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Do Prenatal Vitamins Make Your Hair Grow

So What Should You Do For Super Healthy Hair And Nails

1 MONTH HAIR GROWTH UPDATE w/ PRENATAL VITAMINS ð²

If you’re really just after the supposed skin or hair perks, the prenatal isn’t your wonder drug.

As Sauder notes, “prenatals generally contain the same nutrients as non-prenatal multivitamins, just in higher amounts. If you’re not growing a baby, and don’t have any other health condition that requires extra nutrients, you don’t need those higher amounts.” In fact, it’s probably a waste of money. “Your body can only process so much of these vitamins in a day, and what it doesn’t use literally goes down the drain,” she adds.

And while you could take a regular multivitamin to help you get optimal amounts of nutrients or even supplement with biotin, a lack of biotin is actually rare and supplementing with it hasn’t been proven to help with hair loss or hair thinning.

But ultimately? “Taking care to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and alcohol, and stay physically active is going to do much more for your health including your hair and skin than taking suped-up vitamins,” says Sauder.

Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins To Grow Your Hair Faster

No, there is little scientific evidence to support taking prenatal vitamins as hair vitamins. The myth of their benefits arose because women who usually take prenatals that is, pregnant women naturally have long, thick, fast-growing hair due to pregnancy hormones. According to Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, authors of the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” those hormones cause increased blood flow to the skin.

What Nutrients Are In Prenatal Vitamins

The vitamin aisle is brimming with different prenatal formulas. Most include the following:

  • Vitamin B-12
  • Iron

All are good things a woman needs, so they should be great for making healthy hair grow faster, right?

This is the common rationale for taking prenatals for hair health. But not so fast. While it’s true that all women need these nutrients, the level of need is determined primarily by age, and most Americans who are not pregnant can meet these needs easily by eating a balanced diet with the possible enhancement of a daily multivitamin.

During pregnancy, perhaps the most talked-about ingredient is folic acid. Folic acid or folate is an essential B-9 vitamin that’s required for new cell production. Folic acid generates new cells, including the keratinization of hair during the active growth phase. Some sources even report that high levels of this b vitamin in the blood help to prevent premature graying of the hair.

Pregnancy does often trigger folate deficiency, so taking a prenatal vitamin as a hair care strategy would seem to make sense for the benefits of folic acid.

Related: Is My IUD Causing Hair Loss? What to Do

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Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins

Before taking prenatal vitamins, you should consult your doctor and know the side effects. Of course, excess use of these vitamins will affect your health instead of supporting. There are some common side effects you might notice taking these vitamins.

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Allergic problems like rash or itching on the skin
  • Constipation

The Bald Facts On Prenatal Vitamins

Do Prenatal Vitamins Make Your Hair Grow While Pregnant

Per the Mayo Clinic, claims that prenatals can promote thicker hair and stronger nails are unproven â even cautioning that high levels of these nutrients may be more harmful than helpful over long periods of time for anyone who is not trying to conceive.

Nicole Avena, PhD, assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, agrees: “Prenatal vitamins are specifically made for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, and the claims that they can promote hair growth are unproven.”

Adds Lutherville, Maryland-based Jeffrey Landsman, MD, a family and geriatric medicine specialist for Mercy Personal Physicians, “I would not recommend men take prenatal vitamins,” pointing to the fact that these supplements simply are not formulated for the needs of men. “They typically contain iron, which most men do not need. vitamins would not promote hair growth or prevent hair loss for typical male-pattern baldness.”

Avena, author of âWhy Diets Failâ and âWhat to Eat When You’re Pregnantâ, concurs, explaining that these supplements “contain high levels of specific vitamins pregnant women need in order to develop a healthy fetus” â like folic acid and iron. “It is not recommended that men take prenatal supplements because of high levels of iron, which can build up in the body and become toxic,” she says.

Recommended Reading: Do Prenatal Vitamins Replace Multivitamins

Spectrum Essentials Prenatal Dha Softgels

This soft gel supplement is Non-fish DHA formula that contains many essential nutrients. DHA is vital for the growth of your babys brain and vision. These capsules are perfect for pregnant and nursing mothers, as they are 100% natural and dont contain any Trans fats or hydrogenated oils.

Steps to retain hair growth after pregnancy:

2. Nourish your hair to make them stronger, thicker and longer. 3. Use proper hair care regimen. 4. Take proper diet and do exercise. 5. Sleep on a satin pillowcase 6. Avoid using excessive chemicals on hair.

These are the most effective prenatal vitamins for hair growth. So, have you every used any of these during your pregnancy? Feel free to share your comments with us.

The Hairy Side Of Prenatal Vitamins

Thicker hair, stronger fingernails: What woman doesnt want that? But if youre thinking of taking over-the-counter prenatal vitamins to get them, think again.

Some women who are not pregnant may be tempted to take prenatal vitamins because they have heard that they promote thicker hair and stronger nails. But experts say no scientific evidence exists to back this claim. Plus, if youre eating right, you shouldnt need any multivitamins at all.

Until or unless your primary care physician suspects a deficiency, self-supplementing is not a good idea, says Madhu Jain, an outpatient dietitian at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Health and Fitness Center in Barrington, Ill. Prenatal vitamins are needed if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the near future. But healthy adults who eat three balanced meals daily do not need any supplements. All the vitamins and minerals are supplied by our diets.

Not only do non-pregnant women who eat healthy, well-balanced diets not need prenatal vitamins, these supplements actually might be harmful to them. Prenatal vitamins have more folic acid than non-pregnant women need. These vitamins also can have two or three times more iron than non-pregnant women need.

If you want thicker hair and stronger nail, Jain says skip the vitamins and instead make sure youre eating a balanced diet. That means lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lots of fruits and vegetables.

Recommended Reading: What Does Vitamin D Do For Your Body

Prenatal Vitamins For Hair Growth Before And After Pictures

CurlsBeauty gives us her prenatal vitamins hair growth before and after pictures and the fast results she got while pregnant.

And whats even crazier about her 3 inches of growth came in one month. I have to believe her own hormones had a lot to do with such an extreme burst of growth though. Pregnancy can do that to certain women.

After her growth results shown in this picture she switched products and started using Vibrance Hair Growth Vitamins, you can see prenatal nutrient growth results in her video below.

Is It Ok To Take Folic Acid When Not Pregnant

Does Prenatal Pills For Pregnant Women Promote Hair Growth

Most women who take prenatal vitamins as directed by their doctor or midwife experience little or no side effects from prenatal vitamins. The iron in prenatal vitamins may cause constipation, and some women complain of nausea. You also may have diarrhea, dark stools, low appetite, and stomach upset or cramps.

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What Side Effects Do Prenatal Vitamins Have

All vitamins may have side effects, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance to a particular nutrient. Some more common side effects of prenatal vitamins may include constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach, which are usually temporary until you adjust to the dosages of vitamins. You should consult a medical professional if these effects persist or get worse. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

In rare cases, users may have a very serious allergic reaction to prenatal vitamins. Do seek immediate medical care if you notice a severe allergic reaction indicated by one or more of the following symptoms: rash, itching or swelling, severe dizziness or difficulty breathing.

Discuss Concerns With Your Doctor

If you are menopausal, you can consider hormone replacement therapy. A study conducted more than two decades ago, casting HRT in a dangerous light, has more recently been reevaluated, and the health risks identified in that study have now been largely refuted. Plus, bioreplacement substitutes for earlier hormone treatments are now available.

Related: What You Need to Know About Menopause and Hair Loss

Also Check: Is Vitamin B12 Good For Sciatica Pain

Can Too Much Folic Acid Make Your Hair Fall Out

According to Dr Chaturvedi, folic acid helps to promote hair growth, add volume and even reduce the rate of premature greyingit does so by amping up the bodys cell production processes. If youre deficient in folate, taking supplements may result in the growth of new hair in some patients, Dr Gupta agrees.

How Are Prenatal Vitamins Different From Hair Growth Supplements

Do prenatal vitamins make your hair grow?

Prenatal vitamins usually contain Calcium, Iron and Folic Acid, among other vitamins and nutrients. Hair growth supplements may contain Biotin, Iron and Vitamin C. Viviscal Extra Strength hair growth supplements for women contain Biotin , Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, Niacin, Millet Seed Extract and Flax Seed Extract, as well as a proprietary marine complex called AminoMar®, which is derived from key marine proteins.

Visit our blog for even more insider tips.

Recommended Reading: What Does Vitamin B Do For Your Body

Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins Strictly For Hair Growth

Prenatal supplements are definitely teeming with beneficial ingredients that promote the growth and health of your hair.

A common question that has surfaced lately is if you should take these prenatal vitamins just to help your hair.

If youre not thinking of getting pregnant, already are pregnant, or are nursing an infant, supplementing with a prenatal vitamin may not be in your best interest.

These supplements are specifically designed to meet the increased nutrient needs to support a growing fetus.

During pregnancy, your daily requirement for vitamins and minerals goes up compared to when youre not expecting.

Some of these ingredients are not healthy to take in high doses and could lead to adverse side effects.

For instance, Vitamin A could be toxic to the liver if you take excess amounts.

Another mineral that may cause concern is iron.

If you get more iron than you need, it could lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

Youre much safer off taking a specific supplement or multivitamin that has your recommended daily amount, as opposed to an expecting mother.

Healthy food sources that contain these nutrients are always a good way to go, as well!

Add these foods into your diet to benefit hair growth and health:

  • Salmon
  • Yellow peppers
  • Oysters
  • Eggs
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Almonds
  • Greek yogurt
  • Oatmeal
  • Guava
  • Lentils
  • Barley
  • Halibut
  • Shellfish

Content Reviewed By Pharmacas Health Advisory Board

Prenatal vitamins arent just for women who are pregnantthey have a great many benefits when included in any womens daily supplement regimen. Experts recommend them for most women of child-bearing age since the nutrients in prenatal vitamins are vital during the time before and after you get pregnant.

