Vitamins for hair loss for women and men

The lack of vitamins - a group of substances that affect the processes of tissue metabolism - is considered to be involved in the deterioration of the structure of the hair on the head, disruption of their growth and increased loss. Therefore, it is recommended to take certain vitamins for hair loss.

What vitamins to drink for hair loss?

In dermatological practice, indications for the use of vitamin preparations are focal, diffuse and  normal hair loss , as well as all types of alopecia.

For people with these problems, the question arises which vitamin is lacking in hair loss, and whether vitamin complexes and nutritional supplements (BAA) with vitamins can help slow down hair loss and restore hair growth.

The list of vitamins for hair loss is headed by B vitamins. First, it is vitamin B7 synthesized by the intestinal microbiota - biotin. Normally, its serum concentration is negligible (no more than 0.8 ng / ml), and its shortage in the body is noted in rare cases. However, despite the lack of scientific confirmation of its benefits, it is assumed that biotin (as a coenzyme of hydrolase and carboxylase enzymes) is involved in the synthesis of purine nucleotides necessary for the formation of hair and nail keratin. It is believed that the daily intake of this vitamin in the body of an adult should be at the level of 30 mcg. [1]

Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinic acid, niacin), the accepted rate of intake of which in the body of an adult is 14-16 mg per day, reduces the content of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which reduces the secretion of sebum and positively affects the condition of the sebaceous glands in the scalp. This is very important, since the accumulation of cholesterol in the hair follicles causes an increase in the level of the 5α-reductase enzyme, which converts cholesterol into the most active form of steroid androgens - dihydrotestosterone, which disrupts the structure and function of hair follicles. [2]

It is also advised to take vitamins B6 and B12 for hair loss. Pyridoxine - vitamin B6 - is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobin, sphingolipids of cell membranes, etc. With its deficiency - usually combined with a deficiency of other vitamins of this group (B9 and B12) - the formation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies are disrupted. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 for adults is 1.4-1.7 mg. [3]

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) supports the functions of enzymes that provide cellular metabolism, DNA replication and hematopoiesis (the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow). It has been shown that B12 helps activate cell differentiation signaling and that its deficiency can lead to hair loss.

To prevent its deficiency, an adult needs to consume 2.4 micrograms of B12 daily: there is evidence that 20% of adults over 60 years of age are deficient, leading not only to hair problems, but also to cognitive decline (dementia). See also -  Lack of B vitamins [4]

The list of vitamins needed to strengthen hair also includes:

• antioxidant vitamin A, consisting of carotenoids that protect the cells of rapidly growing and constantly regenerating tissues from the effects of free radicals. An adult man needs 0.9 mg of this vitamin per day, and a woman - 0.7 mg (breastfeeding - 1.3 mcg); [5]
• vitamin C, which also prevents the negative effects of oxidative stress, promotes regeneration processes and regulates the metabolism of lipoproteins and steroids. In addition, ascorbic acid is involved in the synthesis of collagen and helps the absorption of iron. The daily dose of this vitamin for adults is 100 mg, for children - 50-60 mg. Full information in the article -  Vitamin C ;[6]
• tocopherol or vitamin E from hair loss helps similarly to vitamin C, because it is also an antioxidant. Also, this vitamin preserves the protective lipid layer of the skin of the scalp, ensuring its normal condition. The daily intake of vitamin E for adults is 15 mg (22.4 IU); [7]
• vitamin D, which helps to strengthen the immune system, bone strength and healthy skin (stimulating cell growth). It is believed that it also plays a role in hair growth, but what it is is still unknown. However, it has been observed that with a deficiency of vitamin D, hair problems begin in people. In such cases, it is recommended to take it at least 15 mcg (600 IU) per day, in people of advanced age - at least 20 mcg (800 IU). [8]

Taking into account the results of biochemical and clinical studies, reviews of trichologists and the opinion of patients, as well as taking into account factors such as age, heredity and hormone levels, vitamins A, C, E, D, B3 (PP), B6, B7 and B12 are defined as best vitamins for hair growth.

