Do They Work?
It's hard to say if hair vitamins really do any good. Certainly the manufacturers' advertising material is full of testimonials from satisfied customers. But there's no way to tell how many people tried the product without success—or even if the testimonials are real.
There is good medical evidence supporting the idea that protein deficiency can damage hair, but Americans (particularly those who can afford luxuries like hair vitamins) rarely experience the severe malnutrition that would lead to problems. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause brittle, unhealthy-looking hair or even hair loss. These effects have mostly been studied in people with severe deficiencies related to illness or poor nutrition, not in healthy people who eat a balanced diet.
On the other hand, there is very little scientific evidence concerning slight vitamin deficiencies and the appearance of hair. People who don't eat properly may well benefit from supplements. So might vegetarians and vegans, because some nutrients are obtained more efficiently from animal products than from plants. We know that B-Vitamins (including Biotin and Vitamin B12), Vitamin C, Copper, Zinc, and other nutrients are important to the development and growth of hair. Will taking extra doses of these vitamins and minerals help your hair? It might. There's no good evidence either way.
Iron and Hair Loss
Some pharmaceutical companies claim that anemia causes hair loss. Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells, often related to iron deficiency. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, delivering it to tissues including your scalp and hair follicles.
There may be something to the vitamin manufacturers' claim. Several scientific studies have linked hair loss and iron deficiency. The evidence isn't perfect, however: other studies failed to find a connection. But it's strong enough that many doctors check patients' iron levels when evaluating hair loss.
How does iron deficiency cause hair problems? Some hair vitamin companies claim that lack of iron actually "suffocates" your scalp: that when you're anemic, your blood can't deliver enough oxygen to keep your hair healthy. Other researchers think low iron may interfere with DNA production. Hair follicle cells reproduce very quickly, and they use iron in the process. If there's not enough iron, the cells may not be able to make healthy hair.
Check with your doctor before starting supplements containing iron, to find out if you really need them and if they're safe for you.
Herbal Supplements
Some hair supplements contain exotic-sounding herbs, often with Asian names. He Shou Wu, derived from the plant ‘’polygonum multiflorum’’, is traditionally thought to reverse graying hair and promote hair growth. In fact, the herb does have some antioxidant properties, as do some of the more familiar vitamins. Whether it really makes hair healthier isn't known. He Shou Wu has been known to cause liver inflammation, so people with liver problems probably shouldn’t take this herb and others should be cautious.
Saw Palmetto is another popular ingredient, primarily in products that offer to reverse hair loss in men. Saw palmetto is known to block the action of a certain male hormone which contributes to male pattern baldness. The idea makes sense—but, as with most supplements, the results aren't proven. Side effects of saw palmetto may include upset stomach and decreased sexual desire.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Because protein is important for healthy hair, some hair vitamins contain amino acids. However, the typical American diet provides all the protein we need. It's doubtful that the extra amino acids in the vitamin pills will make a difference. On the other hand, there aren't any scientific studies looking at amino acid supplements and the health of hair—so it's really up to the consumer whether to give them a try.
Are Hair Vitamins Safe?
The safety of each product depends on what's in it and how it's used, as well as on the medical history and general health of the person taking it. It's possible to overdose on some vitamins and minerals. Supplements may also interact with other medications you're taking. It's always smart to check with your health care provider before starting any supplement.
This info is from http://hair.lovetoknow.com/Hair_Vitamins
It's hard to say if hair vitamins really do any good. Certainly the manufacturers' advertising material is full of testimonials from satisfied customers. But there's no way to tell how many people tried the product without success—or even if the testimonials are real.
There is good medical evidence supporting the idea that protein deficiency can damage hair, but Americans (particularly those who can afford luxuries like hair vitamins) rarely experience the severe malnutrition that would lead to problems. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause brittle, unhealthy-looking hair or even hair loss. These effects have mostly been studied in people with severe deficiencies related to illness or poor nutrition, not in healthy people who eat a balanced diet.
On the other hand, there is very little scientific evidence concerning slight vitamin deficiencies and the appearance of hair. People who don't eat properly may well benefit from supplements. So might vegetarians and vegans, because some nutrients are obtained more efficiently from animal products than from plants. We know that B-Vitamins (including Biotin and Vitamin B12), Vitamin C, Copper, Zinc, and other nutrients are important to the development and growth of hair. Will taking extra doses of these vitamins and minerals help your hair? It might. There's no good evidence either way.
Iron and Hair Loss
Some pharmaceutical companies claim that anemia causes hair loss. Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells, often related to iron deficiency. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, delivering it to tissues including your scalp and hair follicles.
There may be something to the vitamin manufacturers' claim. Several scientific studies have linked hair loss and iron deficiency. The evidence isn't perfect, however: other studies failed to find a connection. But it's strong enough that many doctors check patients' iron levels when evaluating hair loss.
How does iron deficiency cause hair problems? Some hair vitamin companies claim that lack of iron actually "suffocates" your scalp: that when you're anemic, your blood can't deliver enough oxygen to keep your hair healthy. Other researchers think low iron may interfere with DNA production. Hair follicle cells reproduce very quickly, and they use iron in the process. If there's not enough iron, the cells may not be able to make healthy hair.
Check with your doctor before starting supplements containing iron, to find out if you really need them and if they're safe for you.
Herbal Supplements
Some hair supplements contain exotic-sounding herbs, often with Asian names. He Shou Wu, derived from the plant ‘’polygonum multiflorum’’, is traditionally thought to reverse graying hair and promote hair growth. In fact, the herb does have some antioxidant properties, as do some of the more familiar vitamins. Whether it really makes hair healthier isn't known. He Shou Wu has been known to cause liver inflammation, so people with liver problems probably shouldn’t take this herb and others should be cautious.
Saw Palmetto is another popular ingredient, primarily in products that offer to reverse hair loss in men. Saw palmetto is known to block the action of a certain male hormone which contributes to male pattern baldness. The idea makes sense—but, as with most supplements, the results aren't proven. Side effects of saw palmetto may include upset stomach and decreased sexual desire.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Because protein is important for healthy hair, some hair vitamins contain amino acids. However, the typical American diet provides all the protein we need. It's doubtful that the extra amino acids in the vitamin pills will make a difference. On the other hand, there aren't any scientific studies looking at amino acid supplements and the health of hair—so it's really up to the consumer whether to give them a try.
Are Hair Vitamins Safe?
The safety of each product depends on what's in it and how it's used, as well as on the medical history and general health of the person taking it. It's possible to overdose on some vitamins and minerals. Supplements may also interact with other medications you're taking. It's always smart to check with your health care provider before starting any supplement.
This info is from http://hair.lovetoknow.com/Hair_Vitamins
