For optimal growth, hair requires a full spectrum of vitamins and nutrients, some of which can lack in our diet or that the body cannot synthesize on its own. This guide explores vegan vitamins and foods rich in vitamins that foster healthy hair growth.
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Which Vitamins for Hair Growth?
There are 13 essential vitamins that influence hair health: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the eight B-complex vitamins. Among these, certain vitamins play a pivotal role, which we will detail below. For those on a vegan, cruelty-free regimen, it’s essential to source these vitamins from plants, as some products may still derive from animal sources or involve animal testing.
Learn which vitamins are crucial for hair health and how they aid hair growth.
Multivitamins
Incorporating a vegan multi-vitamin into your daily regimen can be a game-changer, especially for those following a plant-based diet. Multi-vitamins bridge nutritional gaps, ensuring that you receive a balanced spectrum of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health and, by extension, hair growth. Here are the benefits of choosing vegan multi-vitamin solutions:
- Nutritional Completeness: They cover a broad array of essential nutrients that may be less prevalent in a vegan diet, like vitamin B12 and iron.
- Ethical Consumption: These supplements ensure adherence to vegan principles, avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
- Lower Environmental Footprint: Plant-based vitamins typically have a reduced environmental impact.
- Clean Ingredients: Vegan vitamins often exclude GMOs and common allergens, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
- Enhanced Bioavailability: Many vegan vitamins use forms of nutrients that are more easily absorbed by the body.
- Overall Well-being: They support not just hair health, but also immune function and vitality.
Selecting a transparent, third-party tested vegan multi-vitamin brand is crucial, and consulting with healthcare professionals is advised to customize your vitamin regimen to your specific health requirements.
Raw Organic Meal Replacement
Garden of Life
- Contains vitamin A, B6, B12, C, E, K, biotin, riboflavin, niacin and minerals
- Certified non-GMO and USDA organic
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- 37.04 oz / 1050 g
What Customers Say About This Meal Replacement
👍 Pros:
- Nutrient-Rich: The meal replacement is packed with a wide variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, providing a well-balanced and nutritious option.
- Filling: Many users report feeling full and satisfied after consuming the shake, indicating its effectiveness as a meal replacement.
- Versatile Flavors: The product offers a range of flavors, including Vanilla Chai, Chocolate, and Vanilla, which users generally find pleasant.
- Easy to Prepare: The shakes are easy to mix and can be prepared quickly, making them convenient for busy lifestyles.
- Good Texture: Some users appreciate the thicker consistency of the shake, likening it to a traditional shake.
- Health Benefits: Users report positive effects such as improved skin, hair, and overall wellness.
👎 Cons:
- Taste and Aftertaste: Some users find the taste and aftertaste unappealing, with descriptions ranging from overly sweet to gritty.
- Consistency Issues: The shake can become too thick or lumpy if not consumed quickly or mixed properly.
- Expensive: The cost per serving is considered high by some users, especially considering the number of servings per container.
- Adjustment Period: There may be a digestive adjustment period due to the high fiber content, resulting in gas or bowel movement changes.
- Discrepancy in Serving Size: Some users report fewer servings than advertised on the packaging, leading to quicker depletion of the product.
- Limited Sweetener Options: The limited options for sweeteners (either stevia or sugar) may not suit all taste preferences.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is vital for cell growth, including hair, the fastest-growing tissue in the body. It aids in sebum production, moisturizing the scalp. However, excessive vitamin A intake can lead to coarse hair, partial hair loss, and reduced sebaceous gland function. The recommended daily allowance for women is 700 mcg and for men, 900 mcg.
Vegan sources of vitamin A include:
Vegan A-D-K “Full Spectrum" Liquid Drops
Pure Therapro Rx
- Contains vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin K
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- 0.5 fl oz / 15 mL
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- Effective for Nutritional Deficiencies: Many users report improvements in their vitamin D levels and overall health, indicating the supplement’s effectiveness in addressing deficiencies.
- Positive Health Impacts: Users have noticed significant benefits such as better sleep, increased energy, improved eyesight, and relief from joint and muscle aches.
- Mild Flavor: The supplement has a mild flavor, making it easy to ingest without the strong medicinal taste often associated with vitamins.
