You may have heard that vitamin C prevents hair loss. But does science back this up? How can vitamin C help you prevent or reverse hair loss?
The Quick Answer
There are two important ways that taking enough vitamin C prevents hair loss.
- Vitamin C Has Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant. This means that it can protect you from the damage that free radicals cause to your cells. Hence, some say that vitamin C has anti-aging powers.
While this may be an exaggeration, it’s true that this vitamin can restore the shine to your hair. It also makes hair less brittle and keeps your follicles in good shape as you get older.
- Vitamin C Can Help Prevent Iron Deficiency
In some cases, iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. So if your hair is thinning out, switching to an iron-rich diet could be the key to your recovery. Iron supplements are a big help as well.
But eating iron-rich foods isn’t always enough. Doctors say that taking vitamin C is important because it aids iron absorption. Hence, taking enough vitamin C is a crucial part of increasing your iron levels.
A Final Word
Taking enough vitamin C prevents hair loss because it keeps your follicles in good shape. It improves the quality of blood in the tiny capillaries that feed your follicles. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that taking vitamin C will cause your hair to grow back.
If you think you are losing hair at an abnormal rate, it’s crucial to get professional advice. Medical professionals can help you choose a balanced diet but they might prescribe medication as well. Your hair loss may have an underlying cause that you will need to treat directly.