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What are the Effects of Folic Acid on Hair?

T. Alaine
T. Alaine

The effects of folic acid on hair are usually favorable. Folic acid belongs to a group of nutrients known as B vitamins, all of which are beneficial to the human body in a number of ways, including hair strength and health. People who are deficient in folic acid, usually because they do not consume enough in their daily diets or because they lack the enzymes needed to break it down properly, may experience slowing of hair growth or weakening of strands. Conversely, the effects of adding folic acid on hair growth usually manifest as healthier, more prolific hair. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to incorporate appropriate amounts of folic acid into the everyday diet and therefore prevent malnutrition that leads to hair defects.

The many responsibilities of folic acid in the human body include breaking down and synthesizing proteins, tissue growth, efficient formation of red blood cells, and the reproduction of other bodily cells, including hair. Therefore, if an individual is not able to consume enough folic acid, the quality of hair and the rate at which it grows may be compromised. A reduction in the amount of hair cells that are being regenerated as a result of folic acid deficiency might mean that hair will not grow as fast, and may not be as long, thick, or strong as it could be if provided with appropriate amounts of folic acid.

Folate supplements may help hair growth.
Folate supplements may help hair growth.

Individuals who have brittle, weak, thin, or slow-growing hair may have a folic acid deficiency and could possibly benefit from consuming more folic acid or other B vitamins. Typically, introducing higher amounts of folic acid to the body will result in a slow, but noticeable strengthening or thickening of hair growth. Hair might also grow faster than it did before adding folic acid. The effects of folic acid on hair might not be noticeable, however, if the underlying cause of weak hair or hair loss is from factors other than B vitamin deficiency. For example, the underlying cause of male-pattern baldness most likely means that the effects of folic acid on hair growth will be negligible.

Green leafy vegetables and most fruits are excellent sources of folic acid.
Green leafy vegetables and most fruits are excellent sources of folic acid.

If folic acid deficiency is in fact the reason for hair loss or brittleness, the remedy is easily attainable. Adding folic acid to the diet is fairly simple, because many foods are natural sources of this nutrient. Fruits — particularly citrus — beans, whole grains or fortified cereals, and green leafy vegetables are all good sources of folic acid. Additionally, nutritional supplements of folic acid are widely available in pill or tablet form in many drugstores, health food or vitamin shops, or even grocery stores. Incorporating these foods or supplements should produce the desired effects of folic acid on hair growth and health.

Discussion Comments

anon974695

I'm a 53 year old male who, at the recommendation of my doctor, began taking folic acid with vitamin D for heart health. While I'm not sure of the heart health end of it, I am sure of the libido and sperm production and hair growth. I don't claim to know all the chemical and physiological makeup of my body, but I do know that my libido has increased significantly.

As for hair growth, I was developing a "thin spot" on top, but this spot seems to be thicker and less noticeable now. Upon researching these "new found benefits," I have read where folic acid and vitamin D increase the chance of developing prostate cancer. Go figure!

anon938588

I went to see a trichologist as my hair was growing darker at the sides. It turns out this was due to a folic acid deficiency. I am currently taking folic acid tablets daily, but .still no noticeable improvements after three months.

anon153040

This is great information. The one thing I would add is that if you are one of those like my daughter and me, who have lost hair due to the fact that you are not methylating the folic acid you are taking in (lacking in a specific enzyme), then you must take a pre-methylated form of folic acid so your body (which can't do it well) doesn't have to.

I have plenty of folic acid in my body, but very little that is methylated so very little that will be usable or do any good. Thanks.

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    • Folate supplements may help hair growth.
      By: milosducati
      Folate supplements may help hair growth.
    • Green leafy vegetables and most fruits are excellent sources of folic acid.
      By: Serghei Velusceac
      Green leafy vegetables and most fruits are excellent sources of folic acid.
    • A folic acid deficiency may cause malnutrition that results in a premature loss of hair.
      By: poco_bw
      A folic acid deficiency may cause malnutrition that results in a premature loss of hair.
    • Individuals who do not consume enough folic acid may experience a weakening of the hair strands.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Individuals who do not consume enough folic acid may experience a weakening of the hair strands.
    • Citrus fruits are typically rich in folic acid.
      By: dream79
      Citrus fruits are typically rich in folic acid.
    • Folic acid deficiency may make hair brittle.
      By: olly
      Folic acid deficiency may make hair brittle.