- Good Absorption: The product is praised for its easy absorption into the body.
- Vegan-Friendly: Its vegan composition makes it suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Convenient Dosage Information: The packaging includes a helpful chart for customizing dosage according to individual needs.
👎 Cons:
- Inconsistency in Quality: Some users received bottles with cloudy, grainy, or rancid oil, raising concerns about product consistency and quality.
- Change in Taste and Size: There are reports of a change in the product’s taste, making it less palatable, and a reduction in bottle size without a corresponding price decrease.
- Not Always Effective: A few users did not see the expected improvement in their vitamin levels, questioning the product’s efficacy.
- Lack of Warning about Changes: Customers expressed dissatisfaction with not being informed about changes in the product’s appearance and consistency.
- Questionable Carrier Oil: Some users would prefer a different carrier oil, like olive oil, over the MCT oil used in the product.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Biotin is renowned for fostering healthy hair by aiding in nutrient conversion and supporting keratin infrastructure. Biotin deficiency can result in hair loss. It’s best consumed raw for maximum hair benefits.
Vegan sources of biotin include:
- Nuts (especially peanuts, walnuts and pecans)
- Seeds
- Broccolis
- Spinach
- Onions
- Bananas
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Avocados
- Sweet potatoes
Supplements can be a convenient alternative, but ensure they’re vegan and avoid overdosing. Natural biotin shampoos for hair growth may offer safer hair growth solutions.
Biotin Vegan Gummy
MaryRuth Organics
- Contains vitamin B7 (Biotin), vitamin B9, vitamin B12 and zinc
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- 60 gummies
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- Effective for Hair and Nail Growth: Numerous users report significant improvements in hair growth, thickness, and overall health. Nail strength and growth also improved for many customers.
- Positive Taste Experience: The gummies are generally well-received in terms of taste, making them easy to consume.
- Good Texture: The normal gummy texture is appreciated by users, making the supplement easy to ingest.
- Beneficial Ingredients: The presence of B12, Methylated Folate, and other nutrients is positively noted, aligning with users’ dietary needs.
- Positive Impact on Skin: Some users notice improvements in their skin, although this is less commonly reported compared to hair and nail benefits.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Many users express satisfaction with the results and are willing to repurchase or continue using the product.
👎 Cons:
- Sticky Consistency: Some customers find the gummies to be overly sticky, causing difficulty in dispensing single gummies.
- Taste Preferences: While many find the taste acceptable, others are not fond of the stevia extract used as a sweetener, preferring natural sugar.
- Mixed Effectiveness: A few users did not notice the expected improvements or found the product less effective than anticipated.
- Product Consistency Issues: Reports of the product arriving with a cloudy, grainy texture or being stuck together raise concerns about manufacturing consistency.
- Packaging and Quantity Discrepancies: Some customers report discrepancies in the product quantity, with the actual supply falling short of what is advertised.
- Individual Reactions: A small number of users experienced adverse reactions, emphasizing the importance of individual body chemistry in response to supplements.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is paramount for hair growth, aiding in red blood cell production. Rich in oxygen, these cells play a vital role in maintaining the health of hair follicles by nourishing them. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can disrupt normal follicle function and lead to excessive shedding.
Vegan sources of vitamin B12 include:
Vitamin B12 deficiencies are common, especially if you’re following a vegan diet. B12 is naturally found in animal products, but fortified foods and supplements provide plenty of vegan alternatives.
Apple Cider Vinegar Vegan Gummies
Goli
- Contains vitamin B12 and vitamin B9
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- 60 gummies
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- Effective Health Benefits: Many users report significant health improvements, such as better gut health, increased energy, and enhanced mood.
- Tasty Flavor: The gummies are generally appreciated for their delicious taste, making them easy to consume.
- Good Texture: The texture of the gummies is liked by many users, aiding in ease of ingestion.
- Convenient Form: Users find the gummy form more convenient and preferable over traditional apple cider vinegar shots.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: The product is vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.
- Excellent Customer Service: The company’s customer service is highly praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness.
- Positive Impact on Skin and Digestion: Some users notice improvements in skin conditions and digestion.
👎 Cons:
- Sticky Consistency: Some customers find the gummies too sticky, causing difficulty in dispensing single gummies.
