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Folic Acid, Biotin, Hair Shedding?

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Posted 6/30/2011 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
I know hair shedding is an issue with 6MP, but I have been on it for almost 13 years or so and never had an issue. I have realized in the last month or so, that I have way more hair coming out than I should. I can run my hand through my hair and get 10 - 20 strands at a time. I have longish hair and always feel like I have hairs on my hair, because they have fallen out.

I started taking folic acid and biotin a week or so ago. How long does it take to have any effect? Also is it more likely the hair shedding is from my lack of nutrients or a recent complication of the 6mp. I am leaning toward lack of nutrition, even if my weight is holding pretty steady, I am not eating a good diet and not getting the right foods into me. I have lots of hair so it isn't like it is noticeable, yet, I just want to try to nib this in the bud.
Posted 6/30/2011 2:14 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Zanne!  I have shedding issues and the folic acid usually helps when i remember to take it.  I find it takes about two weeks to see significant difference and even then I still shed some (but my husband stops accusing me of hiding a dog in the house!).

I do know that when I go extremely low fat, even the folic acid does not help me.  handfuls still come out.

Posted 6/30/2011 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Habs it took a few weeks before I started noticing the difference. Since I have been on it my hairshedding as slowed waaaay down. I think in your case its lack of nutrition too. Hugs!
Posted 6/30/2011 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, I am going to see if maybe letting it air dry a bit more and going a day without washing will help too. Just being a bit more kind to my poor damaged hair. Its summer after all and a bit of frizzy messy hair is expected, just not on the floor!
Posted 6/30/2011 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I found it took about a month for my hair to stop shedding and then another month before it started growing back, I've noticed that if I don't take my supplements (colic acid, vit b complex and selenium) after a couple of weeks the shedding starts again, definitely worth keeping the regime up!
Posted 6/30/2011 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
What reputable name of supplement in particular, (along with the dosage) would you recommend to someone who wants to try this? My hair has been getting thinner in the past year or so. There are so many bottles of "stuff" out there.
Posted 6/30/2011 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
I know we are all so different, and I am just starting with the Folic Acid and Biotin, but in general, if Natures Bounty or Walgreens has the supplement I am looking for, I go with those brands. I have good luck with them and they don"t upset my tummy as some brands do. I have reactions to some fillers. But I am sure that others have good luck with other brands too.
Posted 6/30/2011 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hair that is long will shed fasterthan medium length hair. The weight of the hair causes it to break off because the hair shaft itself gets brittle. I started cutting my hair about 2 inches shorter (chn length) when my hair started shedding (I am on 6mp and pred), and that helped reduce the quantity of shedding, but my hair is really getting thin. The doctor told me to take 1 mg of folic acid. Is this right? What dose are you taking?
Posted 7/1/2011 11:17 AM (GMT 0)
OlderthanDirt--I take 1 mg and it seems to work.
Kim--I buy the local grocery store chain and I have had good luck with that one. Like Zanne said, you may have to try some as they have different fillers.
Posted 7/1/2011 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I am taking 800mcg 2X day of the Folic Acid and 1000mcg 2X day of the Biotin. Any supplements I take, I always take double the recommended dose because things go through me so fast I want to give my body a chance to absorb some of it.

As for the fillers, I learned I can't take any generics from CVS. No vitamins, OTC, or anything. Whatever they put in as a filler causes me to itch within an hour of taking it.
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