Bades against hair loss: what really works?
We understand the variety of hair health additives
Hair loss is a problem that affects millions of people around the world, regardless of gender and age. And although there are many factors contributing to the loss of hair, including genetics, hormonal changes, diseases and stress, the lack of certain vitamins and minerals often exacerbates the situation. That is why the market of biologically active additives (dietary supplements) against hair loss is flourished, offering a wide range of products promising to return density and health of hair. However, in this variety it is easy to get confused, and not all additives have proven effectiveness. In this article, we will analyze in detail the most popular dietary supplements used to combat hair loss, consider the scientific data confirming their action, and discuss potential risks and side effects. We will also affect the issues of the correct choice of additives, dosage and the need to consult a doctor.
Fundamental trace elements for hair health: role and deficiency
Before plunging into the world of specialized dietary supplements, it is important to understand which nutrients are critical for hair health and how their deficiency can affect their condition. Hair, being derivatives of the skin, needs the constant intake of building materials and regulators for normal growth and functioning. The disadvantage of key vitamins and minerals can lead to thinning, brittleness, deceleration of growth and, as a result, hair loss.
1. Iron: fuel for hair follicles
Iron plays a vital role in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, including hair follicles. Follicles, in turn, use oxygen to produce energy necessary for hair growth. Iron deficiency, or iron deficiency anemia, is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially in women of childbearing age.
- The mechanism of action: Iron is part of hemoglobin, protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen. With iron deficiency, oxygen delivery to hair follicles is reduced, which leads to a slowdown in growth, thinning and hair loss.
- Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pallor of the skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, fragility of nails, restless legs syndrome, hair loss.
- Iron forms: There are two main forms of iron: hemal (contained in products of animal origin, such as meat, poultry, fish) and non -meter (contained in plant products, such as spinach, legumes, whole grain products). Hemic iron is better absorbed by the body than non -meter.
- Dosage: The recommended daily dose of iron varies depending on age, floor and health. Women of childbearing age need more iron than men. With iron deficiency anemia, the doctor may prescribe higher doses of iron.
- Side effects: Taking iron preparations can cause side effects, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. To reduce the risk of side effects, it is recommended to take iron during meals.
- Important: Before taking iron preparations, it is necessary to take a blood test to determine the level of iron and ferritin (protein, stocking iron). Self -medication can be dangerous.
2. Zinc: building material and regulator
Zinc is involved in many important processes in the body, including protein synthesis, cell division and immune function. Hair consists mainly of keratin protein, so zinc plays a key role in maintaining their health. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, slowdown in growth, dryness and brittleness.
- The mechanism of action: Zinc is necessary for the synthesis of keratin, the main protein, of which the hair consists of. He also participates in the regulation of hormones affecting hair growth.
- Deficiency symptoms: Hair loss, growth of growth, dryness and brittle hair, skin rashes, reduction of immunity, loss of appetite, violation of taste and smell.
- Forms of zinc: There are various forms of zinc, such as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, zinc citrate and zinc picoline. Zinc Picoline is considered the most well absorbed form.
- Dosage: The recommended daily dose of zinc varies depending on age, gender and health. It is usually recommended to take 15-30 mg of zinc per day.
- Side effects: Taking high doses of zinc can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Long -term intake of high doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency.
- Important: Take of zinc drugs should be agreed with the doctor. It is not recommended to take zinc along with iron preparations, since zinc can worsen the absorption of iron.
3. BIOTIN (vitamin B7): beauty vitamin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water -soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It also participates in maintaining the health of the skin, hair and nails. Although biotin deficiency is rare, it can lead to hair loss, fragility of nails and skin rashes.
- The mechanism of action: Biotin is necessary for the synthesis of keratin, the main protein, of which the hair consists of. It also participates in the regulation of cellular growth and metabolism.
- Deficiency symptoms: Hair loss, fragility of nails, skin rashes, fatigue, depression, muscle pain.
- Dosage: The recommended daily dose of biotin is 30-100 μg. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe higher doses of biotin.
- Side effects: Biotin is usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare. In rare cases, the use of high doses of biotin can cause skin rashes.
- Important: Biotin can affect the results of some laboratory tests, so before the tests it is necessary to inform the doctor about the intake of biotin.
4. Vitamin D: sunny vitamin for hair
Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system, cell growth and calcium metabolism. Studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with hair loss, especially with the alopecia of the area (focal hair loss).
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of the growth of hair follicles and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a violation of these processes and, as a result, to hair loss.
- Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, bone pain, muscle pain, reduction of immunity, hair loss.
- Sources of vitamin D: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. It is also contained in some foods, such as oily fish, egg yolks and enriched foods.
- Dosage: The recommended daily dose of vitamin D varies depending on age, floor and health. It is usually recommended to take 600-800 IU vitamin D per day.
- Side effects: Taking high doses of vitamin D can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness and bone pain.
