Vitamin B and Hair Loss

Vitamin B deficiency can cause hair loss and a number of other mental and physical ailments. For the sake of brevity, I won't go into all the benefits of each B vitamin, just the ones that relate to hair growth and health.

B2 (Riboflavin) plays a key role for energy metabolism and is required to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Deficiency shows hair loss and dermatitis in early stages.

B5 (Pantothenic Acid) may help to keep hair growing and healthy as well as retaining its natural color. Many commercial shampoos will add pantothenic acid in an attempt to capitalize on this possibility.

B6 (Pyridoxal phosphate) although having little to do with hair restoration is worth mentioning simply because it may be found in some beers. This simple fact will confirm (for me at least) that I am getting enough of it 8-)

B7 (Biotin) is necessary for your body to synthesize fatty acids, amino acids and glucose. It is also helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels. B7 deficiency may present symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, anemia and muscle soreness. In more extreme cases of deficiency, eye lashes and eyebrows may also be lost. Biotin is sometimes recommended for the strengthening of fingernails and toenails as well as hair.

B9 (Folic acid or Folate) is a necessity for the production and maintenance of new cells especially in infancy and pregnancy.

Many hair loss treatments will include supplemental B vitamins in their formula but label them as Folic acid, Inositol and Biotin.

There may be no specific hair loss vitamins but making sure to get your daily requirement of vitamin B could help to slow hair loss and possibly increase new hair growth.

There are numerous natural sources of B vitamins in everyday food items. Different B vitamins will be present in different foods so it's a good idea to eat a variety of foods for health and pleasure. When you are thinking about vitamins for hair loss, remember the B vitamins for hair and general well being.