Hair loss vitamins for women and men

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

What vitamins should I take 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.

People with these problems have a question about what vitamin is lacking when hair loss occurs, and whether vitamin complexes and dietary supplements (DS) with vitamins can help slow down hair loss and restore hair growth.

The list of vitamins for hair loss is headed by B vitamins. Firstly, it is vitamin B7 – biotin, synthesized by intestinal microbiota. Normally, its serum concentration is negligible (no more than 0.8 ng/ml), and its deficiency in the body is noted in rare cases. Nevertheless, 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 keratin in hair and nails. It is believed that the daily intake of this vitamin in the adult body should be at the level of 30 mcg. [ 1 ]

Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinic acid, niacin), the accepted intake rate of which for 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 has a positive effect on 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 enzyme 5α-reductase, 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 recommended 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. When it is deficient – 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 ensure cellular metabolism, DNA replication, and hematopoiesis (the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow). It has been shown that B12 helps activate the cell differentiation signaling pathway and that its deficiency can lead to hair loss.

To prevent its deficiency, an adult needs to consume 2.4 mcg of B12 daily: there is evidence that 20% of adults over 60 years of age have a deficiency, leading not only to hair problems, but also to a decrease in cognitive functions (dementia). Read also - Deficiency of B vitamins [ 4 ]

The list of vitamins necessary for strengthening 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 with 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 helps against hair loss in the same way as vitamin C, because it is also an antioxidant. This vitamin also maintains the protective lipid layer of the scalp, ensuring its normal condition. The daily norm of vitamin E for adults is 15 mg (22.4 IU); [ 7 ]
• Vitamin D, which helps strengthen the immune system, bone strength, and healthy skin (by stimulating cell growth). It is believed that it also plays a role in hair growth, but what this role is is still unknown. However, it has been noted that people with a vitamin D deficiency begin to have problems with their hair. In such cases, it is recommended to take at least 15 mcg (600 IU) per day, and for older people - at least 20 mcg (800 IU). [ 8 ]

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

Microelements for hair loss

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

Iron and zinc are considered the main ones against hair loss. However, the connection between iron deficiency and hair loss has not been definitively proven, although some researchers insist that it does exist. And they confirm this 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 existing hair stops growing and gradually falls out, and more than 30% of hair (instead of the usual 5-10%) enters a temporary resting phase (telogen). In detail - Telogen and anagen hair loss [ 9 ]

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

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

Release form

The most common and most appropriate form of release from a pharmacological point of view 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 Angie), capsules of vitamin E or A; two-component Aevit (A + E), and, of course, vitamin complexes for hair loss with a set of microelements. More information in the article - Tablets for hair loss

Hair vitamins in ampoules – injection solutions of nicotinic acid (1%), cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine (5%); oil solution of tocopherol for injection (5% and 10%); ampoules with compositions containing vitamins for external use (usually these are cosmeceutical products from various manufacturers).

And liquid vitamins for hair loss are the same solutions (oil or water), as well as drops (vitamin D is released in this form). There are also products for enhancing 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 androgenic alopecia must 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), and also the review - Vitamins with zinc
• vitamins for hair loss and nail splitting – 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 full information about them is in the materials - Vitamins for men against baldness and Vitamins for hair for men

The following vitamins are recommended for hair loss in women:

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

The Alphabet Cosmetic dietary supplement is declared as a women's vitamin – with a full range of vitamins and microelements, supplemented with extracts of medicinal plants.

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

Let's name other pharmacy vitamins for hair loss:

• a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals Perfectil and Perfectil Plus (British manufacturer Vitabiotics), Unicap M (Ferrosan, Denmark), Actival Max (Beres 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.
• vitamin and mineral complex Alerana (RF);

And dietary supplements for hair with vitamins include:

• Ducray ANAcaps or Ducray vitamins (France) with soy glycine and lecithin;
• Merz vitamins – Merz Spezial Dragees (Merz Special Dragees);
• Pantovigar (Merz Pharma, Germany) and the slightly different drugs Revalid (TEBA, Hungary) and Fitoval (Krka, Slovenia);
• Solgar (Solgar Vitamin & Herb, USA).

