The diet plays a very important role in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. The following dietary supplements, in particular, are well known for their benefits in supporting healthy hair growth. Are you getting enough in your diet?
Biotin: Research suggests that biotin (part of the Vitamin B complex) may improve brittle nails and thinning hair.
Certain B vitamins like B6, B12, folate as well as iron, help with red blood cell manufacture, which in turn carries oxygen and nutrients to the body cells, including the scalp and hair follicles.
Sam Palmetto extract: Processed from the fruit of the American dwarf pine tree, a study found that 60% of people who took it as a supplement, experienced significant improvement in their hair growth, compared with just 10% taking a placebo.
Vitamin A: This antioxidant is often included in formulations for assisting with the health of hair, skin and nails.
Vitamin D: Hair loss is linked to low levels of this ‘sunshine’ vitamin, which is integral to the healthy performance of a number of body functions. It also stimulates the growth of new and old hair follicles!
Reasons for insufficient vitamin D levels include spending too much time indoors, using too much sunscreen, and insufficient dietary intake. If using a supplement, always take Vitamin D3, which is more natural, more easily absorbed and more easily used by the body.
While we are encouraged to avoid sunlight between the hours of 10am and 2pm to help prevent the skin from sun damage, data shows that the body actually makes Vitamin D from the sun, more efficiently at this time. So, there is a bit of a tightrope that we need to walk in meeting our daily requirement of this essential vitamin.
