In an effort to take care of their skin, nails and overall health, many people often use daily supplements. However, these tablets are not completely harmless to hair. Some types can promote hair growth, but if overdose or not prescribed by a doctor, they can cause hair loss, thin hair or breakage.
According to Dr. Pravin Banodkar, MBBS, DNB, DD (UK), FIDP Dermatology, Co-founder and Dermatologist Skin beyond borders (Mumbai, India), vitamins and minerals dissolved in oils such as A, D, E and K accumulate in the body and can cause imbalances if overdose.
How supplements affect hair
Excess vitamin A: Accelerates hair loss, making hair thin, spreading on the scalp.
Excess zinc: Causes exhaustion, weak collagen and hair follicles.
Excess selenium: Causes brittle, broken hair, and even scalp inflammation.
Combine many types of supplements: easily leading to dosage exceeding safety level, negatively affecting hair health.
Hair loss due to imbalance, not due to deficiency
Many people mistakenly believe that hair loss stems from nutritional deficiencies, but in reality, imbalance is equally harmful:
Supplementing iron when not lacking causes oxidative stress, affecting hair follicles.
High doses of biotin do not bring obvious benefits, which can cause acne.
High-dose protein or collagen increases hormones or thyroid dysfunction, affecting hair health.
High-risk supplements for hair
Excess vitamin A: Causes hair loss, thinning hair, and weak hair follicles.
Selen: Excess hair causes brittle, broken hair, which can lead to scalp inflammation.
Zinc: Zinc is exfoliating, reducing hair endurance.
High-dose biotin: Does not increase hair effectiveness, can cause acne, micro-balance.
Excess iron: Causes oxidative stress, hair is prone to breakage and thinning.
Protein powder with hormones or stimulants: Hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, affect hair follicles.
Almonds such as breadfruit, ashwagandha, ginseng: Hormonal changes, adverse effects on hair follicles, hair loss or weak growth.
Signs that supplements can harm hair
Hair loss has increased since the new product was used, especially if it is spread out instead of patchwork.
Scalp inflammation, itching, dryness, or feeling uncomfortable or stressed.
Hair becomes thin, brittle, dry, prone to breakage or unstable.
Using multiple supplements at the same time during the day can lead to an excess of certain nutrients.
Symptoms that appear unrelated to dietary changes or the environment suggest that supplements are a potential cause.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
