Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 promotes healthy hair growth. It works with the rest of the B complex vitamins to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein. It assists in the synthesis of amino acids.

Plus, folic acid aids in cell division and hence helps your hair grow through regular cell regeneration in the hair follicles. In addition, it strengthens your nails and makes your skin look better.

Apart from folic acid, biotin and prenatal pills, too, are considered useful for achieving faster hair growth. Thus, you can take a combination of folic acid and other hair vitamins to stimulate healthy growth of hair.

Moreover, needless to say, follow a good hair care routine as well and massage warm oils such as virgin coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, amla oil, etc. onto your scalp to improve circulation. You can also apply some other natural home remedies.

Lack of adequate amount of folic acid in the body can give rise to issues like hair thinning, loss of hair, and premature graying of hair.

Mild folic acid deficiency can cause headache, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, irritability, mood disorders, mouth ulcers, tongue sores, skin irritation, etc. The deficiency of this nutrient can be caused due to alcoholism or malabsorption diseases as well.

How to Take Folic Acid for Hair Growth

Folic acid naturally occurs in the form of folate in whole grains. Thus, when trying to incorporate more folic acid in your diet, opt for whole wheat bread and pasta. Plus, several breakfast cereals are fortified with this nutrient.

Moreover, vegetables like spinach, beet, collard greens, turnip greens, fenugreek, okra, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, soybeans, green peas, cooked chickpeas, asparagus, and other lentils and legumes.

In addition, items like orange juice, grapefruit juice, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, brewer’s yeast, salmon, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, peanuts, cooked corn, broccoli, cucumber,  cabbage, bell peppers, kiwi, avocado, papaya, tomato, strawberry, banana, winter squash, summer squash, and so on.

Besides, you can take folic acid supplements one or two times in a day. However, take your doctor’s advice before taking the supplement because it may hinder the absorption of the antibiotic tetracycline.

Another simply way to derive the benefits of this vitamin B complex is to look for hair care products containing folic acid as one of the ingredients.

Apart from hair growth, folic acid benefits in preventing anemia, osteoporosis, dementia, etc. It supports nervous system health. Furthermore, this vitamin is highly recommended for pregnant women to avoid birth defects in newborns.

It is recommended that one should consume about 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. As this vitamin is water-soluble, it is not likely to harm your body because the excess is flushed out of the system. Nevertheless, it is suggested that adult men and women should not take more than 1,000 mcg folate in a day.

Allergic reactions to folic acid preparations are not too common. Nevertheless, certain individuals may be susceptible to symptoms like itching, skin rashes, erythema, bronchospasm, general malaise, mild stomach upset, altered sleep pattern, and so on.