This Morning: Liz Earle discusses supplements for hair loss
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The NHS states that humans should expect to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair cycle. The hair on our heads plays an important role in humans, from cranial cushioning to protecting the scalp from sunlight. While excessive hair shedding is not always indicative of an underlying issue, it can concern many. Carrot juice, however, may help condition the scalp and promote new hair growth.
Carrots are important root vegetables, rich in four types of phytochemicals – male phenolic, carotenoids, polyacetylenes, and ascorbic acid.
The vegetable contains two vitamins that have been proven effective in combating hair loss.
Carrots are a source of vitamins A, K, C, B1, B6, B2 among other nutrients such as fibre, potassium and phosphorus.
The vegetables’ benefits for hair, however, may be down to vitamin E and A, which have been shown to improve hair quality, making it thicker, shinier, longer and stronger.
READ MORE: Hair loss treatment: Two foods that could prevent hair loss and even boost hair growth
What’s more, vitamin C and E in carrots have been shown to improve blood circulation in the scalp, which could help ward off premature greying.
While evidence showing that vitamin A can boost hair growth is limited, some studies have shown that a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to sparse and dry hair.
Conversely, some studies have found that too much of the vitamin may lead to excessive hair loss.
The beta-carotene compound found in carotene is converted into vitamin A during digestion.
One study investigating the effects of both vitamins on hair growth found that both vitamins aided patients with alopecia.
Speaking of the effects of vitamin A, the researchers noted: “Vitamin A is a group of compounds, including retinol, retinal, retinoid acid, and provitamin A carotenoids.
“In murine studies, dietary vitamin A has been shown to activate hair follicle stem cells, although its role is recognised as complex.”
They went on to add that “precise levels of retinoid acid are needed for optimal function of the hair follicle.”
When addressing the potential benefits of vitamin E on hair, the researchers noted that existing literature on the matter was limited.
They cited one study, which comprised of 21 volunteers, who showed a “significant increase” in hair numbers after receiving tocotrienol supplementation as compared to a placebo group.
Tocotrienols belong to the vitamin E family and are known to be potent antioxidants.
The study performed in volunteers with alopecia found that the tocotrienols improved hair coverage of the scalp and helped prevent hair thinning.
The researchers concluded that the vitamin “increased hair numbers in volunteers suffering from hair loss as compared to the placebo group.”
They noted that the result was likely down to the potent antioxidant of the compound, that helped reduce oxidative stress in the scalp.
Based on existing evidence, researchers advise drinking between three to four ounces of carrot juice daily to see hair growth.
Source: Read Full Article