It’s never long before a new vitamin crops up claiming to solve your hair loss worries. The hair loss industry is worth billions and companies are constantly looking to break into the market and cash in on this global, wide-spread issue.
The latest vitamin to do the rounds is Nicotinamide Riboside, or NR for short. A type of B-Vitamin, scientists claim it is capable of boosting cellular metabolism, increasing longevity, protecting the neurons and improving muscle endurance. It can also be linked to healthy hair growth.
Understanding this new B-Vitamin
The discovery of this new B Vitamin might be new, but it’s actually something we’re all born with. From birth our bodies have just the right amount of NR that they need. However, as with most things, the amount we have drastically reduces with age and that’s where the problem lies.
By the time we reach 60, the amount of NR in our bodies is reportedly dangerously low. So, it is being recommended supplements are used to maintain a healthy, youthful metabolism. The theory is, taking NR supplements could also help to reduce the speed of hair thinning associated with becoming older.
Obviously, a lot more research needs to be carried out on NR and its benefits for hair loss. So, before you rush out and stock up on supplements, you may want to consider other more established vitamins.
Other vitamins which are linked to hair loss
If you’re looking for a supplement which has a better chance of slowing down your hair loss, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamins A, B, D and E
- Omega Acids
All of the above have scientific evidence to back up the idea that they can be useful in aiding healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss. However, that’s only if your hair loss is related to nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.
Very few types of hair loss are caused by a deficiency so in all likelihood, the majority of supplements aren’t going to be effective. If you’re looking for a more effective treatment, you’ll be better off exploring options such as a transplant, topical treatments and SMP.
Overall, you should consult a doctor to establish the root cause of the hair loss before trying to treat the problem. There are a wide range of causes and in most cases supplements just aren’t going to cut it.
