The vitamin B complex is made up of numerous key vitamins that are important for keeping healthy hair. This blog explains how each B vitamin contributes to hair health.
Understanding Vitamin B Complex
The vitamin B complex is a group of eight vitamins that all help with cell metabolism, which means they help your body produce energy to fuel itself. However, some of these eight B vitamins are also known to have hair-related advantages. While vitamins can be obtained through diet, some individuals prefer to take vitamin B supplements to ensure that they receive all of the benefits of the vitamin B complex.
What is Vitamin B Complex?
The vitamin B complex is a set of eight water-soluble vitamins that promote cell growth and metabolism. While a well-balanced and healthy diet can meet your daily requirements, we live in a time when fast and convenient meals may contain fewer vitamins than our bodies require. Supplementing with B vitamins ensures that we get thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, biotin (B7), folate, and vitamin B12.
Different Types of B Vitamins
There are eight types of vitamin B:
-
Thiamine (vitamin B1).
-
Riboflavin (B2)
-
Niacin (B3)
-
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
-
Pyridoxine (B6).
-
Biotin (B7)
-
Folate or 'folic acid' when included in supplements (B9)
-
Cyanocobalamin (B12).
Importance of Vitamin B Complex for Overall Health
B vitamins serve a variety of activities, including facilitating the release of energy through metabolism and supporting the neurological system. The vitamin B complex is also beneficial for sleep difficulties, irritability, exhaustion, anaemia, mental health symptoms, and dermatitis, among other things.
Benefits of Vitamin B Complex for Hair
B vitamins help enzymes in our bodies work properly while also fostering healthy new cell turnover throughout the body. They are also known for offering assistance and support.
-
Red blood cells are healthy.
-
Relieve stress
-
Reduces depression and anxiety.
-
Convert food into energy to support the metabolism.
-
Healthy brain function.
-
Maintain energy levels
-
Support the liver, heart, and kidneys.
-
Promote hair growth and maintain healthy hair.
Promoting Hair Growth
B vitamins promote hair development because they play an important part in the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the scalp and allow hair follicles to produce new hair. There are eight B-vitamins. Biotin, often known as vitamin H, is a popular alternative treatment for hair loss.
Strengthening Hair Follicles
B vitamins, zinc, and a minimum of 2,000 international units of vitamin D. Both B vitamins and zinc benefit hair follicle health, with B vitamins aiding in the production of red blood cells. And vitamin D may help create new ones.
Preventing Hair Loss
Vitamin B12 promotes hair development. When the body lacks this vital nutrient, it can impair normal follicle function and result in excessive shedding. The good news is that detecting and addressing the symptoms of B12 deficiency early on will help you restore your hair to normal.
How to Incorporate Vitamin B Complex into Your Routine
Diet:
-
Eggs contain biotin and other B vitamins.
-
Dairy products contain riboflavin, vitamin B12, and biotin.
-
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are high in folate and other B vitamins.
-
Legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are high in folate and other B vitamins.
-
Whole grains contain a variety of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate.
-
Almonds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts contain biotin, niacin, and folate.
-
Chicken, turkey, and lean meats are good sources of niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
-
Salmon, trout, and tuna contain high levels of vitamin B12, niacin, and biotin.
-
Fruits rich in vitamin B6 and folate include bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits.
Lifestyle Practices:
-
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to improve overall health, including your hair.
-
Maintain a balanced diet to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need, including B vitamins. This is an example of healthy eating habits.
-
Frequent exercise helps your blood flow, which in turn helps your hair follicles receive nutrients.
-
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to promote overall health and stress management, which can have an impact on hair health.
Vitamin B Rich Foods
It is best to get vitamins from your diet. Some food sources of the B complex vitamins are:
-
Whole grains
-
Vegetables, including dark leafy greens.
-
Meats, such as beef liver and poultry
-
Fish
-
Whole eggs.
-
Beans and legumes.
-
Nuts
-
Avocados
Top Vitamin B Complex Supplements
The B complex vitamins include:
-
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine
-
B2, or Riboflavin
-
B3 or niacin
-
B5, also known as pantothenic acid
-
B6, also known as pyridoxine
-
B7, also known as biotin
-
B9, also known as folate
-
B12, also known as cobalamin
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Vitamin B Complex
Now that you have learned about the sources of various B vitamins and how much of them you should consume each day, consider these tips to help you get the most out of these nutrients::
-
Take them in the morning: If you have been wondering, "What time of day should I take vitamin B complex supplements?" this is the answer. As previously stated, vitamin B may help boost your energy levels, and you will certainly need more of it in the morning.
-
Consider taking them with food or a glass of water: While vitamin B complex supplements can be taken on an empty stomach, because they are water-soluble vitamins, they should be taken with a glass of water. Particularly if your formula contains vitamin B12, it will be better absorbed with a meal.
-
Do not take with a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement: This is true if you are taking a vitamin B12 supplement or formula containing it. Taking supplements containing these two nutrients together may reduce the amount of vitamin B12 in your body. Take your vitamin B12 or vitamin B complex supplement first, then wait at least two hours before taking the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement.
-
Ask your doctor about vitamin B complex supplements for you: It would not hurt to speak with your doctor or dermatologists about taking vitamin B complex supplements. They can help you learn more about their benefits, identify specific vitamins you may need based on your current health status, and determine whether you are deficient in certain nutrients.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Hair Health with Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B promotes hair development and maintains hair health, making it an important part of your post-hair transplant care routine. Remember to check with your doctor or a nutritionist before starting any new supplements to verify they are safe and appropriate for you.