Micronutrients for hair loss

It is impossible not to take into account the role of trace elements in the process of hair growth, read -  Hair and trace elements

In this case, iron and zinc from hair loss are considered the main ones. True, the link between iron deficiency and hair loss has not been definitively proven, although some researchers insist that it does exist. And this is confirmed by the fact that with the help of iron, red blood cells transport oxygen to all tissues, and hair follicles are no exception. The so-called telogen effluvium is also associated with a lack of iron in the body - when the existing hair stops growing and gradually falls out, and more than 30% of the hair (instead of the usual 5-10%) enters the phase of temporary rest (telogen). Details -  Telogen and Anagen Hair Loss [9]

Zinc is also a cofactor for many enzymes that provide biochemical processes in the skin and hair follicles. According to experts, with its deficiency, the structure of the proteins of the hair follicles and their weakening may deteriorate. However, the role of zinc is much more significant: the compounds of this metal are involved in the regulation of cell division and regeneration at the level of DNA, RNA and hormone synthesis. [10]

Don't forget selenium! This microelement is necessary for the synthesis of enzymes and hormones. For example, the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which, in turn, affects the cycle of growth and hair loss. [11], [12]

Release form

The most common and most pharmacologically appropriate form of release for systemic use is vitamins in capsules and tablets for hair loss. There are preparations with one vitamin (for example, capsules with biotin - Vitagen Biotin Max, Biotin Enzhi), vitamin E or A capsules; two-component Aevit (A + E), and, of course, vitamin complexes for hair loss with a set of trace elements. More information in the article -  Pills for hair loss

Vitamins for hair in ampoules - injection solutions of nicotinic acid (1%), cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine (5%); oily solution of tocopherol for injection (5% and 10%); ampoules with formulations containing vitamins for external use (usually these are cosmeceuticals from various manufacturers).

And liquid vitamins for hair loss are the same solutions (oil or water), as well as drops (vitamin D is produced in this form). There are also products to enhance hair growth in the form of lotions with vitamins.

Vitamins for hair growth and hair loss: names

It should be borne in mind that:

• vitamins for hormonal hair loss or  androgenetic alopecia  must necessarily contain vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid);
• vitamins for dandruff and hair loss should be in combination with zinc and selenium and the obligatory presence of vitamin E, see -  Centrum from A to zinc  (Wyeth-Lederle Pharma, Austria), as well as a review -  Vitamins with zinc
• vitamins for hair loss and splitting of nails - capsules Bioactive Selenium + Zinc (Pharma Nord ApS, Denmark), Doppelherz Active (Queisser Pharma, Germany), Centrum A-Zink (Pfizer, Germany), etc. For more details, see -  Vitamins for nails

If you need vitamins for hair loss in men, then complete information about them in the materials -  Vitamins for men against baldness  and  Vitamins for hair for men

Recommend such vitamins for hair loss in women, such as:

• Vitrum beauty (Vitrum Beauty (Unipharm, USA);
• Nourkrin Womman (Pharma Medico International, Denmark);
• Menopace (Vitabiotics, UK);
• Compliment radiance (RF).

As women's vitamins, a bioadditive Alfavit cosmetics is declared - with a complete set of vitamins and microelements, supplemented with extracts of medicinal plants.

Vitamins for hair loss during menopause are presented in publications -  The best vitamins for women during menopause  and  Vitamins for women after 50 years

Let's name other pharmaceutical vitamins from hair loss:

• a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals Perfectil (Perfectil) and Perfectil plus (British manufacturer Vitabiotics), Unicap M (Ferrosan, Denmark), Actival Max (Beresh pharma, Hungary), Bonavit and Vita-Life (Ukraine);
• American vitamins Hair Grow Plus (KIMI Naturals), Maxi-Hair (Country Life), Hair & Nail Growth Vitamin Supplement (Brock Beauty);
• Finnish vitamins Evonia, Vitatabs Mega B, Vitatabs D-Caps, Hair Health Vitamins.
• a complex of vitamins and minerals Aleran (RF);

And dietary supplements for hair with vitamins include:

• Ducray ANAcaps or vitamins Ducray (France) with soy glycine and lecithin;
• Merz vitamins - Merz Spezial Dragees (Merz Special Dragee);
• Pantovigar (Merz Pharma, Germany) and Revalid (TEBA, Hungary) and Fitoval (Krka, Slovenia), which are not much different from it;
• Solgar (Solgar Vitamin & Herb, USA).

Bioadditive Zinkit is zinc sulfate (in the form of effervescent tablets).

Pharmacodynamics

After oral intake of vitamin A, the concentration of carotenoids in the blood serum increases by almost 60%. Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble substance with a special structure, and blood lipoproteins help it penetrate into the tissues of organs. And then, by chelation, this vitamin absorbs free radicals and reduces oxidative stress of cells, preventing their apoptosis.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine; almost 25% of the vitamin binds to plasma proteins; 5 hours after ingestion, blood levels reach a maximum.