- Important: Before taking vitamin D, it is necessary to take a blood test to determine the level of vitamin D. Self -medication can be dangerous.
5. Vitamin C: antioxidant and collagen stimulant
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage by free radicals. It is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that provides the strength and elasticity of the skin, hair and nails.
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin C protects hair follicles from damage to free radicals. It also participates in the synthesis of collagen, which strengthens the hair and prevents its brittleness.
- Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, bleeding of gums, slow healing of wounds, hair loss.
- Sources of vitamin C: Vitamin C is contained in many fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, berries, pepper and broccoli.
- Dosage: The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is 75-90 mg.
- Side effects: Vitamin C is usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare. Taking high doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea.
6. Vitamin E: Another hair antioxidant
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin E protects hair follicles from damage to free radicals and improves blood circulation in the scalp.
- Deficiency symptoms: It is rare, but can lead to muscle weakness, problems with vision and hair loss.
- Sources of vitamin E: Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
- Dosage: The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 15 mg.
- Side effects: Taking high doses of vitamin E can cause bleeding.
Specialized dietary supplements against hair loss: active components and effectiveness
In addition to fundamental vitamins and minerals, there are many specialized dietary supplements designed to combat hair loss. These additives often contain a combination of various ingredients aimed at improving hair growth, strengthening hair follicles and reducing loss. It is important to understand that the effectiveness of these additives can vary depending on the cause of hair loss, individual characteristics of the body and product quality.
1. Saw Palmetto (Palma Extract of Sereena): DGT blocker
Saw Palmetto is Serenoa Repens dwarf palm fruit extract. It is widely used for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (DGPZ) in men. However, Saw Palmetto also has antiandrogenic properties and can block the transformation of testosterone into digidrotestosterone (DGT), a hormone that plays a key role in the development of androgenic alopecia (baldness according to the male type).
- The mechanism of action: Saw Palmetto inhibits an enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DGT. A decrease in the level of DGT in the scalp can help reduce hair loss and improve their growth.
- Efficiency: Some studies show that Saw Palmetto can be effective for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in men and women. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended to take 160-320 mg of the Saw Palmetto extract per day.
- Side effects: Saw Palmetto is usually well tolerated, but can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In rare cases, a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction can cause.
- Important: Saw Palmetto can interact with some drugs, so before taking it, you need to consult a doctor. It is not recommended to take Saw Palmetto pregnant and lactating women.
2. Melatonin (melatonin): Hair growth regulator
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the cycle of sleep and wakefulness. It also has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. Some studies show that melatonin can stimulate hair growth and reduce their loss.
- The mechanism of action: Melatonin can stimulate the growth of hair follicles, increase the duration of the hair growth phase (anagena) and reduce the hair loss phase (telogen). It also protects the hair follicles from damage to free radicals.
- Efficiency: Some studies show that the local use of melatonin can be effective for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and the alopecia of the area. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended to take 3-5 mg of melatonin before bedtime. For local use, you can use lotions or shampoos with melatonin.
- Side effects: Melatonin is usually well tolerated, but can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, headache and dizziness.
- Important: Melatonin can interact with some drugs, so before taking the administration it is necessary to consult a doctor.
3. Collagen (collagen): building material for hair
Collagen is the main structural protein in the human body, which is about 30% of the total amount of protein. It provides the strength and elasticity of the skin, hair, nails, bones and joints. With age, the production of collagen in the body decreases, which can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
- The mechanism of action: Collagen is a building material for hair. Reception of collagen can strengthen hair, increase its thickness and reduce fragility. It can also improve the condition of the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
- Efficiency: Some studies show that the intake of collagen can improve the condition of the hair, skin and nails. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Collagen forms: There are various types of collagen, but the most common collagen type I and III are contained in the skin, hair and nails. Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) is better absorbed by the body.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended to take 10-20 grams of collagen per day.
- Side effects: Collagen is usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare. In rare cases, bloating and stomach disorder can cause.
4. Keratin (keratin): the main hair protein
Keratin is the main protein of which hair, skin and nails consist. It provides the strength and elasticity of these structures. Keratin damage can lead to brittleness, dryness and hair loss.
- The mechanism of action: The intake of keratin can strengthen hair, restore their structure and reduce fragility. It can also improve the appearance of the hair, making it more shiny and healthy.
- Efficiency: Some studies show that the intake of keratin can improve the condition of the hair. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Forms of keratin: Keratin can be obtained from various sources, such as sheep wool, bird feathers and fish. Hydrolyzed keratin is better absorbed by the body.
- Dosage: The recommended Keratin dosage varies depending on the product. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Side effects: Keratin is usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare.
5. Amino Acids (amino acids): Building blocks of proteins
Amino acids are construction blocks of proteins, including keratin, the main protein of hair. The lack of certain amino acids can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the hair and a slowdown in their growth.
