect, usually reversible upon discontinuation.
Factors Affecting Hair Loss
Hair loss can be influenced by genetic factors, stress, hormones, inadequate diet, and exposure to toxins. Various factors can contribute to hair loss. Some of them are:
1. Stress: Physical or emotional stress, such as childbirth or a demanding job, can impact hair health. For example, Telogen Effluvium.
2. Lifestyle: Your environment, the products you use, and your dietary choices all affect hair health.
3. Metabolism: The efficiency with which hair follicles receive nutrients is influenced by metabolic processes in the body.
4. Nutrition: A poor diet or an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to nutrient gaps affecting hair health.
5. Aging: The scalp changes with age, losing key components like collagen and elastin, crucial for healthy hair and skin.
Need for Nutraceuticals for Hair Loss
According to the type and the factors affecting hair loss, vitamins and minerals in the form of nutritional and medicinal supplements or nutraceuticals can help alleviate deficiencies, support healthy follicle function, and potentially contribute to preventing and managing hair loss.
Nutraceuticals are gaining prominence as a category of health and beauty products, driven by the increasing embrace of an “inside-out” approach to wellness. These products often contain phytochemicals, naturally derived biologically active compounds, which are increasingly explored and promoted for their health benefits.
Numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of various products, such as vitamins, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, in enhancing hair growth[1].
Which Vitamins and minerals Support Healthy Hair Growth?
Hair loss can be improved with vitamin and mineral supplementation. These nutrients are vital for normal cell growth and function, and their deficiency can contribute to hair loss[2]. While supplementation is affordable and easily accessible, it’s essential to be aware of the specific vitamins and minerals effective in treating hair loss.
Below is a list of vitamins and nutrients commonly found in popular hair growth supplements that support healthy hair growth.
1. Vitamin B Complex: Riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and vitamin B12 deficiencies are known to be associated with hair loss[2]. Vitamin B12 supports cell division and provides nourishment to hair follicles. Niacin (vitamin B3) improves blood circulation to the scalp, nurturing a healthy hair environment. Include natural sources like meat, leafy greens, and whole grains, or take supplements like Follihair tablet for optimal hair growth and luster.
2. Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, and cabbages are notably the natural sources of vitamin C. It aids in collagen production, which is essential for hair structure. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended in patients with AGA or TE who exhibit low iron levels, particularly common in females[2]. Try Wellman Hairfollic Hair Supplements to maintain the strength and vitality of your hair.
3. Iron: This essential nutrient enhances blood flow and facilitates the efficient transport of oxygen to your cells, helping with proper hair growth.
4. Vitamin D: Controls hair fall and maintains hair health by preventing follicle shrinking. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium (TE), and alopecia areata (AA) are the prevalent forms of non-scarring alopecia. Studies show that increasing vitamin D in the diet can improve symptoms linked to these conditions[2]. Include fatty fish, mushrooms, and cod liver oil for natural sources of vitamin D and Oziva hair vitamins for supplemental sources of vitamin D.
5. Vitamin E: As an antioxidant, vitamin E prevents hair loss by protecting hair from oxidative stress. Incorporate Oziva Plant-Based Vitamin E for a well-hydrated scalp, resulting in lustrous, healthy hair.
6. Zinc: Alopecia is a recognized indicator of confirmed zinc deficiency, and hair regrowth can be observed with zinc supplementation. Invest in What’s Up X Beauty Daily Health Gummies infused with vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E, zinc, and folate for all-in-all hair nourishment.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these promote overall scalp health. Insufficient levels of these fatty acids may lead to a dry, irritated scalp and fragile, easily damaged hair. Ensuring ample amounts of these essential fats promotes a well-nourished, moisturized scalp, reducing the likelihood of dryness and brittleness in the hair. Take Oziva Hair Vitamins with DHT Blocker & Omega 3 to nourish the hair and hydrate the scalp.
8. Vitamin A: A lack of vitamin A can result in noticeable hair thinning and increased daily hair shedding. However, studies suggest exceeding the recommended daily intake of around 10,000 IU for vitamin A can result in hair loss[2].
How to Choose the Best Nutraceutical?
Choosing the most suitable hair growth supplement depends on various factors, including your diet, health history, and any other medications or supplements you may be taking. While many supplements include essential vitamins and minerals like biotin and zinc, specific blends may vary. It is crucial to consult with your doctor before initiating a hair growth supplement, as certain vitamins, such as A and C, can have adverse effects in high doses.
1. Dosage & Elemental Content
Check the label for the amount of specific vitamins or minerals in each serving. Look for the varieties in formulations and tailored dosages of ingredients designed to meet the distinct needs of men and women.
2. Safety & Efficacy
When selecting supplements, it’s important to look for purity and quality. Here are some key considerations:
a. Research and Testing: Rigorous scientific research and testing support nutraceuticals’ safety and efficacy claims. Clinical trials and studies help validate their impact on health outcomes.
b. Ingredient Transparency: Ensure the label contains information about the ingredients and additional nutrients or additives. Avoid supplements with excessive fillers, artificial colors, or flavors.
c. Trusted Brands: Select supplements from well-established, reliable brands that produce high-quality products. Established companies prioritize research and quality control to meet safety and efficacy standards.
3. Allergen Information
If you have food allergies or sensitivities, check the supplement label for potential allergens. Some hair loss supplements may contain common allergens like soy, gluten, or dairy.
4. Dosage Forms
Nutraceuticals are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and liquids. Select a form that is convenient for you to take regularly. Gummies are gaining popularity and can serve as a viable option for individuals who struggle with swallowing tablets and capsules.
5. Potential Interactions
Nutraceuticals may interact with medications or other supplements, affecting their safety and efficacy. Considering potential interactions and consulting healthcare professionals when combining products is essential.
6. Affordability
The affordability of nutraceuticals, which includes a broad range of health and wellness products with nutritional and therapeutic properties, can be influenced by various factors
such as the quality of ingredients, market competition, and the brand’s reputation. Striking a balance between production costs and market competition is essential to ensure these products remain accessible and affordable for consumers.
7. Customer Reviews & Recommendations
Gain valuable insights into the effectiveness and quality of a specific supplement by reviewing customer feedback and seeking recommendations from healthcare professionals or reliable sources.
Takeaway
Nutraceuticals are meant to supplement, not substitute for, a balanced diet. While these supplements can contribute significantly to a comprehensive hair care routine, their primary role is to support overall well-being by complementing proper nutrition, staying hydrated, and embracing a healthy lifestyle.
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References
1. Ring C, Heitmiller K, et al. Nutraceuticals for Androgenetic Alopecia. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Mar;15(3):26-29. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8944288/
2. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, et al. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/#CR9