All B vitamins dissolve in water and are coenzymes - non-protein substances that bind to proteins of enzymes that mediate all metabolic processes in the body. They are easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation; for example, vitamin B6 is absorbed in the small intestine and is 90% bound to plasma proteins; The maximum concentration in the blood is observed 5-6 hours after ingestion. In the body, it turns into pyridoxal-5-phosphate, one of the most important coenzymes.

The organometallic vitamin B12, which is sensitive to gastric acid, is protected from its effects by the saliva enzyme (transcobalamin), also enters the small intestine and binds to the internal factor of the Castle. With its help, the vitamin enters the bloodstream (the maximum content in the serum is noted after 1-2 hours), and then into the tissue cells.

Having a carboxyl group, biotin binds to the aliphatic amino acid lysine (with the formation of biocytin) and also begins to function as a coenzyme for the exchange of a number of amino acids and fatty acids.

To be able to actively act, vitamin B3 after ingestion forms nicotinic acid amide (nicotinamide), which is involved in the formation of two important coenzymes (NAD and NADP), which are necessary for all interstitial redox reactions and regulation of cell differentiation.

Pharmacokinetics

In the instructions for most multicomponent vitamin preparations, pharmacokinetics are not given due to the lack of complete data on the mechanism of cumulative absorption of vitamins. More often, as in pharmacodynamics, a general idea is given about each vitamin.

So, beta-carotene is destroyed in the small intestine and liver; part of the unabsorbed carotene and its metabolites are excreted through the intestines and kidneys; the half-life ranges from 6 to 10 days.

Ascorbic acid in the liver undergoes oxidation with the formation of an active metabolite, part of vitamin C is broken down to sulfate and ethanedioic acid, which are excreted by the kidneys.

Vitamin B6 is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enters the blood and all biological fluids of the body, and the localization of its deposits is the liver, heart muscle and partly the kidneys. As a result of splitting by liver enzymes, 4-pyridoxic acid is formed, which is gradually removed by the kidneys with urine. The half-life is more than two weeks.

Cyanocobalamin is distributed mainly in the bone marrow, tissues of the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. Renal excretion (about 70-75% is excreted unchanged).

Dosing and administration

Complex vitamin preparations in capsules and tablets are taken orally; the doses of administration are indicated in the instructions attached to them, the usual is one or two capsules (tablets) per day.

Parenteral application - vitamin injections for hair loss - intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 (for cobalamin, this method of application is preferable in case of its pronounced deficiency in pernicious or megaloblastic anemia, as well as in patients with neurological complications) will be useful only for the treatment of hair loss, which is due to deficiency of this vitamin.

As for fat-soluble vitamins, they can be used externally. The simplest mask for hair loss with vitamins A and E is prepared from slightly warmed olive oil (two tablespoons) - with the addition of the contents of one Aevita capsule. For normal hair, you can use grape seed oil as a base, for fatty hair - sesame oil, for dry hair - castor oil (rich in omega-9 fatty acids).

The mask should be applied to clean and dry skin of the scalp, vitamins should be rubbed into the skin - with fingers dipped in oil, massaging movements. In the presence of dandruff, four drops of rosemary essential oil are added. Wash off after 30-45 minutes; wash with a mild shampoo; repeat twice a week for three weeks, after which you need a break for a few days.

The base oil can be replaced with raw egg yolk or natural yogurt, if the skin is oily, it is recommended to add fresh lemon juice (one teaspoon).

In the same way, you can add fat-soluble vitamins to hair loss shampoo (and keep it on your hair for at least 10 minutes).

Useful information -  Hair treatment at home

Application for children

It is unacceptable to use for children vitamin complexes intended for adults. Ordinary capsules, chewable tablets and lozenges, vitamins in the form of syrups for oral administration are prescribed by a pediatrician or a specialized doctor, but these should be drugs used specifically in pediatrics.

Please note that in the instructions for vitamins for adults, among the contraindications, their use is noted for children under 12-14 years old. Bioadditives (dietary supplements) are also not used for children.

About what vitamins to give children with hair loss, read -  Vitamins for children , as well as -  Children's vitamins

For problems with hair on the head, a teenager will use the Multimax Junior vitamin complex and its analogues - Multitabs Teenager, Vitrum Teenager, etc.

