Vitamin H: The Hair Vitamin
Vitamin H: The Hair Vitamin
Vitamin H or biotin is part of the B complex vitamin family. A good
mnemonic to remember this vitamin by is H for hair, since Vitamin H’s
most important role is keeping one’s hair in great condition, not balding.
This vitamin was discovered in 1936.
Other functions of Vitamin H are cell growth and the production of fatty
acids. Like the rest of the other vitamins in the B suite of vitamins, this
vitamin also helps in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
By itself, Vitamin H facilitates the transfer of carbon dioxide and is crucial
in maintaining a steady blood sugar level in the body.
Best sources of Vitamin H are cheese, beef liver, cauliflower, eggs,
mushrooms, chicken breasts, salmon, spinach, brewer's yeast, and most
nuts. However, do keep in mind; eating raw eggs counteracts the
potency of the vitamin in the body.
Vitamin H Deficiency
A serious shortage of Vitamin H may result in dry scaly skin, fatigue, loss
of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. An overdose is rarely a cause for
worry as the human body quickly flushes out this vitamin.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 0.3 mg.
Some studies show that when taken together with PABA, Vitamin B5
and B9, Vitamin H has the power to restore hair back to its original color.
Results, however, were only conclusive when natural as opposed to
synthetic vitamins were used in the testing.
In addition, combining Vitamin H with other natural extracts such as
bacopa, valerian, hyperforin, and magnesium, has been found to cure
symptoms commonly associated with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD).