Budget dietary supplements for hair growth: myth or reality?
I. Hair: Growth bases and factors affecting it
A. Hair structure: Understanding the anatomy of the hair – rod, root, hair follicle – is necessary to realize the growth process. The rod consists of three layers: cuticles (protective outer layer), bark (the bulk containing melanin) and cerebral substance (medulla is not always present). The root is in the dermis and is protected by a follicle, where cell division that determine growth occurs.
B. Hair growth cycle: Hair growth – a cyclic process consisting of three phases:
-
Anagen (growth phase): This phase lasts from 2 to 7 years and determines the length of the hair. About 85-90% of the hair is in this phase. During the anagen, the cells in a hair follicle are actively divided, forming new hair.
-
Katagen (transition phase): This phase lasts about 2-3 weeks. Hair growth stops, and the follicle is compressed.
-
Telogen (Phase Salm): This phase lasts about 3 months. The hair is at rest and ultimately falls out, freeing up a place for a new hair. About 10-15% of the hair is in this phase.
C. Hair growth factors: Many factors can affect hair growth, including:
-
Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays an important role in determining the thickness, texture and hair growth rate. Heredity can affect the tendency to baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
-
Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for the health of the hair. The lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to a slowdown in growth, thinning and hair loss.
-
Hormones: Hormonal balance, especially the level of androgens (male hormones), estrogen (female hormones) and thyroid hormones, significantly affects hair growth. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or disorders in the thyroid gland, can cause temporary or constant hair loss.
-
Age: With age, hair growth rate slows down, hair becomes thinner and more prone to loss.
-
Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair growth, causing heterogeneous loss (hair loss in the heterogene phase).
-
Medical conditions: Some medical states, such as anemia, autoimmune diseases (for example, an area of an area) and scalp infections, can lead to hair loss.
-
Medicines: Some drugs, such as chemotherapy, antidepressants and anticoagulants, may have a side effect in the form of hair loss.
-
Hair care: Aggressive combing, frequent use of hot styling tools, tight hairstyles and chemical treatments can damage hair and slow down their growth.
D. Causes of hair loss: It is necessary to determine the cause of hair loss before starting any treatment, including intake of dietary supplements. Common reasons include:
-
Andogenetic alopecia: Hereditary baldness associated with the action of androgens on hair follicles.
-
Telogene loss: Temporary hair loss caused by stress, illness, pregnancy or medication.
-
Alopecia areata: Autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
-
Trichotillomania: A disorder in which a person cannot resist pulling out hair.
-
Scalp infections: Fungal or bacterial scalp infections.
-
Nutrient deficiency: Lack of iron, zinc, biotin and other nutrients.
II. The role of dietary supplements in maintaining hair health
A. What are dietary supplements: Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrated sources of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, plant extracts and other substances) intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases.
B. The mechanism of action of hair dietary supplements: Hair dietary supplements usually contain ingredients that are believed to support the health of hair follicles, stimulate hair growth and improve their structure. The mechanism of action of these ingredients may include:
-
Providing the necessary nutrients: Bades can replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals necessary for normal hair growth.
-
Improving blood circulation in the scalp: Some ingredients, such as niacin, can improve blood circulation in the scalp, providing the best nutrition of hair follicles.
-
Protection against oxidative stress: Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, can protect hair follicles from damage to free radicals.
-
Blocking DGT (digidrotestosterone): Some plant extracts, such as the palm, can block the action of DGT, hormone, which plays a role in the development of androgenetic alopecia.
C. The importance of consulting a doctor: Before you start taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or you take medicines, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor can determine the cause of hair loss and recommend the right treatment, including dietary supplements, if necessary. The uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements can be harmful to health.
III. Overview of the main components of dietary supplements for hair growth
A. Vitamins:
-
Vitamin A: It is necessary for the growth and development of cells, including cells of hair follicles. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry hair. However, excess vitamin and can also cause hair loss.
-
B vitamins B:
- Biotin (B7): It is often advertised as a vitamin for hair. Biotin deficiency is rare, but can lead to hair loss, dry skin and fragility of nails.
- Niacin (B3): Improves blood circulation in the scalp, providing the best nutrition of hair follicles.
- Pantotenic acid (B5): Participates in energy metabolism and is necessary for hair health.
- Vitamin B12: It is important for the formation of red blood cells that transfer oxygen to hair follicles. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to hair loss and anemia.
