Folic Acid and Hair Loss

Hair is a fashion statement. Hair and its beauty have long been associated with youth, virility, strength and sensuality and has always been considered a sexual object by both sexes. Hair loss also known baldness. Alopecia is the medical or technical name for hair loss. Hair loss is definitely not a sign of virility despite the rumours to the contrary. Abnormal hair loss can be due to many different causes, but about 50 percent of the population experience normal hair loss by the time they reach 50.

Hair loss can be divided into two categories: Hair loss with skin shedding and hair loss without skin shedding. Hair loss with skin shedding is likely related to a skin disorder. Natural hair loss in a man, or male pattern baldness, as it is normally called is basically due to male hormones, (collectively known as Androgens). The most relevant of these hormones with regards to hair loss is called testosterone. In the case of a man who has inherited the necessary genes for hair loss, a little of this testosterone is formed by some of the hair roots into a derivative called Dihydrotestosterone. It is Dihydrotestosterone that is actually responsible for hair loss.

Folic acid is found in whole grains, cereals, nuts, green leafy vegetables, orange juice, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, and liver again. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and other dairy products meanwhile provide healthy amounts of B-12.

Folic Acid helps maintain healthy hair, nails and skin. Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. Folic acid is known for its importance in healthy cellular activity, proper cell division, and proper hair growth. B-vitamins work interdependently and therefore all levels of B vitamins need to be sufficient in order to maintain proper health.

Vitamins B-6, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B-12 are all key components in maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels in the blood, which is the iron-containing portion of red-blood cells. Folic acid is lost in foods stored at room temperature and during cooking. Folic acid is effective in the treatment of certain anemias and sprue. Folic acid is found in Brewer's yeast, liver, fruits, leafy vegetables, oranges, rice, soybeans, and wheat.

Clinically, folic acid promotes normal red blood cell formation, helps to maintain the central nervous system, and promotes normal growth and development. Folic acid is needed by the body for the creation and maintenance of DNA and RNA. Thus folic acid is an essential part of the nutrients needed during the intensive process of pregnancy.

Folic acid is also helpful in the creation of red blood cells so it can help prevent anemia, and aids in the production of nor epinephrine and serotonin and it helps to keep a compound called homocysteine from reaching high levels in your blood.