Lutein: The Antioxidant Your Hair Needs for Protection and Repair

by Vorst Canada April 19, 2023

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding Hair Growth and Health
What is Lutein?
Lutein Benefits for Hair
Scientific Studies on Lutein and Hair Health
Incorporating Lutein into Your Diet and Hair Care Routine
Conclusion

Lutein is a type of carotenoid, a natural pigment found in various plants, particularly leafy greens such as spinach and kale. It is known for its antioxidant properties and is essential for maintaining good eye health.

Lutein is also important for other aspects of health beyond eye health. It has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and may also play a role in maintaining healthy skin and hair.

The purpose of this article is to explore the potential benefits of lutein specifically for hair health, including its effects on hair growth, strength, and resilience. We will also discuss how to incorporate lutein into your diet and hair care routine for optimal results.

Understanding Hair Growth and Health

A protein called keratin makes up hair, and it creates the structure of the hair shaft. The skin has hair follicles, which are where new hair grows. Rapidly dividing cells are found in the hair bulb near the base of the follicle, which produces hair.

The three stages of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen. Hair can grow up to half an inch per month during the active growth phase of the cycle, known as the anagen phase. The telogen phase is the resting phase, while the catagen phase is a transitional phase.

Genetics, aging, hormones, nutrition, stress, and environmental variables including exposure to UV radiation and pollution can all have an effect on the health and growth of your hair.

What is Lutein?

As a naturally occurring substance, lutein is a member of the carotenoid family of plant pigments. It is well-known for its vivid yellow and orange colouring, which is what gives many fruits and vegetables their eye-catching shades. Due to its antioxidant properties, lutein aids the body in fending off dangerous free radicals that can injure cells and exacerbate chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, studies have indicated that lutein might be an anti-inflammatory and support healthy vision, skin, and hair.

Leafy green vegetables (including spinach, kale, and collard greens), yellow and orange fruits (like papayas and mangoes), and egg yolks are some of the foods that contain lutein.

Depending on age and gender, different amounts of lutein should be consumed every day. Adults should strive to take at least 6 mg of lutein daily, per the National Institutes of Health, for the best health outcomes.

Lutein Benefits for Hair

By maintaining good circulation and blood flow to the hair follicles, lutein may aid in encouraging hair growth. The transport of essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair, which are required for healthy growth, can then be supported by this.

Additionally, lutein may shield hair from UV ray damage, which can cause dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Lutein can help minimize oxidative stress and encourage healthy hair development by absorbing and neutralizing free radicals.

By supporting the maintenance of collagen formation in the hair shaft, lutein may support the suppleness and strength of healthy hair. Protein called collagen gives hair its strength and structure.

By minimizing damage brought on by environmental stresses and fostering general hair health, lutein's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics may also aid in the prevention of hair breaking.

Due to its antioxidant properties, lutein helps shield hair from oxidative stress, which can harm hair cells and cause thinning and hair loss.

Scientific Studies on Lutein and Hair Health

The potential advantages of lutein for hair health, including its impact on hair development, strength, and protection against damage, have been the subject of numerous research.

These studies' findings imply that lutein may really benefit hair health, but further study is required to completely comprehend how it works and the best dosages to encourage hair growth and guard against damage.

These studies offer encouraging proof that lutein is good for hair health, although they are small in scope and could not be applicable to various populations or hair types. To support these results and comprehend lutein's function in fostering healthy hair, more study is required.

Incorporating Lutein into Your Diet and Hair Care Routine

To encourage healthy hair from the inside out, include foods high in lutein in your diet. Egg yolks, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and leafy vegetables are all excellent sources of lutein.

For people who want to ingest more lutein, supplements are another choice. Before ingesting any new supplements, it's crucial to speak with a medical practitioner because they could mix with particular prescription medications or medical conditions.

Lutein is a component in some hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. These goods might protect hair from environmental stresses and support hair health.

Final Thoughts

Lutein is a powerful antioxidant that can promote healthy hair growth and protect against damage from UV radiation, oxidative stress, and other environmental stressors. It may also support hair elasticity and strength and help prevent breakage.

While research on the benefits of lutein for hair health is promising, more studies are needed to better understand its mechanisms of action and optimal dosages for promoting hair growth and preventing damage.

Incorporating lutein-rich foods into your diet and using lutein-enriched hair care products may be helpful for promoting healthy hair. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or hair care routine.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Lutein 18 mg with Zeaxanthin Capsules.

Also here you see Vorst’s special eye formula Eye Care Complex Vegan Capsules that contain considerable amounts of Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

References and Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566388/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8509436/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719967/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28854932/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23826827/