Prenatal Vitamins and Hair Growth

Some women who were prescribed prenatal vitamins have found that the thickness of their hair along with the length had improved. There have been a couple of studies which were carried out to ascertain the link between prenatal vitamins and hair growth. Out of them, some speak in favor of prenatal vitamins whereas, the second research opines otherwise.

Prenatal Vitamins - Hair Growth
People who face problems with hair growth always ask "are prenatal vitamins good for hair growth". Some studies have shown that prenatal vitamins and hair growth indeed go hand in hand and they have positive effects on hair growth. Prenatal vitamins contain large amounts of folic acid, iron and calcium. These prenatal vitamins are similar to any other multivitamin, its just that the quantity of folic acid and iron is higher in prenatal vitamins, than other multi-vitamins. Many studies have shown that folic acid aids hair growth. Folic acid helps in formation of new cells. The vitamin B in folic acid accelerates growth of fresh cells, which replace the old cells. Calcium helps in making bones stronger and also maintaining a healthy scalp. Hence, it is seen that all the contents of these prenatal vitamins are beneficial for general good health and well being.

According to other studies, hair growth that occurs during pregnancy is not due to prenatal vitamins. It is due to the hormones released during pregnancy. Estrogen is produced many times more than normal in pregnant women. When the levels of estrogen are high, it acts as a conducive environment for hair growth, as hair gets locked in the growing phase, which allows hair to grow much longer. There are three phases in the hair growth cycle. These three phases are growing, resting and shedding. Each and every hair follicle has to go through all three phases. At any point of time, about 90 percent of the hair follicle is in its growing phase. The growing phase is genetically determined, and is any where between two to six years. Therefore, hair growth rate depends on how many years of growing phase you have. For example, if a person has a six year growing phase, then the hair will grow three times longer than a person who has just a two year growing phase. During pregnancy, due to the hormone surge, even hair that needs to be shed gets locked in the growing phase, therefore, hair looks longer and more wholesome during pregnancy. It is not totally due to the prenatal vitamins which are consumed.

There are side effects of prenatal vitamins as well. These vitamins contain high amount of iron in them. Excess of iron can cause constipation as well as iron poisoning. Hence, it is always advisable to take prenatal vitamins for hair growth only after it is prescribed by a physician.

Before I conclude the article on prenatal vitamins and hair growth I would like to suggest, instead of wasting time in finding out "do prenatal vitamins help hair growth", it would be better if we incorporate some healthy eating habits. It is healthy living, which is actually adopted during the pregnancy months. We can eliminate tobacco and alcohol and increase the consumption of water, green leafy vegetables and fruits, which will help a great deal than what prenatal vitamins for hair growth can. A diet rich in proteins is also recommended for hair growth. Exercise is the other change, which needs to be brought about in our daily lifestyle. It is also important to keep your stress levels at a minimum, as high stress levels cause hair thinning. At the same time hair care is important, hence buy good quality hair care products and also check whether the particular hair product will suit your hair. If you use harmful products, they can also cause hair loss and the thinning of hair.