-
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that protects the hair follicles from damage to free radicals. It is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which strengthens the hair.
-
Vitamin D: He plays a role in the growth and development of hair. Vitamin D deficiency can be associated with hair loss.
-
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that improves blood circulation in the scalp and protects the hair follicles from damage.
B. Minerals:
-
Iron: It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells that transfer oxygen to hair follicles. Iron deficiency (anemia) is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women.
-
Zinc: Participates in growth and restoration of fabrics, including hair. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, deceleration of growth and dry scalp.
-
Selenium: An antioxidant that protects the hair follicles from damage.
-
Magnesium: Participates in numerous biochemical reactions in the body, including hair growth.
C. Amino acids:
-
L-Cistein: The main component of keratin, the protein made of which the hair consists of.
-
L-Lisin: Participates in collagen synthesis and can improve hair growth.
-
Methionine: Antioxidant and is involved in the synthesis of keratin.
D. Plant extracts:
-
Palma Sereena (Saw Palmetto): It is believed that it blocks the action of DGT, a hormone that plays a role in the development of androgenetic alopecia.
-
Green tea extract: Contains antioxidants that protect hair follicles from damage.
-
Horsetail: Contains silicon that strengthens the hair.
-
Burdock root: It is traditionally used to strengthen hair and stimulate their growth.
-
Nettle dioecious: Contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the hair.
E. Other ingredients:
-
Collagen: Protein that strengthens the hair and improves its elasticity.
-
Omega-3 fatty acids: They can improve the health of the scalp and reduce inflammation.
IV. Budget dietary supplements: Analysis of accessibility and efficiency
A. Criteria for evaluating “budgets”: The definition of “budget” subjectively, but for the purposes of this article we will consider budget dietary supplements that are available at a price below the market and do not contain rare or expensive ingredients. The price for a monthly rate of admission should not exceed a certain amount (for example, 500-1000 rubles, depending on the region and the general economic situation).
B. Review of popular budget dietary supplements and their compositions:
-
Group B vitamins (for example, Pentovit): Contain vitamins B1, B6, B12, PP and folic acid. Available at a low price and can be useful with a deficiency of these vitamins. However, the effectiveness for hair growth can be limited if there is no deficiency.
-
Beer yeast with zinc: A source of vitamins of group B and zinc. Available in various forms (tablets, powder) and at a low price. It can be useful with a deficiency of vitamins of group B and zinc.
-
Vitamin-mineral complexes of general action (for example, “complivitis”): They contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, E, E, Iron, Iron, Zinc and others. Available at a low price and can be beneficial for general health, but the content of specific ingredients for hair growth may be insufficient.
-
Bades based on horsetail extract of the field: Field horsetail is a source of silicon that strengthens the hair. Bades based on it are often available at a reasonable price.
-
Bades with zinc: Separate zinc drugs (for example, “zincerel”) can be an inexpensive way to fill in zinc deficiency.
-
Bades with iron: With a confirmed iron deficiency, iron preparations (for example, Sorbifer Durules, Ferrum Lek) will be a more effective and budgetary solution than complex dietary supplements.
C. Comparison of the efficiency and safety of budget and expensive dietary supplements:
-
Composition: Dear dietary supplements often contain a wider range of ingredients, including rare and expensive, as well as higher dosages of active substances. Budget dietary supplements usually contain a basic set of vitamins and minerals.
-
The quality of the ingredients: The quality of the ingredients may vary depending on the manufacturer. Dear dietary supplements often use better and bio -access forms of vitamins and minerals.
-
Clinical research: Dear dietary supplements are often undergoing clinical studies confirming their effectiveness. The effectiveness of budget dietary supplements is often based on empirical data and consumer reviews.
-
Safety: It is important to consider that both budget and expensive dietary supplements can have side effects and contraindications. Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor.
-
Efficiency: The effectiveness of dietary supplements for hair growth is an individual factor and depends on the cause of hair loss, general health and genetic predisposition. In some cases, budget dietary supplements can be quite effective, especially with a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. However, in more complex cases, more expensive and complex drugs or other treatment methods may be required.
D. Important factors when choosing a budget dietary supplement:
-
Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it contains the ingredients that, as you know, are useful for hair health.
-
Dosage: Pay attention to the dosage of active substances. The dosage should be sufficient to have a therapeutic effect, but not exceed a safe level.
-
Manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from well -known and trusted manufacturers who monitor the quality of their products.
