Many people believe in taking vitamins to boost hair health, but a few have been asking if these vitamins really benefit the hair. The skin is the largest organ in the human body, comprising the outer layers of our body that include the hair and the scalp. Like other organs, the skin gets nourishment from the foods that we eat. It follows that the hair benefits from the nutrients found in our diet.<\/p>\n
Whatever diet you are following to maintain the health of your hair and scalp, make sure you get vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin C, and vitamin E.<\/p>\n
Vitamin A<\/b><\/p>\n
Derivatives of vitamin A have long been used by medical professionals in the treatment of skin disorders, even skin cancer. Retinoic acid, an active form of vitamin A, is effective in reducing the secretions of sebaceous glands, making it a good remedy for acne. It helps control the productions of sebum, which attracts bacteria and other irritants. This promotes the growth of healthy hair strands.<\/p>\n
Vitamin B3<\/b><\/p>\n
A deficiency in vitamin B3, or niacin, results in severe dermatological problems. The metabolites of niacin, such as nicotinamide, play a central role in reversing inflammation-induced medical conditions that afflict the skin. It is one of the safest topical applications as it has never been associated with any adverse effect. More importantly, it has been proven to keep the scalp from drying and flaking.<\/p>\n
Vitamin B6<\/b><\/p>\n
Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine are compounds that display vitamin B6 activity. Vitamin B6 is indispensable in the upkeep of cellular lipids. At the molecular level, lipid health directly affects the health status of the entire cell as it protects the cell organelles and maintains healthy interactions with other cells. The hair, scalp, and skin benefit from healthy levels of lipids in the epidermis.<\/p>\n
Vitamin B7<\/b><\/p>\n
The vitamin associated with hair growth almost always is vitamin B7, or biotin. Indeed a deficiency in biotin has been documented to result in hair loss, even to the extent of shedding eyelashes and eyebrows. Biotin is involved in the metabolism of many bioactive compounds, such as lipids, glucose, and proteins. A healthy level of this vitamin creates a visible effect on the health of each hair strand.<\/p>\n
Vitamin C<\/b><\/p>\n
High ascorbate levels in the blood are often indicative of good health. Vitamin C speeds up the rate of healing of all cells, including those that make up the skin and scalp. It protects the outer layer of body surfaces by strengthening immune responses. In addition, ascorbic acid plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids necessitated in the extracellular matrix that supervises hair health.<\/p>\n
Vitamin E<\/b><\/p>\n
Tocopherols, the most common forms of vitamin E, prevent oxidative stress, removing foreign materials that damage the skin and hair. Vitamin E works synergistically with other vitamins in creating a homeostatic effect on the chemical compounds inside our body that contribute to the health of the follicles of the scalp, affecting how each hair strand grows.<\/p>\n