Hair Loss Vitamins: 
Nutritional Support for Longer Hair Growth

Visit the Doctor or Take Hair Loss Vitamins First?

Nothing feels better than getting good news from the doctor when you are worried.  If you are experiencing hair loss and you are wondering if you should just try taking hair vitamins, it is worthwhile to visit your doctor to see if the cause is a medical problem. 

Your medical evaluation can help clarify exactly what is going on; there are some serious conditions that cause hair loss (as well as other symptoms) such as lupus and thyroid disease.  Hair loss can also be a side effect of some medications. 

So if the doctor tells you that visual examination cannot confirm the medical condition causing your hair loss it might be necessary to do a skin biopsy of the scalp. This can cause fear and being frustrated, but that’s an appropriate step to getting an answer to what’s causing it and what can you do about it? 

Once your doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment follow their instructions plus be smart about how you groom and style your hair. Also, there is one thing you can do to improve the health of your hair and scalp and fight hair loss.

Get Medical Treatment Then Start Hair Loss Vitamins

Consider adding hair loss vitamins to your treatment program.  Here's a quick look at the most important ingredients for a good hair loss supplement.

•  Biotin – Low levels of this B vitamin are linked to hair loss and skin problems, so it makes that you see it in so many hair loss supplements.  Vegetarians and vegans may struggle to get enough biotin and benefit from taking a supplement.

•   Iron – Iron is important for healthy hair growth, but women are especially vulnerable to having insufficient iron.  Your doctor will probably check your iron levels, and even if they are in the low end of the normal range, it is worth asking if there would be any problem taking a supplement.  

•   Protein – Hair is 97 percent protein, so it isn't rocket science that a diet lacking in protein can cause hair loss.  Again, this is one that likely to be hard for vegetarians and vegans who don't make a big effort to get enough. 

•   Omega 3 – These fatty acids really are essential; our hair is three percent omega 3.  They reduce inflammation. This is one fat more likely to give you thick hair than a thick waist.

•    MSM - MSM stands for MethylSulfonylMethane. It is an organic compound that effects reproduction and growth of hair, skin, and nails.  Supplementing the diet with MSM provides the body with extra sulfur for increased cysteine and methionine which are sulfur containing amino acids that are used in the manufacture of keratin, which is the tough protein component of hair and nails.  It has the capability to prolong the anagen or growing phase of hair which can increase the length of hair.

How to Choose A Hair Loss Vitamin

When you are looking for a quality hair loss supplement it’s important to consider your specific diet and needs.  If you are a woman with heavy periods, iron will be especially important to you.  If you are a strict vegan, you may have low levels of biotin and protein.  Whatever your specific situation, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting to take supplements for hair loss just in case any particular ingredients would be a problem for you.