One expert warns that hair can become “dry and brittle,” leading to thinning when certain nutrients are lost that are essential for the body to function properly.
Deficiency can have long-term consequences, even leading to illness.
Dr. Manish Mittal, Surgical Director of Mittal Hair Clinic, spoke to The Express about how omega-3 deficiency affects hair.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, as well as seafood and fish.
Dr. Mittal explained: “When we talk about omega-3s, we are referring to three types of fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3s are essential for maintaining our health and the maintenance of normal human growth and development. It cannot be overstated how important it is to various aspects of our health, and one of the most amazing ways is how it affects the hair and scalp. One of the main values of Omega-3 lies in its anti-inflammatory properties that prevent irritation of the hair follicles and thus prevent hair loss. Hair loss is normal, but deficiency of certain nutrients will speed up this process and can lead to thinning hair or even baldness.
Omega-3 deficiency has been repeatedly linked to dry and brittle hair, which can lead to dandruff and itchy scalp. Omega-3s help lubricate hair and add volume, elasticity and shine, and help protect the scalp from excessive dryness and flaking.
“Studies show that people who take supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids notice an increase in hair density,” said Dr. Mittal. “Some trials even showed that the supplement helped people with androgenetic alopecia, which is a form of hair loss.”
One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that taking omega-3 and 6 supplements could treat hair loss.
As part of the study, 120 healthy women were examined for six months.
The study states: “Six months of supplementation with omega-3 and 6 and antioxidants effectively combat hair loss, improve hair density and reduce telogen effluvium.”
Dr. Mittal said: “It’s not hard to include omega-3s in your diet if you know where to find them. The biggest source comes from oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, cod, tuna and herring. And if you don’t like to eat fish, you can also take oil supplements Fish: Oysters and eggs are also good sources of omega 3. And if you are a vegetarian, you can also find it in nuts, flaxseed and canola oil.
Other symptoms of an omega-3 deficiency include:
– Irritation and dryness of the skin.
– depression.
Dry eyes.
Joint pain and stiffness.
Source: Express
