Vitamins, proteins and minerals are the general nutrients that are required for healthy hair. These nutrients are present in the food we take. Lack of these nutrients causes several problems like hair loss, thinning of hair, shedding, brittleness, premature graying, dandruff, and so on. Hence, vitamins are very important in order to have healthy hair.

The main vitamins that influences the health of hair are; vitamin A (produces healthy sebum in the scalp), vitamin C (antioxidant), vitamin E (improves scalp circulation), Biotin (produces Keratin), Inositol (keeps hair follicles healthy), Niacin (promotes scalp circulation) and pantothenic acid, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 that prevent graying and hair loss. Of these, vitamin E is found to have a significant influence on the health of not just hair but also skin and fingernails.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that aids effective circulation in the scalp due to increased oxygen uptake in blood. It aids in supplying oxygen to the blood and thus retards cellular aging. Its anti-oxidating property also helps it to alleviate fatigue, strengthen capillary walls and bring nourishment to cells. It also prevents and dissolves clots in the blood. Vitamin E is used to prevent sterility and also other diseases like muscular dystrophy.

Vitamin E is found in the following food sources: cold pressed vegetable oils, soybeans, wheat germ oil, broccoli, grains, spinach, dried beans, nuts, ready to eat cereals, raw seeds, eggs and green leafy vegetables. A daily dose of 10 milligram of vitamin E is generally recommended for adult males and 8 milligram for adult females. Another source of vitamin E is artificial vitamin supplements available in the form of tablets or capsules. However, vitamin E is found to have some side effects like high blood pressure and reduction in blood clotting. Hence, it should be consumed only after consultation with a specialist.

By: Kent Pinkerton