Vitamin B12 is incredible at adding strength and shine to your hair. Check out the benefits of this nutrient and how to include it in your beauty regime.
Is your hair dull, weak, or much more falling off than usual? Check your vitamin B12 levels. Search for effective shampoos and other hair care products to save a day, but it is also important to note that adding the right nutrients to your diet works and requires vitamin B12. It plays an important role in strengthening the hair follicles, preventing hair loss, and slowing down early grey. If you’re wondering how to include vitamins in your diet, here are a few ways to help.
What is Vitamin B12? Why is it important?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays an important role in keeping us healthy. It is an important water-soluble vitamin required for proper erythrocyte formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis, and describes a study published in the journal Nutraceuticals. Food and Nutrition Board (2016) recommends adults consume 2.0 mcg/d of B12. “This supplement is a major contributor to ensuring that your brain is constantly functioning and actively supporting energy metabolism,” explains dermatologist Dr. Priyanka Kuli.

Does Vitamin B12 help my hair grow?
Yes, elevated levels of vitamin B12 support hair growth by increasing the oxygen supply of the scalp. “This increased blood supply strengthens the hair, grows in a healthy way, and reduces breakage,” explains Dr. Kuri. People with a large B12 deficiency are at a higher risk of suffering from hair loss and damage.
Benefits of Vitamin B12 on Hair Growth
When it comes to hair growth, the optimal level of B12 can work incredible. Here’s how to help your hair:
1. Promotes hair follicle health
Vitamin B12 circulates in the blood. Do this by the formation of red blood cells.
This leads to an increase in blood flow to the scalp, and along with it nourishing the hair follicles for growth. RBC supplies oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles, promoting stronger and healthier hair growth. Without adequate oxygen supply, the hair follicles will become weaker, leading to thinning and hair loss.
2. Prevents hair removal
Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can lead to weak, broken hair that often falls easily. B12 helps maintain strong hair. This is what this vitamin is essential for hair growth. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with increased hair loss, says the study has been published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy. It is also seen as related to slow hair growth. Because B12 plays a role in DNA synthesis, its defects destroy the hair growth cycle and reduce early hair.
3. Indirectly strengthen your hair
Vitamin B12 can not only stop hair loss, but it can also strengthen your hair. It helps to raise the level of keratin, a substance that strengthens the hair. By doing this, the B12 contributes to stronger and thicker hair and reduces breakage. This helps to prevent your hair from being easily damaged.
4. Reduce the gray pace
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the main causes of early greying. Additional levels of vitamins are known to slow down the greying process. A study published in the International Journal of Trichology states that vitamin B12 deficiency also leads to folic acid and biotin defects in people. This could lead to early greying.
How to use vitamin B12 for hair growth?
Now that we know how Vitamin B 12 can help our hair, here’s how to use it:
- Food intake: Eggs, fish, dairy products and other foods can naturally raise B12 levels.
- supplement: Patients who lack or have difficulty absorbing B12 can use capsules, tablets, or sublingual drops.
- B12 injection: To assist in absorption, you may need to take capsules with B12 injections. Doctors usually prescribe this to patients with very low levels of anemia.
- Local Applications: There are a variety of balms, lotions, and hair growth products infused with B12, but dietary sources remain the most effective in promoting growth.

Foods rich in vitamin B12
Looking for a natural source of vitamins? This is what you should eat:
- Animal Source: Fish, eggs, yogurt and chicken can be eaten in the form of omelette and grilled fish or even mixed in yogurt.
- Fortified food: Vegans and vegetarians can obtain B12 from specific cereals, yeast spreading, and plant-based milk.
- Organ meat: The liver and kidney dishes are full of nutrients, but you should eat them sparingly.
- Shellfish: Seafood lovers can eat clams and mussels as they are an amazing source of b12.
Therefore, you can see that ensuring an appropriate B12 intake through diet and supplements will promote healthy hair growth, reduce shedding and maintain strong, vibrant hair. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before adding additional doses of this vitamin, especially if you are suffering from a fundamental condition.
Related FAQs
How much vitamin B12 should I take to grow my hair?
Adults consume an average of 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12, but pregnant women and those with a lack of vitamins should take more. Dosages of 500-1000 mcg are common in vegetarians and people with assimilation disorders, but always consult a qualified doctor before starting high doses of vitamins.
Can I take Vitamin B12 every day?
Yes, you can get vitamin B12 every day. However, moderation is required and vitamins should be consumed when necessary. A proper nutrient-rich diet is helpful, but supplements should always be taken through a prescription. If you are unsure, checking your B12 levels via blood tests can help you determine the appropriate dosage.