Can Folic Acid Make Your Hair Grow Faster?

Nutrition has an impact on both hair structure and hair growth. Iron plays a significant role in hair growth which was proved in an animal model. Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, has an effect on hair growth by enhancing follicle proliferation. Similarly, zinc supplementation in deficient patients has resulted in hair growth. However, there is currently limited information on the effects of folic acid supplementation on hair growth.

Hair loss is common particularly in men and women who close to the age of 50. Individuals with hair loss frequently question whether nutritional supplements can benefit in restore of hair growth or prevent further hair loss. In point of fact, over-supplementation of certain nutrients, including selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E, has actually been linked to hair loss. However, it is surprising that the best-selling hair supplement on Amazon.com contains both vitamin A and vitamin E followed by selenium.

Folic acid is naturally found in all leafy greens, fruits and in many fortified foods which makes deficiency uncommon. No report is available till now that folic acid is associated with hair growth. In fact, hair loss is not associated with folic acid deficiency. According to Durusoy et al, 2009, no significant difference was observed in serum folate levels in 91 patients with hair loss as compared to controls. In another study, 200 women with chronic telogen effluvium (hair fall disorder) showed 28.5% had elevated serum folic acid (Rushton DH, 2002).

The daily requirement of folic acid is 400 mcg per day. This quantity is not sufficient to boost the hair grow faster. On the other hand, there is no scientific evidence or proof available till now about the folic acid association with hair growth or hair loss. In fact, a study conducted on 200 women with chronic telogen effluvium (hair fall disorder), which exhibited that 28.5% of elevated serum folic acid. Despite the high level of folic acid, hair fall condition exists. Only limited information is available on effects of folic acid supplementation related to the improvement of hair growth.