Health - Wellness
The Vitamin You Need If Your Hair Won't Grow
By KHARISSA FORTE
A 2011 review in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta found that vitamin A produces sebum, which moisturizes the scalp. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and kale are some foods that contain ample amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. B vitamins are essential as well, as they deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the hair and scalp.
Eating whole grains, almonds, fish, and dark, leafy greens can help make sure you get enough vitamin B. If you're on a plant-based diet, be sure to take a B12 supplement, as it's primarily found in animal byproducts. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and can be found in strawberries, peppers, and citrus fruits.
Vitamin E is good for hair growth because it prevents oxidative stress, and even iron can help your hair. Eggs, red meat, and spinach are a few foods that are high in iron, and if you take an iron supplement, consume vitamin C with it for better absorption.
Zinc helps ensure oil glands around the hair perform their job properly in terms of growth and repair, but too much zinc can cause hair loss, so be careful. Zinc can be found in oysters, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.