MDhair
Many new moms notice postpartum hair loss a few months after giving birth. While this hair shedding is completely normal, many women understandably want to get to the root cause to get their hair growth back on track. Below, we'll go over the vitamins and nutrients you need in your diet to fight postpartum hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
During pregnancy, most women will notice thicker and shinier hair. The increased estrogen levels maintain the hair follicle in the anagen (growth phase) delaying telogen (resting phase), reducing the normal hair shedding. 10 - 16 weeks after childbirth, hormone levels return to normal, causing more hair follicles to shut off and shed hair. Typically, postpartum hair loss starts around 10 - 16 weeks after birth and continues for 3 - 12 months.
The change in hormone level is not the only cause for postpartum hair loss. Excessive hair thinning is frequently enhanced by the emotional stress, physical stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional deficiencies caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Postpartum is usually much worse for women with a hereditary family tendency for hair loss (mother or father's side), women with fine hair, and women with a history of hair loss.
Unfortunately, many Dermatologists shrug off some with postpartum hair loss claiming it's normal and there is nothing to fix. The opposite is true. Research shows that replenishing depleted vitamins, minerals, and amino acids lost during pregnancy can support faster and healthier hair regrowth. Stimulating the scalp blood circulation with the correct type of scalp treatment serums and shampoos can boost hair regrowth further.
MDHair's Restore, breastfeeding-friendly supplements include iron and folic acid, B vitamins (like biotin, thiamin, and niacinamide), copper, selenium, and much more.
Post-Partum women that are not breastfeeding can also use the MDhair regrowth supplements. These supplements include, in addition to essential vitamins and minerals, DHT blockers, and adaptogens that can help target hereditary and stress-related hair loss.
How do MDHair's restore supplements work?
The MDHair Restore Supplements contain vital active ingredients that boost hair health and growth, and support nail strength and skin health.
● Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): This vitamin is essential for thinning hair because it promotes collagen production. Collagen provides the body with the amino acids necessary to build keratin, a hair protein that supports nail growth and strength. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant and can help fight against free radical damage that may weaken hair follicles. Additionally, this vitamin helps your body absorb iron more efficiently.
● Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol): A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to hair loss, and early research has indicated that vitamin D may also help boost hair growth.
● Vitamin E: Like vitamin C, this antioxidant can reduce free radical damage to the scalp. Vitamin E has also been found to increase new hair growth.
● Thiamin (Vitamin B1): This B-vitamin is crucial for converting carbohydrates into energy. It directly supports hair by increasing blood flow, which helps get oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles to prevent brittleness and promote overall hair health. B-vitamins (including those mentioned below) also help regulate stress, a common cause of hair loss.
● Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Like thiamin, this vitamin increases blood flow to promote hair growth and increase strength and overall health. It is also an antioxidant that can protect hair follicles from free radical damage.
● Niacin (Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3): Niacin is an anti-inflammatory vitamin that further helps increase blood circulation.
● Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): This vitamin is key for making blood cells and converting food into energy. It helps strengthen and nourish hair follicles, which helps encourage growth and prevent hair shedding.
● Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is one of the most important vitamins for hair, skin, and nail strength. This vitamin stimulates the production of keratin, which helps strengthen both hair and nails. A biotin deficiency has also been linked to premature hair graying.
● Folic Acid (Folate, or Vitamin B9): Pregnant women often have a deficiency in folic acid, so it's essential to ensure those levels are in check. Like the other B-vitamins on this list, it increases circulation and helps manage stress, but it also assists with the keratinization of the hair. This means it helps the follicles produce more keratin for stronger hair. Like biotin, there is also a link between a folic acid deficiency and premature graying.
● Inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8, but it's actually a type of sugar. It is believed to help with mood and cognition, and it also helps fight the damaging effects of free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Additionally, inositol supports the circulatory system.
● Vitamins K1 and K2: Vitamin K is best known for supporting certain proteins in the body, which are otherwise unable to function properly. It helps with blood clotting and bone metabolism, and has antioxidant properties, meaning it can protect from free radical damage.
What are the most important minerals needed for hair regrowth in postpartum women?
In addition to the vitamins mentioned above, these hair supplements contain necessary minerals crucial for the proper metabolism of nutrients in the hair follicles. These are the key minerals in the MDHair Restore Supplements:
● Calcium: As you probably know, calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, as well as the proper functioning of your heart, nerves, and muscles. It is also essential in hair and nail health, as a deficiency has been linked to hair loss and dry, brittle nails.
● Iron: As mentioned above, an iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of postpartum hair loss. Iron is crucial for helping the red blood cells carry oxygen to cells, which helps your hair health and regrowth.
● Iodine: Iodine is a key mineral for thyroid health. Iron deficiency has been linked to hair loss, since it can prevent the follicles from functioning at their best.
● Magnesium: Magnesium is crucial for scalp help, as it prevents calcium build-up that can clog follicles by improving calcium circulation. It also aids in protein synthesis in the body.
● Zinc: This mineral is important for hair growth and strength, promoting tissue growth and repair. Additionally, it ensures the oil glands are functioning properly.
● Selenium: Selenium is essential for synthesizing many different proteins in the body, and it helps with hair elasticity to prevent breakage.
● Copper: Copper is excellent for the hair, as it helps make pigments in your hair more vibrant while preventing premature graying. It also has antioxidant properties and may help with collagen production.
● Manganese: Manganese helps with calcium absorption and also has antioxidant properties.
● Chromium: Finally, we have chromium, which is crucial for the metabolism of proteins, as well as carbohydrates and fats.
More info on postpartum hair loss.
Best supplements for women with postpartum hair loss
Best scalp treatment serum for postpartum hair loss
Best collagen supplements for postpartum hair loss
References:
- Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use
- The changes in the hair cycle during gestation and the postpartum period
- The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
- Prospective Analytical Controlled Study Evaluating Serum Biotin, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid in Patients with Premature Canities
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