- Potential Allergic Reactions: A few users experienced allergic reactions like hives, highlighting the importance of checking ingredients for allergens.
- Effectiveness Varied: Some users did not notice significant health improvements or weight loss.
- Issues with Packaging: There were reports of gummies sticking together or the packaging being difficult to handle, though this seems to be addressed in newer packaging.
- High Cost: Some users feel the product is expensive for the quantity and ingredients provided.
- Vinegar Taste: A few users noted a strong vinegar taste, which might not be pleasant for everyone.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for protecting hair from oxidative stress and aiding in collagen production, a protein critical for hair structure. Vitamin C can help boost collagen production, which in turn strengthens and promotes hair health. Vitamin C is also known to promote a healthier scalp by stimulating the roots and protecting from environmental stressors, which can contribute to the growth of long, luscious hair.
Vegan sources of vitamin C include:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons and limes)
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
- Peppers
- Broccoli
A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to hair issues such as dryness, split ends, and hair loss. Ensuring adequate intake of vegan vitamin C can combat these problems and contribute to overall hair health.
Vitamin Code Raw C
Garden of Life
- Vitamin C from raw plant-based ingredients
- Non-GMO verified
- Vegan
- 120 caps
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- Effective for Immune Support: Many users report noticeable improvements in their immune system and overall health.
- Whole Food Ingredients: The product is praised for being made from whole foods, offering a natural and healthy alternative.
- Quality and Purity: Users appreciate the non-GMO and clean ingredients, enhancing the trust in the brand and product.
- Positive Impact on Energy Levels: Some users notice an increase in energy levels and overall well-being.
- Good for Gut Health: The inclusion of bioflavonoids and probiotics is appreciated for supporting gut health.
- Fresh Scent: The fresh scent of fruits and veggies upon opening the bottle is a pleasant surprise for many.
- Doctor Recommended: Several users mention that their doctors recommended this product, adding to its credibility.
- Easier to Swallow: The capsule form is generally considered easier to swallow compared to large vitamin C pills.
👎 Cons:
- Price: A common concern among users is the high price of the product.
- Large Capsule Size: Although easier to swallow than pills, some users still find the capsules large and difficult to swallow.
- Damaged Shipments: A few customers received damaged shipments, though this is more related to shipping than the product itself.
- Potential Side Effects: While not common, a few users report experiencing side effects like spider veins, suggesting the need for caution.
- Absence of Warnings: Some users express concern over the lack of warnings regarding the potential effects of large amounts of ascorbic acid.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss. Sufficient vitamin D levels support hair follicle renewal and promote growth. Vitamin D stimulates hair follicles to grow, and a deficiency can lead to hair loss and other hair problems.
Vegan sources of vitamin D include:
Due to its scarcity in plant-based sources, vegan fortified foods or supplements are recommended.
Chewable Vegan Vitamin D3
Garden of Life
- Vitamin D from lichen
- USDA certified organic
- Non-GMO verified
- Vegan
- 30 gummies
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- Effective Results: Many users report significant improvements in their vitamin D levels and overall health.
- Good Taste: The majority of users find the taste of the chewable tablets pleasant.
- Vegan and Organic: The product is appreciated for being vegan and organic, catering to specific dietary preferences.
- Helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder: Some users note an improvement in mood, particularly in combating S.A.D.
- Quality Brand: The brand is recognized and trusted by users for consistently delivering quality supplements.
- Positive Impact on Health: Users report feeling better and noticing health benefits after taking these supplements.
- Convenient Form: The chewable form is convenient for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
👎 Cons:
- Unpleasant Taste for Some: A few users dislike the taste, finding it unpalatable or not as expected.
- Large and Chalky Tablets: Some users find the tablets to be too large and chalky, making them difficult to consume.
- Misleading Expectation of Flavor: The raspberry lemon flavor didn’t meet the expectations of some users.
- Negative Experience for Chemotherapy Patients: At least one user undergoing chemotherapy found the taste particularly disagreeable.
- Small Quantity in Bottle: A user pointed out that the bottle contains only 30 tablets, which may not be sufficient for long-term use.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is believed to be beneficial for hair health due to its antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress on the scalp, a factor crucial for preventing hair loss. Several studies have shown that the antioxidant activity of vitamin E can help protect the scalp and preserve hair health by reducing cell damage from free radicals and improving overall scalp circulation.
