An Expert Explains Why HairXT Benefits Overall Hair Health

Earlier this summer, we asked Nikki Putnam Badding, MS, RDN to geek out with us and break down why she loves HairXT and recommends it to her clients.
Putnam is a registered dietitian nutritionist who focuses on addressing dietary inadequacies through naturally enriched, functional foods. She received her bachelor’s degree and completed her dietetic internship at Iowa State University, and received her master’s degree in nutritional science from the University of Kentucky.
How does nutrition affect the health of my hair?
Underlying nutrient deficiencies, insufficient protein, iron or fat, rapid weight loss, eating too few calories, eating disorder or fad dieting leading to nutrient deficiencies, excessive vitamin supplementation or life stages that may change diet, like pregnancy and breastfeeding can all contribute to hair loss.
In addition to supplementing your diet with HairXT, a balanced diet consisting of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fatty fish is important for the health of your hair.
Are there additional health benefits unrelated to hair that HairXT provides?
If you’re not taking in adequate amounts of nutrients through diet, Hair XT is a good way to ensure that your body is getting adequate amounts of the nutrients associated with hair health and growth. Additionally, the nutrients in HairXT can help fill common ‘nutrient gaps’ in the diet. It’s like an insurance policy – helping to cover your body’s nutrient needs when you’re not taking in enough through diet alone. HairXT  is formulated with nutrients that not only promote the health of your hair, but also benefits your overall health
  • Vitamin A can promote healthy vision and a healthy immune system.
  • B Vitamins can help the body keep red blood cells, nerves, heart and brain healthy.
  • Vitamin C can help tissue and bone grow and repair itself.
  • Vitamin E may boost the immune system and promote healthy skin and eyes.
  • Zinc may also boost the immune system and help the body heal wounds.
How do the nutrients in HairXT improve the health of my hair?
HairXT contains a combination of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and botanicals to contribute to your hair’s health. They each play a unique and important role.
  • Methionine is an essential amino acid, that aids in growth and appearance. (1-2)
  • Cysteine is an amino acid and an important part of keratin, which contributes to healthy hair structure and growth. (3-4)
  • Lysine is an essential amino acid touted as aiding hair growth when combined with other amino acids. Products with lysine claim to promote healthy hair growth through aiding hormone secretion and immune function.
  • Keratin is a protein that serves as a structural component of hair and contributes to healthy hair growth.
  • Vitamin A helps with hair growth by maintaining healthy follicles. Vitamin A may contribute to thicker, longer hair. (4-5)
  • Vitamin C helps produce and maintain healthy collagen levels within hair follicles. It's also an effective antioxidant helping to reduce free radical and UV damage to follicle cells and collagen.
  • Vitamin E helps support cell membranes and also is an antioxidant that reduces the effect of free radicals on hair. (6-7)
  • B vitamins offer a range of benefits to hair health.
  • Niacin (B3) can improve blood flow and increase the nutrient delivery to hair follicles, supporting growth.
  • Pantothenic acid (B5) increases hair flexibility, strength, and shine and may help prevent hair loss and graying.
  • Pyridoxine (B6) aids in metabolism of amino acids required for hair growth.
  • Biotin (B7) is needed for protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism; a deficiency can lead to undernourished hair follicles.
  • Folic acid (B9) stimulates growth of new hair, and inadequate amounts can lead to reduced hair follicle cell division and growth.
  • Cobalamin (B12) aids in overall scalp health.
  • Low intake of of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5) may lead to undernourished, dull hair follicles. (8)
  • Zinc contributes to stronger hair structure and may improve the rate of hair growth. Studies have linked zinc deficiencies to hair loss. (9)
  • Copper supports healthy blood flow, and acts as an antioxidant to prevent hair loss. New research suggests copper may stimulate the production of new hair follicles. (10-11)
  • Saw palmetto may help prevent the shrinking of hair follicles. (12-13)
  • Ginkgo biloba may increase the growth rate of follicle cells and improve circulation, which increases blood flow to the scalp and improves nutrient delivery. (14-15)
How is this product different from others you see on the market today?
Many hair growth or hair health supplements on the market today contain exclusively or rely heavily on biotin (vitamin B7), and although biotin contributes to the health of your hair, true hair health comes from a combination of nutrients like that offered by HairXT that supports the overall health of your hair.
Is there a point with hair loss when it's simply too late to try this product?
It’s never too late to improve your nutrient intake for the health of your hair!
 
What would you tell people who are interested in adding HairXT to their regimine?
HairXT is a nutrition supplement, which simply increases your nutrient intake to improve your overall health and provide your body with more nutrition to help facilitate the health of your hair.
Before taking a new supplement, especially if you’re on medication, always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
 
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page or shoot us a note! 
 
References:
  1. Alonso L, Fuchs E. The hair cycle. J Cell Sci. 2006;119(Pt 3):391-393.
  2. Galbraith H. In vitro methodology, hormonal and nutritional effects and fibre production in isolated ovine and caprine anagen hair follicles. Animal. 2010;4(9):1482-1489.
  3. Haas EM. Amino acids: cysteine and cystine. Healthy.net website. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=1942
  4. Naziroglu M, Kokcam I. Antioxidants and lipid peroxidation status in the blood of patients withalopecia. Cell Biochem Funct. 2000;18(3):169-173.
  1. Holler PD, Cotsarelis G. Retinoids putting the 'a' in alopecia. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133(2):285-286.
  2. Gensler HL, Aickin M, Peng YM, Xu M. Importance of the form of topical vitamin E for prevention of photocarcinogenesis. Nutr Cancer. 1996;26(2):183-191.
  3. Prasad KN, Kumar B, Yan XD, Hanson AJ, Cole WC. Alpha-tocopheryl succinate, the most effective form of vitamin E for adjuvant cancer treatment: a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003;22(2):108-117.
  4. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.
  5. Bhat YJ, Manzoor S, Khan AR, Qayoom S. Trace element levels in alopecia areata. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2009;75(1):29-31.
  6. Pickart L. Stimulation of hair growth. Skin Biology website. http://skinbiology.com/copper-peptides-stimulation-of-hair-growth.html
  7. Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(4):405-409.
  8. Saw palmetto. National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/palmetto/ataglance.htm. Updated December 1, 2016.
  9. Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(2):143-152.
  10. Diamond BJ, Shiflett SC, Feiwell N, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract: mechanisms and clinical indications. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2000;81(5):668-678.
  1. Kobayashi N, Suzuki R, Koide C, Suzuki T, Matsuda H, Kubo M. Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1993;113(10):718-724.
  2. Levings, J. Hair Growth Supplements. Today's Dietitian. 2017;19(9):40
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