Do Supplements Affect Thinning Hair, They Might!

Supplements for stronger, healthier hair

The subject of using supplements or vitamins to improve the condition of your hair used to be a more controversial subject. Now that multiple research studies have been conducted with small groups over a period of weeks and months, there is anecdotal evidence that some supplements may affect specific aspects of hair health.

If you are experiencing thinning hair or see an alarming amount of hair in the shower or tub, have areas where your scalp is more visible including around natural parts, or shed hair periodically, you may be concerned as to whether all your hair is eventually going to continue thinning. 

“The causes of hair loss in elderly women may be multi-factorial. 

Among 100 adult women with diffuse hair loss in one study, probable causes were determined to be psychological stress (30%), fever (33%), abortion and delivery (21%), trauma or surgical operations (13%), and hypothyroidism (10%). More than 50 percent of women had more than one likely cause of hair loss while a cause could not be determined in six percent.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/

What To Do When You Notice Thinning Hair

The first thing you should do if you notice your hair is thinning is to speak with your physician. Hair loss can be a symptom of other conditions, including thyroid function, and vitamin D deficiency. It is important you rule out other conditions, and discuss with your doctor whether hair vitamin supplements are safe or might conflict with other medications.

While thinning hair and increased hair loss may be a normal and natural sign of aging, if there is an easy fix your doctor can help you with, jump on it before you lose more hair unnecessarily. As we age, lost hair is not alway replaced so keeping your hair healthy should be a priority.

When we talk about supplements that may improve the strength, volume and shine of your hair, there are three supplements that have been evaluated in research studies including, biotin, silica (or silicon), and Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, and the third most abundant trace element in human body. It is present in water, plant and animal sources. On the skin, it is suggested that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydroxylating enzymes, improving skin strength and elasticity.


Biotin can promote thicker hair growth and nice long nails

Silica is a vital property of collagen, the chemical that's responsible for strong and healthy hair, skin and nails. Silica should only be ingested in it’s edible form and can also be injected through food, some brands of mineral water, and herbal supplements like Horsetail. Silica is often recommended for prevention or treatment for adults with osteoporosis.

Herbs like Horsetail should be used with caution as it is a powerful diuretic and may not be suitable for individuals with advanced diabetes, kidney, bladder or other medical issues. Again, always talk to your physician before adding supplements and herbs as they can have power effects and possibly conflict with other medications you may be taking.

Research Studies Show Improvements

 “In 1972, two studies by two different research groups showed that silicon was an essential element in chickens and mice.16,17 These experiments demonstrated that nutritional deficiencies of silicon led to skeletal deformities such as abnormal skull and long bone structures, as well as malformed joints with cartilage poor content. Thus, an important role of silicon in bone mineralization was demonstrated.

After that, several studies showed silicon participation in different mechanisms, with positive results associated with higher concentrations of this element in the blood in patients with osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, skin aging and fragile hair and nails.” 

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC493827

This article was composed by guest blogger Rebecca Yeaman