Most vitamins and supplements containing biotin, fish oil or vitamins A, C and E can help stimulate hair and nail growth. You can typically find specialized vitamins that have high concentrations of the vitamins and minerals below. Here are a few vitamins and minerals to keep in mind and how they function:
- Biotin. Biotin (also known as B7) strengthens hair and increases its density. Other ways to fit biotin into your diet include eating eggs, bananas or drinking milk.
- Fish Oil. Fish oil makes hair and nails shiny. Fish oil also serve as an antiaging supplement. If your skin is damaged from too much sun exposure, the omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may help.
- Vitamin A. Vitamin A reduces acnes flares and is an antiaging agent. Having a vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of developing acne, as it becomes more difficult for dead skin to be removed from hair follicles which may lead to blocked pores.
- Vitamin B. Vitamin B is known to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer and precancerous growths.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, brighten the skin and stimulate collagen. Vitamin C also helps fight the formation of melanin (skin pigmentation).
Many who are vitamin deficient do not realize the deficiency until symptoms develop. Signs of various vitamin deficiencies may include brittle hair and nails, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, poor night vision, dandruff, hair loss, red or white bumps on skin and/or restless leg syndrome. If you feel that you are vitamin deficient, talk to your primary care provider about which vitamins may be best for your diet. References: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hair-skin-and-nail-vitamins-do-they-work https://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-skin/20180924/4-research-backed-supplements-to-boost-your-hair-skin-and-nails https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a-benefits#section4 https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-313/biotin https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a-benefits https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b-complex https://www.webmd.com/beauty/nutrients-for-healthy-skin#1 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-deficiency#section1