Can Eating Liver Help Hair Growth?

by Ancestral Nutrition

Many of us experience issues with our hair at some stage in our lives, whether it be slow growth, lack of shine, brittle and/or splitting hair or even unexpected hair loss. It’s important to note that hair loss is very individualised and multi-faceted with links to genetics, hormonal changes or medical conditions like autoimmunity and androgenic alopecia. It’s also typical to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and with about 100,000 hairs on your head, that small loss isn’t noticeable. In this article we’ll look at the connection diet can play on hair health and in particular liver and the benefits it offers in this area.

Note - While there are no studies looking specifically at the consumption of liver and its effects on hair growth, research has looked at specific vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that do help.

Nutrients From Liver For Hair Health

Many food-related factors are thought to contribute to the increased rates of inflammatory conditions including autoimmunity that can impact hair health. These include too few probiotics, too many processed foods, and not enough nutrient-rich foods. Let's look at the nutrients that have been shown to positively contribute to hair health.

B- Vitamins

Beef liver is rich in a wide range of B-vitamins that contribute to hair health. One of the best known vitamins for hair growth is a B vitamin called Biotin (B7). Studies link Biotin deficiency with hair loss in humans, similarly with Riboflavin (B2). Liver contains an impressive 560 mcg of Folate (B9) per serving which is important for healthy hair and skin. Other B vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.

Note: Animal foods are the only good sources of vitamin B12 as it's generally not present in plant foods. So if you’re following a plant-based diet, consider taking a supplement.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Liver is the best food source of natural and active vitamin A, it's also a good source of vitamins D, E & K. For people with a hair loss condition called Alopecia Areata, vitamin A can be beneficial because it nourishes the hair root and may help decrease inflammation in this condition. Liver also contains natural vitamin K2, which may help prevent abnormal calcification of the skin and hair tissues. Lastly, vitamin E supports the scalp and gives your hair a strong base to grow from by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the protective lipid layer.

Note: Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alopecia, a technical term for hair loss. If hair loss in an issue it may be a good idea to increase your intake of this vitamin.

Associated Minerals

Selenium is an antioxidant mineral needed to help reduce inflammation for proper hair growth.
Iron is a mineral needed for oxygen delivery to your tissues, including your hair. Iron deficiency, which causes anemia, is a major cause of hair loss. It’s especially common in women.
Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly.

Critical Nutrients

Protein Hair is made almost entirely of protein. Consuming enough is important for hair growth.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been connected with increased cellular energy and blood flow which can help support the high energy demands of your hair follicles.
Choline is critical for cellular signalling and helps promote thicker hair and improves hair strength in people with fine hair.

Conclusion

As you can see from the information above, supporting your hair health requires access to a good source of vitamins, minerals and critical nutrients. Organ meats are THE most concentrated source of just about every nutrient, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and essential amino acids and liver is the king of organ meats. If you’re still not comfortable with the idea of buying and preparing organ meats you're not alone. Fortunately there is an easy solution...

Our beef liver and beef organ supplements are contained in easy-to-take flavourless capsules. They are non-defatted to preserve the fat-soluble nutrient content (including vitamin A) and are freeze-dried, which also helps preserve the full range of nutrients. They are 100% hormone, antibiotic and GMO-free and are 100% grass-fed and organic from the pristine Tasmanian pastures.