Internet is flooded with people saying hair growth supplements will help them overcome hair loss. Such supplements often contain vitamins (like biotin and vitamins A, C and D), minerals (like zinc and selenium) and extracts from plants including turmeric and horsetail. They can also contain collagen and even shark cartilage and oyster extract powder. However, the question is do these supplements work?Hair growth supplements are not well supported by scientific evidence and may not be effective. However, these supplements also have some downsides Dr Ajay Kailas, a senior dermatologist said, that people taking Nutrafol are instructed to take four capsules a day, and a one-month supply costs nearly $90.Several researches have been conducted on these supplements. Researchers have studied some of their individual ingredients. In one clinical trial published in 2021, for instance, researchers — including one who worked for the company that makes Nutrafol — tested the supplement’s effects on 40 women between the ages of 40 and 65 with self-reported hair thinning. It found that over six months, those who took Nutrafol had significantly more hair growth than those who took a placebo. In a follow-up study published in 2022, a similar research team followed the same women for another six months and reported continued improvements in their hair growth, quality and shedding.What causes hair loss?A deficiency of Vitamin D, Iron and Zinc, causes hair loss. They also check thyroid function, which can also influence hair growth. Hair growth supplements like Nutrafol and vivisol contain zinc. Nutrafol alone contains Vitamin D. If you are worried about your hair growth and the volume of your hair, then you may be lacking certain vitamins.Vitamin A:This is also known as retinol, which is essential for hair growth. It helps the skin glands produce an oily substance called sebum that moisturises your scalp and maintains hair health. It further fights off radicals that make your hair look flat and increases volume.Sources of vitamin A are milk, egg, cheese, yoghurt, carrots, and spinach.Vitamin B:This is biotin, which is known to contribute for hair growth and its deficiency can lead to hair loss. They also help create red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and thus encourage healthy hair growth.Sources of vitamin B are whole grains, leafy vegetables, and nuts, etc.Vitamin CAlso known as collagen that helps form your hair that are damaged due to free radicals. It is also an antioxidant that can prevent oxidative stress that causes the free radicals and ensures a strong and healthy hair growth.Sources of vitamin C are peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes.Vitamin EIt is also an antioxidant and a study shows that people with hair loss experiences 34.5% increase in hair growth when they regulated their vitamin E intake for 8 months.Sources of vitamin E are almonds, plant oils, soya, corn, and olive oil.Minerals For HairThere are many different minerals that are essential for hair.IronTelogen effluvium is a condition of excessive hair loss that happens due to iron deficiency. This is why it is important to make sure that your diet is rich in iron. Sources of iron are leafy vegetables, beans, red beans, chickpeas, and seafood.ZincLack of zinc could lead to dryness in your hair and also cause hormonal imbalance and lead to the shrinking of hair follicles. It also helps regulate oil production in the sebaceous gland in the scalp. Sources of zinc are meat, legumes, nuts, and dark chocolate.IodineThis is also essential in maintaining the hormonal balance as any changes in the hormones can lead to hair thinning and changes in hair quality. The richest source of iodine comes from the salt in our food.SeleniumIt is also an antioxidant that clears toxins so our hair grows healthy. This helps with hair formation and regulating the thyroid hormones to prevent any imbalances. Sources of selenium are fish eggs, whole grains, meat, fish, and nuts.