DEAR DR. GOTT:
Someone told me that prenatal vitamins are beneficial for women with hair loss. I found it odd, but maybe there’s something in the ingredients that would promote hair growth. Have you, or perhaps your readers, heard of this?
DEAR READER:
While no formal studies have been conducted, there are reports of pregnant women who have taken prenatal vitamins and have noticed an increase in hair thickness and growth.
Prenatal vitamins differ from regular multi-vitamins in that they contain elevated amounts of calcium, iron and folic acid. An increase in calcium is required because a woman needs stronger bones to be able to carry the additional weight of a baby to full-term. Additional iron is necessary because it helps the body make new blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Folic acid has been proven to prevent spina bifida, a neural tube defect.
Folic acid is one of the B complex vitamins available in many hair-growth formulas on the market today. It is reported to cause hair to grow faster, and the strands to become thicker. According to several hair loss experts and dermatologists there are various ways to treat hair loss. Rogaine is an excellent choice but if you choose to go a more natural route, they recommend that blood tests be done to rule out anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and copper deficiency. Biotin, B vitamins, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids (such as omega 3 oil) are all necessary for proper hair, skin and nail health. Saw palmetto has shown promise in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia which is caused by the some of the same hormones that cause hair loss.
If you choose to try a vitamin regimen I recommend you use a multi-vitamin since you are not pregnant. If you want to read more about natural hair loss treatments, I recommend you go to www.WebMD.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/features/treating-hair-loss-naturally?page=1. Let me know how you make out.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Fads: Vitamins and Minerals”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott