Benefits of Folic Acid for Hair Growth
Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is a crucial nutrient for the body that helps in the synthesis of DNA & RNA essential for the growth and division of cells. This is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as infancy and pregnancy. It is also responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Thus, a deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and other health issues. It also plays an important role in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
In this blog post, we will understand more about folic acid and the best food sources that will help us derive the benefits of folic acid for hair and overall well-being.
What Is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, which is also water-soluble Vitamin B9. It is an essential nutrient that the body requires for various important functions and is commonly used in dietary supplements due to its role in supporting overall health. During cell division, the body requires an adequate supply of folic acid to create new DNA strands as cells replicate and folic acid happens to be a key component in DNA synthesis. This process is especially critical during periods of rapid cell growth, such as fetal development and tissue repair.
It is also necessary for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Apart from this, folic acid used for hair and its nourishment is another unexplored benefit of folic acid which you can witness first-hand by adding it to your diet.
Food Sources Of Folic Acid
Folate in its natural form is found in various foods that include leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. Next in line, you must include legumes, lentils, and chickpeas in your diet, since all these are rich in folic acid. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons contain folic acid, along with other important vitamins and nutrients.
Some of the other dietary additions to get your dose of folic acid would include broccoli, asparagus, avocado, ladyfinger, and sprouts. Nuts and seeds, such as peanuts and sunflower seeds are also a great source of folic acid apart from being a good source of healthy fats. You can include grain-based foods to meet your body’s daily folic acid requirements. Additionally, you can include women’s multivitamin gummies in your daily diet to enrich your overall health.
Folic Acid and Blood Circulation
Red blood cells or so to say the RBCs are like the delivery trucks of our body. They carry oxygen from your lungs to all the cells, tissues, and organs that need it. Folic acid helps our body make those red blood cells that are the right size and shape, ensuring they can carry enough oxygen. Without enough folic acid, the production of red blood cells can be impaired, leading to anemia. Anemia can result in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to fatigue, weakness, and poor circulation.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is essential in supporting our healthy blood circulation. It contributes to the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and dilate blood vessels. This dilation enhances blood flow and reduces resistance in the arteries, contributing to healthier blood circulation. Due to improved blood vessel function, our body can maintain normal blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension.
It’s important to note that folic acid works with other B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, to support blood cell formation and circulation. Therefore, it's important to maintain a balanced intake of all B vitamins for optimal blood health.
Folic Acid and Prevention of Premature Greying
Premature greying is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, ageing, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes. Folic acid for hair is the best therapy your hair requires for combating oxidative stress due to its antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress can lead to damage to hair follicles and melanin-producing cells, potentially contributing to premature greying. By reducing oxidative stress, folic acid might have a protective effect on hair health.
Another way in which folic acid contributes to curtailing premature ageing and hair greying is through melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of our hair, skin, and eyes. Folic acid is involved in melanin production, and deficiencies in folic acid might potentially affect melanin production. Folic acid uses for hair are endless and you can enjoy its benefits just by including folate in your well-balanced diet.
How To Use Folic Acid For Hair Growth?
Hair production- Folic acid for hair is essential for cell division and tissue growth of our hair follicles. Hair follicles are structures in the skin that produce hair. Adequate folic acid levels may support the healthy division of these cells, contributing to the production of new hair.
Improved blood circulation- Folic acid is involved in the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, including hair follicles. Ensuring good blood circulation and transporting necessary nutrients is one of the benefits of folic acid for hair growth.
Scalp Health- Folic acid's role in tissue growth and cell division extends to the scalp as well. A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth. Folic acid may contribute to maintaining a healthy environment for hair follicles to thrive.
Reduced Stress- Folic acid helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin which help us stay happy. It also helps us in managing stress which is imperative for overall health, including hair health. Adequate folic acid levels might indirectly support in preventing stress-induced hair loss. In addition to folic acid supplements, our biotin hair gummies will be a good addition to improving your hair health.
Oxygen Delivery- Proper oxygen delivery to hair follicles is crucial for their health. Folic acid supports the production of healthy red blood cells, which in turn ensures an adequate oxygen supply to the scalp and hair follicles which answers why is folic acid good for hair.
Symptoms Of Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic acid is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including cell division, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to folate deficiency. A few of the commonly seen symptoms of which are-
Fatigue and Weakness: Folic acid deficiency can lead to a reduced production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This directly impacts our energy levels resulting in fatigue or weakness.
Pale Skin: Anemia resulting from folic acid deficiency can cause the skin to become paler than usual. The skin also tends to lose its usual luster and becomes dull & dry. A quick recommendation for improving your skin texture is to consume our skin gummies, nourishing for keeping your skin and its glow in the best shape.
Irritability and Mood Changes: Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a role in regulating mood. Deficiency may lead to irritability, mood changes, and even depression.
Mouth Sores and Tongue Swelling: If you are the one who gets those mouth ulcers very often, then you are prone to folic acid deficiency and are experiencing sores in the mouth and swelling of the tongue because of the same reason.
Digestive Issues: Folic acid deficiency can affect the production of stomach acid and the function of gastric enzymes that aid in digestion. This disruption in gastric function can lead to digestive discomfort and issues.
Cognitive Impairment: Severe and prolonged folic acid deficiency can impact cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and cognitive processing. Thus, adequate folic acid levels have also been proven instrumental in reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and age-related cognitive decline.
Poor nutrient absorption: Folic acid is involved in the metabolism of various nutrients, including amino acids. Its deficiency can disrupt nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies, and hampering our proper digestion and overall health.
Key benefits of Folic Acid Supplements for Hair Health
Here’s a sneak peek into why is folic acid good for hair-
Nourishing Hair Follicles- Folic acid is a part of the nutrient mix that is required for improving overall hair health. While it might not directly cause rapid hair growth, it ensures that our body gets adequate nutrients which are important for maintaining the health of existing hair and supporting hair follicles too. In addition to keeping our hair healthy, folic acid for hair fall is another benefit of folate.
Preventing Anemia- Folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia, which can impact oxygen delivery to tissues, including the scalp and hair follicles. Taking folic acid supplements can help prevent this type of anemia and maintain an adequate oxygen supply. Through enhanced oxygen supply, our hair stays nurtured and damage-free.
Antioxidant Protection- Folic acid has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells, including those in the scalp and hair follicles, from oxidative stress.
Maintaining scalp health- Folic acid's role in tissue growth is seen as one of the benefits of folic acid for hair growth contributing to creating a conducive environment for hair follicles to thrive. Folic acid also supports the formation of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Improved blood circulation assists in enhancing the nutrient delivery to the hair follicles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, folic acid stands as a vital component of our overall health and well-being. Not only does folic acid play a critical role in healthy cell division, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation but its influence extends to improving the quality of our skin & hair. Folic acid for hair fall is another added benefit that you can experience by including it in your diet. By taking a well-rounded diet and ensuring proper food preparation methods, which minimize folate loss, you can keep a check on your folic acid intake.
A balanced diet rich in other B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants complements the benefits of folic acid intake, promoting holistic health and wholesome nutrition. You can experience biotin folic acid tablets benefits by consuming them within prescribed dosages. A cautious and informed approach to supplementation ensures that the benefits of folic acid are harnessed effectively. You can also think of including our biotin hair gummies, iron gummies and skin gummies for improving the quality of your hair and skin.
Lastly, to improve your good night's sleep, you can try our sleep gummies. They would most definitely act as the best addition to your daily night regime which will enhance your sleep pattern and help you sleep sound, undisturbed, and satisfactorily.
FAQs
Can folic acid and biotin deficiencies lead to hair loss or thinning?
Yes, deficiencies in folic acid and biotin can potentially contribute to hair loss or thinning. Both folic acid (vitamin B9) and biotin (vitamin B7) are essential B vitamins that play significant roles in maintaining the overall health of our hair.
Can too much folic acid cause hair loss?
Excessive folic acid intake especially at very high doses can interfere with the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7) and can potentially have negative effects, including the possibility of contributing to hair loss.
Does folic acid make skin glow?
Folic acid is involved in collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Adequate collagen production can contribute to skin firmness and overall appearance.
What Causes Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia?
Consuming a diet low in folate-rich foods and relying heavily on processed foods can lead to folic acid deficiency or malabsorption which interfere with the absorption and utilization of folic acid.
How is folic acid deficiency anemia diagnosed in clinical settings?
Folic acid deficiency anemia is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history assessment, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
