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Folic Acid for Hair Growth

Folic acid is the key element for hair loss treatment. Read on to know about the vitamins and minerals included in folic acid which enhance hair growth, and prevent hair loss.
Aastha Dogra
There are many reasons why hair loss occurs in both men and women, such as, due to the natural aging process, hereditary factors, hormonal imbalances, side effects of a medicine, medical conditions like alopecia, illnesses like thyroid problems, stress, and depression, and also due to a poor diet.
A diet which is inadequate, especially in the vitamins and minerals, that are very necessary for hair growth, is one of the major reasons behind pre-mature thinning or loss of hair.
The minerals and vitamins which are imperative for hair growth, are the B vitamins, i.e. vitamin B6, also known as biotin, inositol, vitamin B5, vitamin B3, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, and folic acid. Here is some information on these vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, for healthy hair growth.

Biotin and Folic Acid for Hair Growth

Biotin

Biotin or vitamin B6 should be made part of one's daily diet, as it makes the hair healthy, and also stimulates hair growth. Besides this, biotin is very beneficial for the skin too. Researches have shown that increasing the intake of Biotin helps in preventing male hair loss.
Some of the biotin rich foods are brown rice, peas, lentils, soybeans, sunflower seeds, brewer's yeast, and walnuts.

Folic Acid

Being a water-soluble vitamin, folic acid or vitamin B6, is very beneficial for the health of the hair. Folic acid helps in the formation of the red blood cells, and is also very important for maintaining the health of the central nervous system. It also helps in replacing the old cells of the body with new cells.
It is these properties of the folic acid, which make it important for the growth and development of the various cells, organs, tissues, and structures in the body, including the hair.
Although there exist myriad benefits of folic acid for hair, folic acid supplements should not be consumed without consulting your doctor. Foods rich in folic acid are green leafy vegetables, liver, rice, oranges, wheat, soybeans, and brewer's yeast.

Other Vitamins and Minerals for Hair Growth

Vitamin C

Intake of vitamin C helps in improving blood circulation in the scalp, thereby preventing baldness in the process. Foods rich in vitamin C are oranges, guava, lemon, strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and cabbage.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps in boosting the oxygen intake by the body, thus resulting in better functioning of bodily organs. Vitamin E enhances the immunity of a person too, thus preventing hair loss due to illnesses.

Zinc and Magnesium

Zinc and magnesium increase the immunity, and promote hair growth. Foods rich in zinc are wheat bran, shellfish, oysters, brewer's yeast, and pine nuts. Foods rich in magnesium are green vegetables such as spinach, beans, nuts, peas, nuts, and whole grain.

Dosage of Folic Acid for Hair Growth
In order to promote hair growth, besides eating the foods rich in biotin and folic acid, (along with other essential minerals and vitamins), a person can take supplements of these too. As mentioned, vitamin B9 or folic acid has tremendous benefits as far as hair growth is concerned. But how much folic acid is sufficient for hair growth?
Ideally, the dosage for its intake should be decided only after consulting a dermatologist. Normally, for men, regular dosage is 400 mcg, and for women, it is 200 mcg. However, follow the instructions given by the dermatologist religiously, as far as the vitamin B supplements are concerned, as over dosage can be very detrimental to the health.
There are various hair care products too, that are available in the market, which contain folic acid as an important ingredient. Applying such shampoos and conditioners on your hair is another way of using folic acid for hair care.
Before starting a course of folic acid for hair growth, it is very important to ascertain the exact cause of your hair loss. A person suffering from hair loss can start by getting his blood test done, as it is a good way to identify any vitamin deficiency. Also, when you do take vitamin supplements, remember to take them in moderation, for best results.
Disclaimer: The information provided  is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.