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Summary: In this blog, we learn about niacin for hair growth.  We'll discover what niacin is, what it can do for here and where you can source it from...

We all want long, strong, sleek and shiny hair, right? You know, hair is so integral to our own identity that when it doesn’t look its best, feels lank or appears limp, starts to thin or even begins to fall out, it can really knock our self confidence.

You may have tried every lotion and potion out there that promises to breathe life into your tresses, and yet your hair still doesn’t want to play ball! However, there may be an avenue you haven’t explored yet…

One vitamin that’s thought to play a key part in hair growth and health is Niacin. You may not know much about Niacin and its contribution to hair growth, but perhaps you’re better acquainted with its other name: Vitamin B3.

So, how does Niacin for hair growth work? Where do we find this ‘miracle’ vitamin Niacin in our day-to-day life? And, how do we incorporate Niacin into our daily routine to reap these potential hair growth and health benefits…?

Niacin & Hair Growth; The Science

Niacin – also known as Vitamin B3 – is a water soluble vitamin that is utilised by the body for many of its functions; apparent inside and out!

So, here’s the science-y part: Niacin is necessary for our bodies to help convert the food we eat into energy. It helps the body to utilise protein and fat efficiently and promotes a healthy nervous system.

But, that’s not all! For hair growth, Niacin is considered to be a huge contributing factor due to the way it helps blood circulation. Niacin helps the blood deliver oxygen and nutrients directly and efficiently to your hair follicles, which in turn helps fuel a healthy scalp.

That’s right! Poor blood circulation can contribute to hair thinning and loss.

Having a healthy and appropriately nourished scalp helps your hair have the best chance of growing thick and luscious… And, getting your recommended daily allowance (RDA)* of Niacin can help promote that all important perfect environment for healthy hair growth!

*The RDA of Niacin is 16 mg for males and 14g for females (18mg if pregnant, 17mg if breastfeeding).

How To Use Niacin For Hair Growth

The easiest way to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of Niacin is to take a Niacin supplement, to help your on your way toward long & strong hair growth!

Remember, it’s always a good idea to chat to your doctor before beginning any new supplements or diets.

Niacin deficiency in the western world is extremely rare, but if you spot the signs that you’re possibly lacking in the vitamin (fatigue, headaches, skin problems, diarrhoea, memory loss, thinning hair, rapid weight gain etc.) it may be that your body is having trouble absorbing Niacin.

If you smoke, drink heavily, take painkillers regularly, or are on some routine medication, this can make it harder for your body to collect and distribute the Niacin it needs, so check in with your doctor if you have any suspicions.

A varied, healthy diet that includes Niacin rich foods can really help your body stay on top of it’s Niacin levels and thus help and enable healthy hair growth!

Eating Your Niacin: Foods Rich In B3

Niacin can pretty much be found in nearly all the foods we eat! Yay! This actually makes it pretty easy to get all the Niacin you need in your day to day diet (which is why Niacin deficiency is very rare)!

Add a few of the following foods to your daily meals, and you’ll be well on your way to absorbing your daily recommended intake of Vitamin B3…

• Tuna
  
• Chicken Breast
  
• Brown Rice
  
• Avocados
• Lentils
• Beef
• Smoked Salmon
  
• Pea
• Whole Wheat
  
• Sweet Potatoes
• Anchovies
  
• Peanuts
  

As you can see, many Niacin rich foods can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet easily.

The perfect kickstarting way to improve your hair growth rate and boost your hair’s health is through ingesting the right foods, vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

What’s inside will always show on the outside, so, if you improve your diet and hit all your nutritional RDA’s regularly, we promise your body and your hair will thank you for it!

Read more on Vegetarian & Vegan Foods For Hair Growth here.

Read more on The Do’s & Don’ts Of Food For Hair Growth here.

Read more on The 5 Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients You Need For Hair Growth here.