The dietary supplement Zincite is zinc sulfate (in the form of effervescent tablets).

Pharmacodynamics

After oral administration 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 organ tissues. 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 administration, the blood level reaches its maximum.

All B vitamins are water-soluble and are coenzymes – non-protein substances that bind to enzyme proteins that mediate all metabolic processes in the body. They are easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic bloodstream; 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 oral administration. In the body, it is converted into pyridoxal-5-phosphate – one of the most important coenzymes.

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

Biotin, which has a carboxyl group, binds to the aliphantic amino acid lysine (to form biocytin) and also begins to function as a coenzyme in the metabolism 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 participates in the formation of two important coenzymes (NAD and NADP), which are necessary for all intra-tissue oxidation-reduction reactions and the regulation of cellular differentiation.

Pharmacokinetics

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

Thus, 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 to form an active metabolite, part of the vitamin C is broken down into 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 its deposits are localized in the liver, heart muscle and partially 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, liver tissue, kidneys and adrenal glands. Excretion is renal (about 70-75% is excreted unchanged).

Dosing and administration

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

Parenteral use - injections of vitamins for hair loss - intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 (for cobalamin, this method of administration is preferable in the case of its severe deficiency in pernicious or megaloblastic anemia, as well as in patients with neurological complications) will be useful only for the treatment of hair loss caused by a deficiency of this vitamin.

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

The mask should be applied to clean and dry scalp, rub the vitamins into the skin with fingers soaked in oil, massaging. If dandruff is present, add four drops of rosemary essential oil. Rinse off after 30-45 minutes; wash with a mild shampoo; repeat twice a week for three weeks, after which a break of several days is needed.

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

In the same way, you can add fat-soluble vitamins to your anti-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 vitamin complexes intended for adults for children. Regular 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 products used specifically in pediatrics.

Please note that the instructions for vitamins for adults list their use in children under 12-14 years of age among the contraindications. Dietary supplements (BAA) are also not used for children.

For information on what vitamins to give to children for hair loss, read – Vitamins for Children, and also – Children's Vitamins

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

Use hair loss vitamins 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 a doctor without fail.

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

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

Contraindications

Biotin should not be given 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.

Contraindications for vitamin B6 include gastric ulcers, liver inflammation, and cardiac ischemia.

It is strongly recommended that patients with diabetes mellitus and urolithiasis with oxalate stones not take vitamin C.

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

In case of functional kidney failure and the presence of stones in the kidneys, as well as in case of tuberculosis and calcium metabolism disorders, vitamin D should not be used.

Side effects hair loss vitamins

Taking vitamin B6 can cause side effects in the form of a skin allergic reaction, including dermatitis; headache and dizziness; nausea and stomach pain; cardialgia, shortness of breath and heart rate disturbances; numbness of the extremities and cramps.

The most pronounced side effects of biotin are gastrointestinal disorders 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, changes in blood glucose levels, a decrease in blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia.

The development of an allergic reaction, the appearance of a feeling of shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common side effects of vitamin D.

Overdose

What are the risks of vitamin overdose? Research shows that long-term excess doses of vitamin A can contribute to hair loss and also have a negative impact on the health of koi.

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

Excessive intake of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding. And signs of vitamin D overdose include 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, paresthesia of the extremities (with impaired coordination of movements) almost always appear, 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 may not only be neutral or mutually reinforcing (synergistic): their incompatibility is possible. Thus, vitamins A, B3, B6 and B7 enhance each other's action; vitamins A, C and E. But cyanocobalamin is practically incompatible 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 containing heparin and indirect anticoagulants.

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

Niacin combined 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 (not above +25°C).

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

It is difficult to say how popular the products listed in the review are (among doctors, patients or pharmacists?): no one has studied this issue from the point of view of effectiveness. Therefore, any rating will look incorrect one way or another.

And we would like to remind you that the best source of vitamins necessary for hair growth is daily food products. Which ones? Read about it – Hair Products