Is Vitamin B12 effective to reduce hair loss?
The idea of a B12 hair loss vitamin is not a new one. For many, B12 is a wonder vitamin — and for very good reason.
B12 and iron deficiency (anemia) go hand in hand, and anemia is a very common cause of hair loss. In reality, an adequate level of B12 is essential if you want to have healthy, full hair.
At any point in time, up to 15 per cent of the population is considered B12 deficient. Symptoms of a B12 deficiency can range from fatigue, weakness, poor memory and loss of appetite to constipation and weight loss.
The complicating factor for many people is that B12 is naturally found only in animal sources. That means that if you are a vegan, and don’t consume any animal products, you could be at risk of a B12 deficiency. In those cases, you might want to consider a supplement.
How Can B12 Help Hair Loss?
If your levels are low enough, and you want to use B12 as a hair loss vitamin, you may be able to have B12 injections. They will definitely boost your energy level and give your immune system a kick start. The injections are also though to have a positive impact on people coping with depression.
Recently, gels containing B12 have been tested. They are applied within the nose, with the B12 gradually being absorbed into your system. These intranasal B12 gels have not been subjected to extensive clinical testing to date, so they can’t yet be considered a B12 hair loss vitamin alternative — but they may become more accessible and popular in the future.
If you aren’t vegan, but worry you aren’t getting enough B12 in your diet, consider taking a multivitamin that contains B12. They are readily available, and inexpensive.
Also called cobalamine, B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system, as well as for optimum brain function. In addition to being linked to hair loss, a B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, brain fogginess and depression.
B12 deficiency is also commonly linked to people with stomach or digestive problems. In others, an underlying autoimmune condition can prevent B12 absorption. In these cases, B12 injections can be the best option.
B12 Hair Loss Vitamin: What Can It Do?
To use B12 as a hair loss vitamin, you need to consume at least 2 mcg a day. Some experts suggest that 3 mcg a day is necessary for maximum effectiveness. Anything less than 2 mcg will not impact or support hair growth.
B12 is easy enough to incorporate into your diet. Good sources of B12 include dairy products, meat, fish, poultry and eggs. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with B12, and can be a good source of this important nutrient. Clams and liver are also good alternatives.
Personally, I like the B12 gummy option, since I’m more likely to remember to take them.
You can also consider choosing a supplement that is rich in B12. The bonus with many of these supplements (like Zip Fizz) is that they contain an incredibly high concentration of B12. They promise to raise your B12 levels while perking you up considerably.
The end result is feeling like you’ve had a couple of cups of really strong coffee.
There are lots of options for B12 supplements in pill form as well, offering an easy, no fuss, no muss alternative.
