Is your hairfall causing you worry? Have you tried n number of shampoos, oils, creams but still unable to manage those strands from falling off? Well, if you are tired of counting the number of hair strands you are losing daily, maybe it’s time to do something about the same. In general, your hair grows up to half an inch in a month and 6 inches in a year. But length hardly matters to many who would instead stop hair fall or have some new hair growth if possible. So although the reasons for unexpected hair loss can be many, one could also be due to deficiency in essential Vitamin B, or what is better known as Vitamin B Complex. Although there is no substantial evidence to support the same, many have vouched on the hair benefits that they got by taking vitamin B supplements or using the same for alternative hair loss treatment.
B complex vitamins are not only crucial for regulating your metabolism but are also essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin B Complex is comprised of 8 vital vitamins, namely Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 ( Niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Folic acid, and Vitamin B12. Of these, some like Biotin and Vitamin B12, are widely used as an alternative hair loss treatment. Unfortunately, our body itself doesn’t produce Vitamin B complex, so we need to get it through food. So here are some vitamin Bs, deficiency of which can lead to hair loss.
1 Biotin: Out hair is built of cells, which are primarily composed of the protein keratin. Biotin plays an essential role in metabolizing the amino acids that create keratin. People who are deficient in biotin often suffer from alopecia. The good news is that researchers found that incorporating 200mcg, biotin daily, can help solve the problem. An essential source of biotin is natural foods like bananas, peanuts, lentils, liver, eggs, fish, meat, and some vegetables like sweet potatoes.
2 Vitamin B12: One factor which accounts for hair loss is lack of enough blood circulation. B12 plays a vital role in red blood cell production and hemoglobin production. This oxygen-rich red blood cell helps to provide sufficient nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, thereby strengthening them and preventing hair loss. Thus having enough B12 vitamin is essential to the hair growth process. Important sources of vitamin B 12 would be fish, poultry, meat, dairy, and eggs. Since this vitamin is not available in plant-based foods, therefore for those who don’t eat non-veg, you can always ask your doctor to add the same to your diet through supplements.
3 Riboflavin ( Vitamin B2): This vitamin plays a vital role in keeping your hair and skin healthy, along with supporting your nervous system. Although rare, a deficiency in riboflavin has been linked to hair loss. This is because it is crucial in metabolizing proteins and red blood cell production, which in turn ensure a healthy scalp and hair growth. Eggs, green leafy vegetables, milk, fortified cereals, lentils, and chickpeas are rich sources for this Vitamin B.
4 Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in the transport of oxygen in your blood. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause both hair and skin problems. This deficiency, although not very common, is more likely to occur in people with autoimmune disorders, kidney diseases, and alcoholics. Good natural sources of Vitamin B6 would be peanuts, whole grains, potatoes, soybeans, chicken, milk, fish, and eggs.