- The mechanism of action: Amino acids provide the body with the necessary building materials for the synthesis of keratin and other proteins that are important for the health of the hair.
- Efficiency: Reception of amino acids can improve the condition of the hair, strengthen their structure and stimulate growth.
- The most important hair amino acids: Cysteine, methionine, leaps, arginine.
- Dosage: The recommended dosage of amino acids varies depending on the product. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Side effects: Amino acids are usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare.
6. Herbal Extracts (plant extracts): natural hair support
There are many plant extracts that are traditionally used to maintain hair health. Some of them have antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and stimulating hair growth properties.
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The most popular hair extracts for hair:
- Rosemary extract: Improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulates hair growth, has antioxidant properties.
- Nettle extract: Contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of hair reduces hair loss.
- Horsetail extract: It is rich in silicon, which strengthens hair and nails, improves their structure.
- Ginseng extract: Stimulates hair growth, improves blood circulation in the scalp.
- Green tea extract: Contains antioxidants, protects hair follicles from damage.
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Efficiency: Some studies show that plant extracts can improve the condition of the hair. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Dosage: The recommended dosage of plant extracts varies depending on the product. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
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Side effects: Plant extracts are usually well tolerated, but in rare cases, allergic reactions can cause.
How to choose a dietary supplement against hair loss: key factors
The choice of dietary supplement against hair loss is a responsible process that requires an attentive approach. It is important to take into account the cause of hair loss, individual characteristics of the body, the composition of the product and the presence of scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
1. Determine the cause of hair loss
The first step in choosing a dietary supplement against hair loss is to determine the cause of the loss. Hair loss can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes, diseases, stress, deficiency of vitamins and minerals. If the cause of hair loss is not established, it is recommended to consult a trichologist for diagnosis.
2. Study the composition of the product
Carefully study the composition of the product. Make sure that the composition includes the ingredients that have proven effectiveness in the fight against hair loss. Avoid products containing artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
3. Pay attention to the dosage
Pay attention to the dosage of active ingredients. Make sure the dosage corresponds to the recommended daily norm. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can lead to side effects.
4. Look for scientific evidence
Look for scientific evidence of product effectiveness. Check if clinical trials have been carried out confirming the effectiveness of the product in the fight against hair loss. Pay attention to consumer reviews.
5. Consult a doctor
Before taking a dietary supplement against hair loss, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The doctor will help determine the cause of hair loss, choose the optimal composition and dosage of dietary supplements, as well as evaluate potential risks and side effects.
6. Choose trusted manufacturers
Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and comply with quality standards. Do not buy dietary supplements from dubious sellers or on unauthorized sites.
Potential risks and side effects of dietary supplements
Despite the fact that dietary supplements are positioned as safe products, they can cause side effects and interact with drugs. It is important to know about potential risks and side effects of dietary supplements and be careful.
1. Allergic reactions
Some dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing. If you have an allergic reaction after taking Bad, immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor.
2. Interaction with drugs
Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Before taking the dietary supplement, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all the drugs that you take.
3. Side effects
Some dietary supplements can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness and stomach disorder. If you have side effects after taking a dietary supplement, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
4. Overdose
Reception of high doses of dietary supplements can lead to an overdose that can be dangerous to health. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of dietary supplements.
5. Poor -quality products
Some dietary supplements can be poor -quality and contain harmful impurities or not correspond to the declared composition. Buy dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers and on authorized sites.
Alternative methods of combating hair loss: integrated approach
In addition to taking dietary supplements, there are many other methods of combating hair loss. An integrated approach that combines various methods can be the most effective in the fight against hair loss.
1. Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining hair health. Include products rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins in your diet.
2. Hair care
Proper hair care helps to maintain their health and prevent loss. Use soft shampoos and air conditioners, avoid frequent hair dryer and ironing, protect the hair from the sun and wind.
3. Reducing stress
Stress can be one of the causes of hair loss. Find ways to reduce stress in your life, such as yoga classes, meditation, walking in the fresh air and communication with friends and relatives.
4. Medication treatment
In some cases, drug treatment of hair loss may be required. Contact a trichologist for prescribing drugs, such as minoxidil and finsteride.
5. Hair procedures
There are various hair procedures that can stimulate hair growth and improve their condition, such as mesotherapy, plasmolifting and laser therapy.
Conclusion: dietary supplements as part of complex treatment, not a panacea
Bades against hair loss can be a useful addition to a comprehensive treatment for hair loss. However, it is important to remember that dietary supplements are not panacea and cannot solve the problem of hair loss on their own. Before taking dietary supplements, it is necessary to determine the cause of hair loss, consult a doctor and choose a high -quality product from a trusted manufacturer. The combination of dietary supplements with proper nutrition, hair care, decreased stress and, if necessary, drug treatment can help stop hair loss and restore their health.