Hair growth is affected by protein, hydration, blood circulation, everyday care and a mixture of vitamins and minerals. Although some B vitamins such as vitamins B-1 and B-2 work to support hair growth, folic acid does not. However, a lack of folic acid can strip the hair of its color, causing it to gray prematurely.

Folic acid is a synthetic version of vitamin B-9 or folate. According to PubMed Health, folic acid is prescribed to treat or prevent folic acid deficiency. In addition, women of reproductive age are advised to take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to prevent birth defects such as spinal bifida, according to Women’sHealth.gov. A deficiency in folic acid can cause folic acid anemia, which can result in a low red blood cell count.

Folic Acid Uses:

Medline Plus states that in addition to treating or preventing folic acid deficiency, folic acid tablets are likely effective in lowering homocysteine levels. They are also possibly effective in reducing the risk of developing colorectal and breast cancer, reducing depression and for treating gum disease during pregnancy. Folic acid does not usually affect the hair; however, a deficiency in it can cause changes in the hair.

Folic Acid Deficiency

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency are diarrhea, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcers, poor growth, swollen tongue and gray hair. People who take the medication Dilantin, suffer from celiac disease or alcoholism, eat overcooked foods, or have malnutrition or hemolytic anemia are at an increased risk of developing folic acid deficiency. The gray hair experience in people with folic acid deficiency can occur at any age. Hair that turns gray as a result of folic acid deficiency may not return to its original color.

Treatments:

Folic acid deficiency untreated may develop into folic acid deficiency anemia, which, in severe cases, can cause low levels of white blood cells and platelets. Eat balanced meals that contain foods from all the food groups in order to consume the recommended amount of folic acid. If your physician feels you are at risk of developing folic acid anemia, you may be prescribed folic acid supplements to be taken daily.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/539148-does-folic-acid-affect-hair/#ixzz1syleGPiR