If you are delving into the world of supplements to see what might help out with your hair woes, you probably don’t have to search very long to come across sources touting a B-complex vitamin for hair growth and loss prevention.
However, is there actually any truth behind popping a B-complex every morning and better hair or slowed hair loss? Let’s find out.
Below, we will cover just what vitamins make up a B-complex supplement, how B-vitamins aid in general hair health, discuss if taking a B-complex can help with hair growth or slow hair loss, let you know how to increase your B-vitamin intake, and review any potential downsides to supplementing with a B-complex.
As the name suggests, a B-complex vitamin doesn’t contain just one B vitamin, it contains all 8 B vitamins.
The B vitamins are:
When you purchase a B-complex supplement, it should be expected that all 8 vitamins are included. But, check the label of your exact product just to be sure.
B vitamins are related to your hair because they play a role in healthy hair growth and general maintenance of growing strands and hair follicles.
There is currently not a lot of evidence that mixing in a B-complex supplement can help increase your hair growth or slow hair loss and shedding if you currently are getting in adequate B vitamins through your diet (or even other supplements like a multivitamin).
However, there is some evidence that a deficiency in certain B vitamins may lead to slowed growth or increased shedding. For instance, very low B12 levels can cause a form of anemia called pernicious anemia. Untreated anemia can lead to lowered levels of red blood cells to transport oxygen and nutrients around your body and may increase hair shedding or lead to declines in hair growth rates. Also, deficiencies of Biotin can cause loss of hair and hair thinning.
If you are suffering from a deficiency of B vitamins which is contributing to hair thinning or slowed growth, correcting the deficiency by taking a B-complex may lead to hair improvements for you.
But, if you are currently not deficient in B vitamins, there is not evidence that cranking up your B vitamin intake will help with hair loss concerns.
If you suspect that you have a B-vitamin deficiency, or your doctor has told you that a deficiency is present, you will want to correct that by eating more B-vitamin-rich foods or including a supplement. Be sure to go with your doctor’s recommendations and guidance in the case of a deficiency.
Foods that are rich in the various B vitamins include:
Using foods to meet your nutritional needs is best, but if you want to go the route of supplementation, you can choose a B-complex vitamin or a multivitamin which also includes the B vitamins. Always discuss with your doctor any worries you may have about a nutrient deficiency, as well as if a supplement is appropriate for you.
All of the B vitamins are water-soluble. This means that if you eat or supplement more than your body needs for that day, the extra will not be stored (or build up), but will be excreted through your urine.
Since B vitamins are water-soluble and a normal part of a healthy diet, most people do not experience any negative side effects from supplementation.
However, it is possible to go overboard in extreme situations. If a very large amount of some B vitamins are consumed, you may experience temporary nerve problems, low blood pressure, flushing, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and with long-term high-dose over-supplementation, liver concerns.
If you do choose to supplement your B vitamins, follow the instructions of your package and do not take more than what is recommended. Also, speak with your doctor if you have any health concerns including kidney or liver problems to make sure supplementation is a good choice for you.
Including a B-complex supplement or planning out your diet better to include more B-vitamin-rich foods may be a good component of a well-rounded hair loss plan of action. But, unless your hair loss is completely stemming from a B-vitamin deficiency, it is unlikely to correct the issue on its own.
Most forms of hair loss are due to Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss. Androgenetic Alopecia is a hereditary and hormonal form of hair loss.
Here at Strut, we carry a variety of oral and topical hair loss medications meant to target Androgenetic Alopecia to potentially help slow the progression of hair loss. In some users, they may even experience hair regrowth to some extent, if started early.
We utilize active ingredients like Finasteride, Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and others to craft formulations that suit your needs and goals. Since some of the formulations are compounded, they can be customized to include multiple active ingredients in 1 easy formula, or can be customized to suit your preferences.
To get started, simply select a base formulation that you are interested in, and complete a free online questionnaire and image-based telemedicine consultation with our U.S. doctors in under 15 minutes. Your information will be reviewed, and a prescription will be issued, if appropriate for you. Then, your prescription will be made up at a U.S. compounding pharmacy and shipped to your front door.
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
