An optimal level of Vitamin B12 can prevent hair loss and greying, boost hair growth, and keep your hair moisturised and strong. A sufficient intake of Vitamin B12 nurtures your hair strands and enhances their overall health. Read on to learn more about the Vitamin B12 benefits for hair.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is considered to be one of the eight vital B vitamins responsible for the production of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), cellular energy production, and neurological function. Vitamin B12 easily dissolves in water and can remain in your body longer than other water-soluble vitamins. It is also a critical nutrient that provides oxygen to your hair follicles and skin cells.
Does Vitamin B12 deficiency cause hair loss?
Being deficient in Vitamin B12 can lead to serious hair problems, including excessive hair loss. Due to the absence of RBCs in your body, several functions, such as blood circulation to your hair follicles, slow down. This can ultimately result in scalp dryness and accelerate hair shedding. Here are signs you should look for to identify B12 deficiency in your body:
Signs and symptoms
- Anemic body
- Pale skin
- Weakness or fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nerve damage
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Memory loss
Why is Vitamin B12 good for hair?
Vitamin B12 helps RBCs supply oxygen to your hair strands. Your hair growth can be hampered without an adequate supply of oxygen through tiny blood vessels present in your hair follicles. A low RBC count can eventually lead to partial or complete baldness or faster hair loss.
How does Vitamin B12 work for hair growth?
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Reduces hair loss
Vitamin B12 helps prevent hair loss by producing keratin, a protein responsible for strengthening your hair strands. This reduces hair breakage and prevents strands from becoming weak or brittle.
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Improves hair texture and shine
Vitamin B12 nourishes the strands and makes your hair shinier overall. It also enhances the quality and texture of your hair.
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Maintains scalp health
Another known benefit of Vitamin B12 for hair is its role in supporting a healthy scalp by aiding the production of natural oils present in the scalp.
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Prevents premature greying
It moisturises and conditions your hair, thereby reducing the risk of premature greying.
How to treat Vitamin B12 deficiency for hair loss?
Include sources of Vitamin B12 in your food
- Animal-based sources like eggs, dairy, meat, shellfish, and oysters
- Cereals and plant-based milk
Make necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Eat vitamin B12-rich food
- Exercise regularly
- Practice meditation, yoga or mindfulness to lower stress
Use oral supplements or medications to maintain the level of Vitamin B12
Taking oral supplements daily might be another way to prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency. You can even opt for Vitamin B12 injections to meet the prescribed level of this essential vitamin. Do consult a specialist who can help diagnose the deficiency medically.
Vitamin B12 vs other nutrients for hair health
Apart from Vitamin B12, there are numerous other nutrients that contribute to your hair health. These include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Selenium
- Zinc
A Vitamin B12 deficiency can disrupt your bodily functions and, if left untreated, it can cause serious hair problems like excessive hair shedding. You can address it right away with Traya’s Ultimate Hair Supplements combo, which bridges this gap of nutritional deficiency and maintains an adequate level of Vitamin B12 in your body. It combines the power of Ayurveda and dermatology to address the root causes of hair health.
FAQs on vitamin B12 for hair health
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Are there any hair-related symptoms in people with low Vitamin B12 levels?
Yes, there are some specific hair-related symptoms seen in those with Vitamin B12 deficiency. These include:
- Hair shedding
- Dry, brittle hair
- Thinning of hair on the scalp
- Premature greying of hair
- Receding hairline
- Unusual changes in the hair texture
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What are the Vitamin B12 benefits for hair?
Vitamin B12 boosts your hair growth, reduces hair breakage, supports a healthy scalp, reduces any premature greying, enhances hair texture, and moisturises your hair.
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What are the different food sources of Vitamin B12?
Meat, eggs & cheese, broccoli, fish, mangoes, melons, avocados, papayas, apricots, and other dairy products are good sources of Vitamin B12.
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Can Vitamin B12 supplements be paired with other vitamins?
Yes, Vitamin B12 can be combined with supportive vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and biotin for better results.
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What are the benefits of having Vitamin B12 for hair?
Having the right amount of Vitamin B12 has several advantages. These include:
- Prevents anaemia
- Reduces the possibility of major congenital disabilities during pregnancy
- Lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration
- Enhances your energy levels and mood
- Improves your heart health
- Prevents osteoporosis by maintaining your bone health
- Deters the loss of neurons, causing dementia and memory loss
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What is the recommended dosage prescribed for those with a Vitamin B12 deficiency?
A daily dosage of about 2.4 mcg is required to maintain the B12 levels. However, we recommend consulting an expert who can prescribe the appropriate dosage based on the severity of the deficiency and your health.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/
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