Does Vitamin B12 Help Hair Grow Faster?

Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy hair growth, as it helps to produce oxygen-rich red blood cells that feed the hair follicles. The visible part of the hair, the shaft, is composed of keratin, a fibrous form of protein. At the base of each hair follicle, there are small blood vessels that connect to the root of each hair strand. Red blood cells transport oxygen to the living part of the hair locks, which is necessary for healthy growth.

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in creating red blood cells, which nourish the hair follicles with nutrients and oxygen. Nature Made Multi for Her contains important nutrients for hair health, such as zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and vitamin D. It also contains 100% of the daily value (DV) for iron in the form of ferrous fumarate, a highly absorbable form of iron (2, 12, 2). However, ingredients often found in hair supplements may be contraindicated for some people, especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common food sources of vitamin B12 include various animal products, such as eggs, meat, milk and dairy products, seafood, oysters and poultry. While a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause hair loss, research doesn't suggest that people who don't have a deficiency can improve hair growth by using a supplement. Vitamin B-3 may not be recognized in the scientific community for supporting hair growth but it can still play a role in developing healthy hair by helping to cleanse the blood and make it circulate through the body. A study conducted on 98 men and women with fine hair revealed significant improvements in hair growth, density, volume and loss after taking Nutrafol Core daily for men or women for 6 months (1).

Similarly, another study found that symptoms of alopecia areata may be more severe in people with low levels of vitamin D. Iron deficiency is also linked to anemia and hair loss, especially in women (2, 12, 1). If you want longer and healthier looking hair, you'll have to work hard to avoid breakage and maintain as much length as possible. If you suspect that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency or are concerned about hair loss, talk to your doctor about it.

You'll see the end result of this vitamin deficiency in the form of weak or brittle hair shafts and delayed hair growth. Read on to learn how and why vitamin B12 is important for hair and how to achieve thicker, healthier looking hair.