Use Vitamins for hair loss during pregnancy

During pregnancy, certain vitamin preparations are prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, and their use is regulated and controlled. Therefore, the use of any vitamins is discussed with the doctor without fail.

Women need vitamins not only during childbearing, it is allowed to use vitamins for hair loss after childbirth and during lactation. You can use: the Swiss vitamin-mineral complex Elevit Pronatal (Elevit Pronatal) and the American vitamins Vitrum Prenatal Forte (Vitrum Prenatal Forte), which contain both biotin and zinc. There is their full-fledged analogue - Mom's Health Alphabet.

The German vitamin complex Pregnavit (Pregnavit) contains enough vitamin B12, but it lacks biotin and zinc. All of these drugs contain folic acid (vitamin B9).

Contraindications

Biotin should not be administered to patients with renal insufficiency, a history of gastrointestinal surgery, or smokers.

Vitamin E is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, cardiosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction, as well as in children under 12 years of age.

Vitamin B6 contraindications include gastric ulcers, inflammation of the liver, and cardiac ischemia.

Patients with diabetes mellitus and urolithiasis with oxalate stones should not take vitamin C.

It is contraindicated to take vitamin A (retinol) in the presence of: chronic form of nephritis or pancreatitis, severe heart failure, gallstones, systemic granulomatosis, as well as people with obesity and alcohol dependence.

With functional insufficiency of the kidneys and the presence of stones in them, as well as with tuberculosis and impaired calcium metabolism, vitamin D should not be used.

Side effects Vitamins for hair loss

Taking vitamin B6 can cause side effects in the form of an allergic skin reaction up to dermatitis; headache and dizziness; nausea and stomach pain; cardialgia, shortness of breath and heart rate disturbances; numbness of the limbs and convulsions.

The most pronounced side effects of biotin are gastrointestinal upset and allergic skin rashes. And vitamin B3 (niacin), in addition to similar problems with the gastrointestinal tract at the beginning of use, in some cases causes a rush of blood to the face and neck with their redness, a change in blood glucose levels, a decrease in blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia.

The development of an allergic reaction, the appearance of a feeling of lack of air when breathing, and retrosternal pain are the most common side effects of vitamin D.

Overdose

What threatens an overdose of vitamins?  Studies show that prolonged overdosing of vitamin A can contribute to hair loss and also adversely affect koi.

In cases of an overdose of vitamin C, the skin may become covered with an itchy rash, nausea and vomiting, stomach pains, inflammation of the bladder (with the formation of oxalate stones) may develop.

Excessive intake of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding. And signs of a vitamin D overdose are manifested by a metallic taste in the mouth; general weakness; weight loss; nausea, vomiting and constipation; muscle and joint pain.

An overdose of niacin is characterized by increased dryness of the skin (with itching) and mucous membranes of the eyes against the background of thirst and diarrhea; increased levels of sugar and uric acid in the blood; dizziness and heart rate disturbances.

When the dosage of vitamin B-6 is violated, heartburn and nausea almost always appear, paresthesia of the limbs (with impaired coordination of movements), and the sensitivity of the skin to UV radiation increases.

Interactions with other drugs

First of all, vitamins interact with each other, and this interaction can be not only neutral or mutually reinforcing (synergistic): their incompatibility is possible. So, vitamins A, B3, B6 and B7 increase the effect of each other; vitamins A, C and E. But cyanocobalamin is practically not combined with carotenoids and iron.

Vitamin E potentiates the action of corticosteroids, NSAIDs and antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) drugs.

Vitamin C enhances the effect of sulfonamides, but reduces the therapeutic effect of drugs with heparin and indirect anticoagulants.

B vitamins are not taken along with some antibacterial drugs, in particular, the penicillin and tetracycline groups; vitamin B6 is incompatible with sulfonamides. Pyridoxine also potentiates the effect of diuretics, but reduces the effectiveness of concomitantly used barbiturates.

Niacin in combination with alcohol increases the risk of liver problems, and its simultaneous use with statins increases the side effects of these drugs.

Storage conditions

The optimal storage conditions for vitamin products are away from heating and lighting devices, at room temperature (above + 25 ° C).

The exact expiration date of each vitamin preparation is indicated on the package.

How widespread is the popularity of the remedies given in the review (among doctors, patients or pharmacists?), It is difficult to say: no one has studied this question in terms of effectiveness. Therefore, any rating, one way or another, will look incorrect.

And we want to remind you that the best source of vitamins necessary for hair growth is daily consumed food. What exactly? Read about it -  Hair Products