Prenatals are generally high in iron, folic acid and sometimes the biotin that is included in hair and nail formula vitamins. Because of these added benefits, some women elect to take prenatal vitamins even when they arent pregnant. They can also improve the symptoms of anemia, and help make your hair grow faster and stronger.

Below are a few of the benefits of prenatal vitamins for women who are and arent expecting. Take a look at this helpful guide to find out if you should start taking prenatal vitamins and minerals as part of your daily supplementation routine, and read about our favorite prenatal vitamins and gummies for expectant mothers..

Also Check: What Vitamins Are Good To Give You Energy

What Do Prenatals Do For Skin

Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin contains potassium. Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain ingredients of the prenatal multivitamin.

Do Prenatal Vitamins Make Hair Grow

How To Grow Long Hair/Prenatal Vitamins(lets talk)

Theres no denying the pregnancy glow of a mom-to-beeven her tresses look thicker and more luminous. Perhaps you yourself experienced fuller, longer hair during pregnancy.

Whats the secret behind this lustrous pregnancy-related hair growth? Some swear by their prenatal vitaminsprompting women everywhere to flock to their nearest supplement aisle. But is it all hype? Could it just be hormones? Keep reading as we take a closer look at hair growth during pregnancy, the role prenatal vitamins play and if the benefits make it worth adding them to your hair-care routine, even if youre not expecting.

Read Also: Where To Buy Vitamin K2 Supplements

You Want A Boost For Your Hair

Biotin, which is part of the B vitamin group, has been used to treat hair loss and disorders. Biotin is present in many cosmetics, shampoos along with prenatal vitamins, so improving the condition of your hair may be another reason to take prenatal vitamins. Even celebrities such as Mindy Kaling swear by the practice.

One to try: SmartyPants Prenatal Complete Multivitamin Gummies

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Prenatal Vitamins When You’re Not Pregnant

Some specialists recommend women continue to take them during lactation to boost their nutritional intake. Some doctors suggest taking prenatal vitamins for hair. Even celebrities have sworn by prenatal vitamins for glowing skin and healthy hair. And they may indeed have some positive effects on hair health after all. However, if you want to avoid side effects, think twice before taking prenatal vitamins for hair growth or hair thickening. You can get the results you want from taking regular hair supplements.

Also Check: What Vitamins Do I Need After Gastric Bypass

How Do Vitamins Support Hair Growth

Different vitamins and minerals can help regulate or support the bodys production and maintenance of proteins, AKA the building blocks of hair. When you consistently provide your body with the appropriate nutrients, it keeps many different processes working efficiently, resulting in healthier organs, and in return, healthy skin and hair.

Shop prenatal vitamins

How Do You Use Prenatal Vitamins For Hair Growth/loss

Do Prenatal Vitamins Make Your Hair Grow While Pregnant

Vitamins are not digestible but have to be absorbed into the system. It is through the system that the vitamin will be well distributed even to the extremities. It is also through the proper metabolic pathways, that the vitamins will be converted into their active forms for use by the cells.

Choose to take the prenatal vitamins orally.

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When Should One Take Prenatal Vitamins

As prenatal vitamins are made for pregnant women, every pregnant mother should take these vitamins for sake of her childs healthy growth. However, it is not mandatory to take these vitamins if you are already having a balanced diet.

  • Women, who are thinking of pregnancy, can take prenatal vitamins.
  • Pregnant women bearing multiple babies.
  • If the pregnant woman is not properly aged or prepared for pregnancy.
  • Pregnant women who are addicted to some kind of drug or such substances.

Folic Acid For Hair: Benefits And How To Use It

Hair growth is one of the few perks people recall when looking back at their first pregnancies, and typically estrogen is claimed to be the culprit. Though recently, experts have been speculating if folic acid, or folate, plays a part in the equation. Folate levels are typically increased during pregnancy to enhance their baby’s neural tube development. But it turns out, folic acid has a ton of perks for our hair, too. Recently, claims have been made linking folic acid to hair perks like volume, growth, shine, and the prevention of graying and thinning.

But do you have to be pregnant to reap the benefits? Signs indicate no. As of late, a number of vitamins and supplements have hit the market promising to increase your folic acid intake. But there’s some disagreement within the dermatological community surrounding their legitimacy.

Meet the Expert

  • William Gaunitz is a certified trichologist and the founder of Advanced Trichology.
  • Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.
  • Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist, owner of product development firm Grace Kingdom Beauty, and founder of lip care brand Fan Love Beauty.

Keep reading to find out about the benefits of folic acid for hair.

Folic Acid For Hair

Type of Ingredient: A water-soluble Vitamin B Supplement

Main Benefits: Stimulates hair growth, prevents premature graying, and increases volume and shine in the hair.

Also Check: What Drinks Contain Vitamin D

Prenatal Vitamins For Hair Growth Before And After Results

You already know that hair growth during pregnancy is stimulated by hormones. When not pregnant the vitamins play almost no role in growing your hair. However some users claim that there are some brands that work. The reason as to why they work is biotin. That means checking for biotin when buying these vitamins. Here is a video testimonial from a youtuber

References

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