B Hair Loss Vitamin
Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins can be remembered with the mnemonic (memory aid) ADEK,
for the vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins accumulate within the fat stores of the body and within the liver. Fat-soluble
vitamins, when taken in large amounts, can become toxic. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins. Water-soluble
vitamins taken in excess are excreted in the urine but are sometimes associated with toxicity. Both the B vitamins and vitamin C
are also stored in the liver.
The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3),
pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin. These vitamins are essential for:
- The breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides energy for the body)
- The breakdown of fats and proteins (which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system)
- Muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract
- Skin
- Hair
- Eyes
- Mouth
- Liver
- The minerals magnesium, sulfur and zinc.
Pantothenic acid and biotin
Pantothenic acid is used in the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and some amino acids. It is also used for the synthesis of
coenzyme A for biochemical reactions in the body. Biotin functions as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions (-COOH), which are
also useful in many of the body's functions. (Pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid are often used in tandem by the body.)
Bacteria in our intestines produce both pantothenic acid and biotin. There is no known disorder associated with pantothenic acid
deficiency. The vitamin is found in abundance in meats, legumes and whole-grain cereals. Mega-doses of pantothenic acid can cause
diarrhea.
Hair loss occurs when the diet is inadequate Biotin. A deficiency of biotin is rare but can cause a skin disorder called scaly dermatitis. Biotin deficiency may be found in
individuals who eat large quantities of egg whites. These contain the substance avidin, which "ties up" the body's biotin.
Biotin is found in beef liver, egg yolk, brewer's yeast, peanuts, cauliflower and mushrooms.
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and, like thiamine, it acts as a coenzyme in the
process. It is also significant in the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye and for nerve sheaths.
Riboflavin also acts as a coenzyme for oxidation-reduction reactions throughout the body. Oxidation reduction reactions involve
the addition of either oxygen or hydrogen to a substance. One important consequence of this process is when it acts to inhibit
chemical reactions with oxygen or highly reactive free radicals. These oxidation reactions can cause damage to our cells.
A deficiency of riboflavin can cause skin disorders (seborrheic dermatitis) and inflammation of the soft tissue lining around the
mouth and nose, anemia, and can cause the eyes to be light-sensitive. In the mouth, angular cheilosis can develop. This is a
painful condition where lesions develop at the corners of your lips, and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) can also occur.
Riboflavin is found in whole-grain products, milk, meat, eggs, cheese and peas. As a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is
excreted, although small amounts are stored in the liver and kidney.
Niacin (B3)
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of healthy skin,
nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. Niacin is also used in those all-important oxidation reduction reactions. A deficiency
of niacin causes the disease, pellagra. In the past, this disease was often associated with the very poor and was also a major
cause of mental illness. The symptoms of pellagra are sometimes referred to as the "three D's" -- diarrhea, dermatitis and
dementia -- ultimately resulting in a fourth "D", death. The mouth is also affected by pellagra, which can cause the inside of
the cheeks and tongue to become red and painful. Fortunately, high doses of niacin (150-300 mg.) can reverse the effects of this
disease. The vitamins B5 (pantothenic acid and B3 (niacin), are especially important for hair growth.
Niacin is found in protein-rich food such as meats, fish, brewer's yeast, milk, eggs, legumes, potatoes and peanuts. Niacin can
also be prescribed in higher doses as a drug to help lower cholesterol, but can cause side effects.
The main side effects of high doses of niacin include flushing of the skin (due to dilating blood vessels), itching, headaches,
cramps, nausea and skin eruptions.
Pyridoxine (B6)
Pyridoxine, also known as pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine, is needed (like some of the other B vitamins) for the breakdown
of carbohydrates, proteins and fats (see How Fat Works.) Hair loss occurs when the diet is inadequate B6. Pyridoxine is also used in the production of red blood cells, as well
as in the biochemical reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Due to the abundance
of pyridoxine in many foods, a deficiency is rare except in alcoholics, where it is often present. A pyridoxine deficiency causes
skin disorders (similar to symptoms brought on by riboflavin and niacin deficiencies), neuropathy (abnormal nervous system),
confusion, poor coordination and insomnia. Oral signs of pyridoxine deficiency include inflammation of the edges of the lips,
tongue and the rest of the mouth. High doses of pyridoxine are sometimes touted as a remedy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
but research has not supported this assertion. Mega-doses of pyridoxine can cause nerve damage.
Pyridoxine is found in many foods, including liver, organ meats, brown rice, fish, butter, wheat germ, whole grain cereals,
soybeans and many others.
Folic acid (B9)
Folic acid, also known as folacin and pteroylglutamic acid, is one of the B-complex vitamins that interacts with vitamin B12
for the synthesis of DNA, which is important for all cells in the body. Hair loss occurs when the diet is inadequate Folic Acid. Folic acid, in combination with vitamin B12 and vitamin
C, is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and the formation of hemoglobin, a compound in
red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide. Folic acid is also essential to virtually all biochemical reactions
that use a one-carbon transfer and is produced by bacteria in the stomach and intestines.
A deficiency of folic acid causes anemia, poor growth, and irritation of the mouth - all of which are similar to symtoms
suffered by those with B12 deficiency. Folic acid is present in nearly all natural foods but can be damaged, or weakened,
during cooking. Deficiencies are found mainly in alcoholics, the malnourished, the poor, the elderly and those who are unable
to absorb food due to certain diseases (topical sprue, gluten enteropathy).
Folic acid is found in yeast, liver, green vegetables, whole grain cereals and many other foods. The need for folic acid
increases during pregnancy, due to high requirements of the vitamin from the fetus. Doctors often suggest a 300 mcg. daily
supplement for pregnant women. Many nutritional requirements change during pregnancy, and vitamins are no exception. All of
the B vitamins, especially folic acid, should be slightly increased during pregnancy and lactation (breast milk production).
The daily intake of folic acid should be increased from 180 mcg. to 400 mcg. during pregnancy and from 180 mcg. to 280 mcg.
during lactation.
Mega-doses of folic acid can produce convulsions, interfere with the anticonvulsant medication used by epileptics, and
disrupt zinc absorption.
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