How can I use folic acid to help with hair growth?

Many products and treatments claim to work wonders for hair. Most of these solutions have little or no effect, but there are a few that can help with the health and growth of your hair, and one of them is folic acid. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9) that can increase hair growth in various ways. Today's article focuses on the benefits of folic acid for hair growth. Stay with us until the end of this article.

What is folate or folic acid?

 Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is an essential nutrient for bodily functions. Research on the benefits of folic acid for hair has shown that a deficiency in this water-soluble vitamin can lead to many problems, including hair loss and reduced hair growth.

Folate is found in many foods and leafy greens. For this reason, it is easy to increase its consumption as a natural remedy to treat hair loss. Folic acid, which is the synthetic form of this vitamin, is only found in dietary supplements and enriched foods.

Symptoms of Folate Deficiency

Folate deficiency has different symptoms in different people, but it usually leads to the following problems:

• Fatigue
• Premature graying of hair
• Reduced hair growth and hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Swollen tongue
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches and dizziness
• Respiratory problems
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea

The most important benefits of folic acid for hair

 Regular consumption of vitamin B9 facilitates tissue growth and allows cells to function properly. Research has shown that this important nutrient helps produce healthy cells and can stimulate natural hair growth in men and women.

In one study, it was observed that folate levels were low in individuals with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss). When you are deficient in folate, your body sends this vitamin to important organs instead of hair follicles. As a result, your hair, which has lost one of its essential nutrients, becomes weak and falls out.

Vitamin B9 affects hair in various ways, including:

• It helps in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and the absorption of various nutrients. As a result, hair follicles can receive the necessary nutrients from the foods consumed.
• It has a role in the synthesis of DNA nucleotides and amino acids. These substances help nourish the hair follicles and give your hair shine and volume. Folate deficiency can cause premature graying of hair.
• Hair color change occurs as a result of a process called megaloblastic anemia, in which the production of red blood cells increases abnormally in people affected by it. Regular consumption of folic acid helps normalize the production of red blood cells.
• Researchers studying the benefits of folic acid for hair growth found that this vitamin speeds up cell division and can help with hair growth.

How to use folic acid for hair growth

There are various ways to use vitamin B9 to help with hair growth, including:

1.Taking folic acid, biotin, and iron supplements

Deficiency in vitamin B9, biotin (vitamin B7), and zinc is associated with hair loss, and all three nutrients are found in most hair care supplements. But what does science say about this?

While biotin deficiency has been limited to hair loss in a few cases, there is not enough research to support its role in helping hair growth. However, biotin helps improve hair quality. In one study, it was found that increasing biotin intake in people with biotin deficiency could improve hair and nail quality.

There have been few studies on the simultaneous use of folic acid and biotin, but they are often found together in B-complex supplements. These vitamins are food for the hair and increase its growth rate. Therefore, it is expected that within a few months of starting supplement use, you will see an improvement in the quality of your hair. Eggs, meat, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are rich in biotin.

Zinc deficiency is also associated with hair loss. If your hair loss is due to a deficiency in this important mineral, increasing its intake will strengthen hair growth. However, before taking zinc supplements, make sure you are deficient in it. Eggs, nuts, spinach, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes are among the best food sources of zinc.

2.Consuming foods rich in folate

If you want to benefit from the advantages of folic acid for hair growth and maintenance but have doubts about using dietary supplements, use food sources of this vitamin. By doing so, you not only consume healthier foods but also reduce the likelihood of side effects from supplement use.

Fruits and leafy green vegetables such as citrus fruits, cabbage, and spinach are the best sources of folate. This vitamin can also be found in beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, whole grains, eggs, broccoli, chili peppers, seafood, and chicken liver. In addition, some foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and flour are enriched with this essential nutrient.

Closing Words:

In this article, we talked about the benefits of folic acid for hair growth. Now you know that vitamin B9 has a very high nutritional value and its deficiency can lead to various health problems including hair loss, slow hair growth, and hair thinning. Consuming folic acid enriched foods or using this vitamin supplement can solve half of your problem, but you must make sure that your body receives other necessary nutrients (especially biotin and iron).