-
Reviews: Read the reviews of other consumers to learn about their experience in using dietary supplements.
-
Consultation with a doctor: Consult a doctor to make sure that dietary supplement is safe for you and does not interact with other medicines that you take.
V. Myths and reality about budget dietary supplements for hair growth
A. Myth No. 1: Budget dietary supplements are useless.
Reality: This is not always the case. Budget dietary supplements can be useful if hair loss is caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals that are contained in these dietary supplements. For example, with iron deficiency, taking an inexpensive iron drug can significantly improve the condition of the hair. It is important to determine the cause of hair loss and choose a dietary supplement that corresponds to this reason.
B. Myth No. 2: Dear dietary supplements are always better than budget.
Reality: not always. Higher price does not guarantee a better result. Some expensive dietary supplements may contain the same ingredients as budget, but in higher dosages or in a more bio -access form. However, if you have no shortage of these ingredients, additional dosages will not bring any benefit. In addition, some expensive dietary supplements may contain marketing additives that have no effect on hair growth.
C. Myth No. 3: Bada is a panacea from hair loss.
Reality: dietary supplements are not a panacea from hair loss. They can be useful as an addition to the main treatment, but cannot solve the problem if hair loss is caused by hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases or other serious medical conditions. In such cases, you must consult a doctor and undergo appropriate treatment.
D. Myth No. 4: The more ingredients in the dietary supplement, the better.
Reality: This is not always the case. Too many ingredients in the dietary supplement can lead to the interaction between them and a decrease in efficiency. In addition, some ingredients can be harmful in high dosages. It is important to choose a dietary supplement that contains the ingredients you need in optimal dosages.
E. Myth No. 5: The result of the reception of dietary supplements will be visible immediately.
Reality: hair growth is a slow process. The result from the reception of dietary supplements will not be visible immediately, but after a few months. It is necessary to patient and take dietary supplements regularly to evaluate its effectiveness.
VI. How to take hair dietary supplements: recommendations and warnings
A. Dosage: Strictly observe the recommended dosage indicated on the Bad packaging. Do not exceed the dosage, as this can lead to side effects.
B. Duration of admission: The duration of the reception of dietary supplements can vary depending on the type of dietary supplement and the cause of hair loss. It is usually recommended to take dietary supplements for 3-6 months to evaluate their effectiveness.
C. A combination with other treatment methods: Bad can be combined with other methods of treating hair loss, such as the use of special shampoos and masks, scalp massage and physiotherapy. However, before the combination of dietary supplements with other treatment methods, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
D. Side effects: Some dietary supplements can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, allergic reactions and headaches. If you have any side effects, stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
E. Contraindications: Bades have contraindications, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies to dietary supplements and some medical conditions. Before taking Bad, you must familiarize yourself with contraindications and consult a doctor.
F. Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with some drugs by changing their effectiveness or causing side effects. If you take any medicine, inform the doctor before taking Bad.
G. Storage: Keep dietary supplements in dry, cool and inaccessible place for children.
VII. Alternative and additional methods for maintaining hair health
A. Proper nutrition: A balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, is necessary for the health of the hair. Include in your diet products rich in iron (red meat, liver, legumes), zinc (seafood, nuts, seeds), biotin (eggs, liver, avocado), group B vitamins (whole grains, green vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, seeds).
B. Hair care: Proper hair care helps to maintain their health and prevent damage. Use soft shampoos and air conditioners, avoid frequent use of hot tools for styling and tight hairstyles, protect the hair from the sun and wind.
C. Scalp massage: Scalp massage improves blood circulation in hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. Massage the scalp regularly using your fingertips or a special massager.
D. Reducing stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair growth. Find ways to reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga, physical exercises and communication with loved ones.
E. Folk remedies: Some folk remedies, such as hair masks made of burdock oil, nettles and onions, can improve the condition of the hair and stimulate their growth. However, the effectiveness of these tools is not always confirmed by scientific research.
F. Medication: In some cases, drug treatment may be required to treat hair loss, such as minoxidil and finsteride. These drugs have side effects and should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
VIII. Conclusion: reality and prospects of budget dietary supplements for hair growth
Budget dietary supplements for hair growth can be a useful addition to the main hair care, especially with a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to remember that they are not a panacea from hair loss and cannot solve the problem if it is caused by serious medical conditions. Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor to determine the cause of hair loss and choose the right treatment. Proper nutrition, hair care and stress also play an important role in maintaining hair health.