Vegan sources of vitamin E include:
- Wheat germ oil
- Sunflower seeds
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Nuts (including peanuts and almonds)
Vitamin Code Raw E
Garden of Life
- Vitamin E from sunflower oil
- With vitamins A, D and K, plus selenium
- Non-GMO verified
- Vegan
- 60 caps
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- High-Quality and Natural: Many users appreciate the natural, high-quality ingredients of the vitamin E supplement.
- Effective: Users report noticeable improvements in their health, indicating the effectiveness of the product.
- Good for Immune System: The supplement is recognized for its benefits to the immune system.
- Vegan and Whole Food-Based: The vegan and whole food-based nature of the product is appreciated by health-conscious users.
- Combination of Vitamins: Users like the inclusion of additional vitamins like A and D along with Vitamin E.
- Positive Impact on Health Conditions: Some users report improvements in specific health conditions like skin lesions and thrombocytopenia.
- Convenience for Travel: The supplement is convenient for travel, according to a user.
👎 Cons:
- Taste and Texture Issues: Some users find the taste and texture of the tablets unpalatable.
- Difficulty in Opening Bottle: The child-proof bottle is difficult to open for some, particularly those with arthritis.
- Leaking Issues: A few users report that the vitamins leaked, affecting other pills when stored together.
- Side Effects: There are reports of gas, bloating, and acid reflux as side effects.
- Unclear Immediate Impact: Some users are unsure about the immediate impact of the supplement, as they have only been taking it for a short period.
- High Cost: The cost of the product is considered high by some users.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K may play a role in addressing scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which can affect hair health. While studies on vitamin K’s specific effects on these conditions are limited, some dermatologists have observed improvement in patients using vitamin K.
Vegan sources of vitamin K include:
Vegan Vitamin K2 Liquid Drops
MaryRuth Organics
- Vitamin K2 (MK7)
- Contains organic ingredients
- Vegan
- 1 fl oz / 30 mL
What Customers Say About This Supplement
👍 Pros:
- Excellent Customer Service: Many reviewers highlight the exceptional customer service provided by Mary Ruth Organics, noting quick and helpful responses to inquiries and issues.
- Quality of Product: Users appreciate the quality of the vitamin K supplement, emphasizing its organic nature and effective results.
- Health Benefits: Several users report significant health improvements, including reduced bloody noses and support for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Ease of Use: The liquid form of the vitamin K supplement is praised for its ease of use compared to capsules.
- Taste: Many users find the taste of the supplement to be pleasant or at least not bothersome, contributing to a positive experience.
- High Absorption Rate: The supplement is recognized for its high absorption rate, making it more effective than traditional pill forms.
- Non-GMO: Users value the non-GMO status of the product, which aligns with health and ethical preferences.
👎 Cons:
- Packaging Issues: Some users report problems with the dropper leaking, affecting the ease of use and storage.
- Flavor Preferences: A few users are not fond of the vanilla flavor, indicating a preference for unflavored or other flavors.
- Expiration Date Concerns: There are reports of receiving products with approaching expiration dates, causing concern about the product’s longevity and efficacy.
- Price and Value: While not explicitly mentioned in these reviews, the cost of organic and high-quality supplements can be a concern for some users.
Overdosing on Vitamins, Truth or Myth?
Overdosing on vitamins from food is unlikely, but supplements, especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), can accumulate in the body and may be toxic in high amounts. Water-soluble vitamins like B6 and B7 (Biotin) can also cause issues in excess. As supplements are not FDA-regulated, sourcing from trusted manufacturers is essential.
Always consult healthcare providers before adding supplements to your diet.
Conclusion
A balanced diet enriched with the right vitamins is crucial for maintaining healthy hair growth and overall wellness. Vegan vitamins offer a convenient and ethical way to meet nutritional needs, ensuring that you’re not missing out on key vitamins and minerals. As with any supplement, it’s important to choose high-quality products and seek advice from health experts to optimize benefits for your hair and health.
Even if well-documented and carefully written, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Consult a qualified health care provider before making any health care decisions about any specific medical condition.
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