If you are struggling with hair loss or slow hair growth, folic acid could be the solution to your problems.
Does your hair fall out a lot? Or maybe it doesn’t grow the way you would like? Know that, despite being stressful, such problems have a solution. Hair loss and slow growth are common problems, but they can be easily treated. One of the best ways to resolve the situation is through folic acid. A vitamin that has multiple benefits, folic acid for hair goes far beyond increasing hair growth and health.
But after all, what is folic acid? Presented as a synthetic form of folate, despite the name, it is a B complex vitamin. Thus, it is also known as folacin and vitamin B9. It is essential for the body to function efficiently, helping it to create new cells. Certain parts of the body such as skin, hair and nails do not produce new cells on a regular basis. In this sense, folic acid helps promote healthy cell growth, while also maintaining the health of red blood cells.
When it comes to restoring vitality to hair strands and helping to recover damaged ones, folic acid for hair is the answer. So, check out everything you need to know about folic acid, as well as its properties and benefits, below.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid, or folate and vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin. It participates in the formation of DNA and RNA in cells, and is also essential for the maturation of red blood cells. Folic acid reserves in the body are normally found in the liver and kidney. However, because the body does not have the capacity to store the vitamin unlimitedly, it is important that it is replenished. In this case, through food. Thus, foods that are rich in folic acid tend to be:
- Mushrooms or brewer’s yeast;
- Broccoli;
- Citrus fruits;
- Nuts and chestnuts;
- Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, lettuce);
- Leite;
- Eggs;
- Bean.
On the other hand, a lack of folic acid in the body causes several health problems. Some of the side effects of its deficiency are hair loss and slower hair growth. Simply eating foods rich in the vitamin is enough, but there are also vitamins suitable for this purpose that have the necessary amount of folic acid for consumption. The recommended measure is 400mcg.
Benefits of folic acid
In addition to contributing to healthy nail growth, controlling acne and dermatitis and being excellent for the body in general, folic acid for hair has even more benefits. Among all the nutrients available, it is the most effective for stimulating hair growth, for example.
1 – Greater hair growth
The role of folic acid in hair growth is very important. It is responsible for accelerating cell division in hair follicles. Thus, growth is boosted as well as hair keratinization.
2 – Reduction of hair loss with folic acid
In the case of folic acid deficiency in the body, it is normal for it to be sent to more important organs than the hair follicles. In this sense, one of the main nutrients will be lost, becoming weaker. Then hair loss happens. To prevent this from happening, remember to consume foods or vitamins rich in folic acid.
3 – Prevents premature aging
One of the most important functions of this vitamin is to keep red blood cells active and healthy. Rich in oxygen, in turn, the globules ensure that the hair remains pigmented. Without folic acid, however, they will decrease, causing gray hairs to appear. Soon after, the hair ages through natural hair loss and thinning.
4 – More volume and shine
Likewise, not consuming the necessary amount of folic acid causes your hair to become weak. After all, it is essential for the production of new cells, something that leaves hair healthier and fuller. In this sense, thick and healthy hair also means softness and shine.
5 – Reduction of oiliness
Something very important that is also the task of folic acid is to reduce the oiliness of the hair. In the hair, it has the function of promoting a balance of oil, keeping the scalp healthy. This way, the hair becomes stronger, softer and shiny.
Contraindications
Despite the benefits of folic acid for hair, it should not be consumed in excess. An amount above 5000mcg, for example, can be extremely dangerous. Excessive doses of the vitamin can cause digestive problems, euphoria, nausea, stomach pain, hyperactivity and skin reactions, such as hives.
Above all, remember that consulting a doctor to decide what is best for your health is essential. Thus, the correct dose for consumption will be indicated for you.
Sources: Capila, Cabelo, Patricinha Esperta, Doppio
Images: Saudável e Forte, Ivi, Vida Ativa, Dr. Lucas Fustinoni, Claudia, Luciana Maluf, Segs, Salonline
