I was curious what your favorite brand of vitimins are that you take for hair growth? I use GNC NourishHair. But have tried others and this one is my favorite.

I started using PreNatal Blend by Super Nutrition..you can get it at Whole Foods. It is a food based vitamin, with lots of helpful herbs, minerals and amino acids as well. I have used it for 3 months, and before I put my extensions in, I noticed a huge difference!! in thickness and length. I also added Lisene and Kelp..and trying to find Cystine too. I take probiotics and fish oil as well.

~s

Hi Debr;) Why are you taking off 3 inches?? I love the viatmins I take, they don't make me feel nautious at all, even on an empty stomach. Today, I also got some brewers yeast and Cystine. I totally know what you mean about your skin and nails..my skin looks sooo much younger. Something I also stopped a few weeks ago, was drinking diet soda, caffeine and tying to cut down on sugar, mostly not having any at all..but there's the occaisonal cheat!!  haha..

Wishing you well~ s 

You're awesome!!! 40 lbs!! Good for you;) I want to lose 15..and I think just from cutting out diet soda, sugar and bread, I've lost about 3lbs in 2 weeks!! I'm scared to get on the scale..so, I go by how my clothes fit. Plus, muscle weighs more than fat..so, someone could look skinnier and more fit and still weigh more than someone of the exact same size..wait, did that sound right?? lol.. Anyway, back to hair..I totally understand the whole organization thing, and am right there with ya!! Must be the virgo in my chart somewhere..haha..I am on my way in the next few weeks to make my hair more even before growing it out for good..and I am also thinking of getting back to basically one color too..my natual one, a dark brown.. right now, it is heavily blond highlighted, over 2-3 shades lighter of a base color. EEekkk!! I know. I might be a bit depressed for a while adjusting to the lack of sunny blond around my face..but, I would much rather have hair when I'm 50!!  

Pre-natal vitamins could help with hair growth.  They have many of the same ingredients that others take for healthy hair and improved growth.  If you have "leftover" vitamins, I'd say go ahead and take them.  However, I would not necessarily purchase them for hair growth.  Maybe you can talk with your doctor or a pharmacist about what you can take that won't make you feel sick.  As an aside - I know from personal experience, that vitamins on an empty stomach will tend to nauseate you.  Have you tried taking your vitamins with food?

I understand about the "taste" that can be left in your mouth.  I get that particularly with "natural" vitamins.  I've had to give up on some brands because of that.

If talking with a doctor is not desirable - how about the pharmacist?  They can be very helpful with things like this sometimes.

I am going to play the devi's advocate on this one I am afraid.

First of all, taking vitamins can be less healthy than one might think.  For one thing, depending on one's eating habits, illnesses, medications, etc...different people need different things.  For example, I need a B complex because of the meds I take.  Most woman should take calcium (with vit D so that the calcium is absorbed) but the amount varies with age, bone density and the consumption of dairy products.  Therefore, it is best to discuss with your doctor what vitamins you should take.  This might be established through blood tests.

Secondly, taking vitamins all the time will teach the body that it can be lazy and not extract vitamins from the food we eat as efficiently...and keep in mind that vitamins in supplements are not as well absorbed by the body as when eating food.  In short, a good diet is the best way to get vitamins.

That all said, of course there is often a need for some form of vitamin suplementation in one's life.  Here are some things you should know if you take vitamins.   I used to regulate vitamin supplements when I first started working for the gov't.  Do you know that there are vitamin supplements out there that are unchecked by the gov't for safety?  In North America, be sure any vitamins you buy have a D.I.N. number on the label...otherwise you are taking your chances.  Herbals are largely unregulated at this time.  The gov't is trying to change that, but keep in mind that unregulated, these products can make claims that have never been proven. 

Last but not least, I would like to point out that one should be careful with herbals (not vitamins) on another level.  Keep in mind that penicillin was a natural antibiotic found in mold.  Since then, man has synthesized many medications based on ones that occur in nature in order to take care of the masses.  So, if you are on any medication, it is best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbals since they may interact with your medications.  Do not take the word of a sales clerk at a herbal store.  They are retailers, not medical professionals.

So, in summary, yes vitamins and herbals are ok but check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking them.  If you take them, check for D.I.N numbers on the label so you know that they have been checked out by the gov't.  And remember...a good diet is the best plan!!!

my mom and two aunts work for the univ. of mich. hospital, so i'm pretty well versed in diet and how toxic some vitamins can be for some people.
that being said, i am a normal 28 year old with no deficiencies or anything and i'm pretty sure taking pre-natal vitamins are not going to harm me, since i did it for 10 months and managed to stay alive AND pop out a healthy 9 and a half lb. babe.   
i think most of us are aware that hair is a 'dead' thing, but there are things that can cause your hair to grow, which is what i think most of us are trying for.  same as nails, nail growth is a dead thing, but you can take and do a lot to make them grow.

As I said at the beginning of my little discussion, some people need supplements based on health, etc.  Prenatal supplement are important during pregnancy.  I am not saying that they should not be used.  I am just suggesting one should be aware of what they are taking and whether or not it is needed.

good advice.  i was anemic as a teen, and i always assumed i was just tired from sports and school and jobs and such until i had a physical.

I agree with greek lady, iron supplement should ONLY be taken at the recommedation of your physician.  This is why I indicated you should test if you are anemic.  In Cdn you can only get them if you ask behind the counter (although they are not presciption)  I do not know what is like in the rest of the world.  DO NOT TAKE IRON SUPPLEMENTS IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS NOT RECOMMENDED THEM AND TOLD YOU HOW MUCH TO TAKE!!! Too much iron ( as with vitamins A, D, E and K) is dangerous.

joeydog - thanks for your scientific spin on things.  I've always tried to promote that being a healthy person will promote healthy hair and there are no miracle products to grow hair. 

Two health factors that I know will affect hair growth negatively are anemia and thyroid problems.  Neither are conditions to be taken lightly, nor be treated without a medical professional's input.  I fought anemia for many many years.  Fortunately I was able to handle it with diet and over the counter supplements (under the advisement of my doctor).