Folic Acid for Transforming Hair Growth: Benefits and Uses

Folic acid is primarily responsible for healthy cell growth. Cells that are found in skin tissue as well as your hair and nails. Additionally, folic acid helps keep red blood cells healthy.

Folic acid is a type of vitamin. When this nutrient is found naturally in foods it is called folate and the manufactured version of this nutrient in supplements is called folic acid.

A study published in early 2017 found folic acid and vitamins B-7 and B-12 to be responsible for premature graying of hair.

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There is a link between folic acid and hair loss, folic acid deficiency can lead to many health problems including hair problems. Folate deficiency anemia occurs when there is a deficiency of folic acid in the blood. This deficiency can occur if you don't eat enough folic acid-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and fortified cereals, yeast and meat. Drinking too much alcohol and taking certain medications can also cause folic acid deficiency. Due to which in some cases the hair becomes thin and hair starts falling. To prevent folic acid deficiency and get the benefits of folic acid for hair, you can use pills to aid hair growth.

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The recommended daily dose of folic acid for adult men and women is 400 micrograms (mcg). If adequate folate is not obtained from diet, supplements may be taken. If there is too little folate in the body, it can lead to folate deficiency anemia which has the following symptoms, such as:

• Headache

• irritability

• yellowness of skin

• Changes in hair and nail color

• Tiredness

• pain in mouth

• Hair loss

If you are not deficient in folate, you do not need to take folic acid supplements for healthy hair as sometimes taking too much of folic acid can be unsafe.

Sometimes taking too much folic acid does not cause symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which can cause damage to the nervous system.

Folic acid is made as a supplement by adding it to multivitamins or separately. Talk to your doctor to find out how much folic acid you need.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women should take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Many times we see that the hair of pregnant women starts growing faster, this is probably due to folic acid and not due to pregnancy.

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Although supplements are available to overcome the deficiency of folic acid, its deficiency can also be overcome by taking a balanced diet.

Some whole foods are natural sources of folate, such as:

• beans

• Broccoli

• citrus fruits

• green leafy vegetables

• Meat

• Chicken

• wheat germ

• Orange juice

To get more folic acid in your diet, you can also include fortified foods like fortified cereals, white rice and bread.

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• Hair growth: Folic acid plays an important role in cell regeneration, which makes hair grow faster. It nourishes the hair follicles, making the hair healthy.

• Prevents hair fall: Folic acid strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair fall and keeps your hair thick.

• Reduce gray hair: Folic acid can also slow down the graying of hair. It is helpful in maintaining the natural color of hair.
• Hair and nails growth : In addition to its benefits for hair, folic acid also promotes the growth of healthy, strong nails.
• Healthy Skin: The benefits of folic acid are not only for hair and nails but also for healthy skin.

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It is simple to include folic acid in your hair care routine like –

Take folic acid tablets: Folic acid tablets are easily available and can be taken as per the recommended dosage. These pills are a quick and easy way to get the benefits of folic acid for hair.

Include folic acid-rich foods in your diet: Foods like leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and legumes contain high amounts of folic acid. Including these in your daily diet will provide essential nutrients to your hair.

Using folic acid-containing shampoos and conditioners: Some shampoos, conditioners and hair serums contain folic acid. Their use can be beneficial for hair growth and health.

Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement.

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Folic acid is an important vitamin for hair health because it helps with the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair. Folic acid deficiency can lead to thinning hair and hair loss, making it a vital component for hair growth. Including folic acid supplements in your hair care routine along with proper hair care can help in making hair strong and healthy.