Amino acids belong to the smallest building blocks among proteins. Nevertheless, these chemical compounds are important for the human body. Especially when it comes to building body tissue or a healthy structure of skin and hair. But how can amino acids protect us against hair loss?
The essential building material for human hair is Keratin, also a protein. In order to ensure healthy hair growth, you can therefore ensure that amino acids are sufficiently absorbed with food.
The problem of hair loss can affect men and women equally. However, there are means and possibilities to counteract it and to promote hair growth. Besides vitamins and other nutrients, the amino acid metabolism is of particular importance.
Amino acids against hair loss – general importance of these substances
The various chemical compounds of the amino acid complex are not only important for the hair, but are vital for our body as a whole. Amino acids join together with their relatives to form chains from which proteins are formed. That’s why they are called the building blocks of proteins.
Depending on the composition of the building blocks, the protein chains serve important functions in the organism – such as a healthy immune system or rapid wound healing.
If we have an amino acid deficiency, we no longer form the required chains correctly. This results in a functional restriction of all proteins with numerous effects on the general state of health.
Basically we differentiate between essential and non-essential amino acids. The former cannot be produced by the body itself but must be taken in with food. The latter arise from the synthesis of other nutrients in the organism.
To counteract hair loss, we will briefly introduce you to the eight most important active ingredients. If you buy a dietary supplement with amino acids, these substances should be included.
Eight important amino acids against hair loss and for your hair health
- L-Cysteine
Cysteine or L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid with antioxidant activity. It is considered to be important for the structure and growth of hair, as it can have a positive influence on both. It is contained in natural foods such as nuts and meat, but also in hair growth-promoting supplements.
- L-Arginine
As a non-essential amino acid, L-Arginine can be produced by the human organism from vitamins and other amino acids itself. It has a dilating effect on the blood vessels and contributes to better blood circulation so that more micronutrients reach the hair roots.
Furthermore, L-Arginine strengthens the immune system and can prevent hair loss due to disease.
- L-Lysine
The essential amino acid Lysine is mainly found in animal proteins such as meat, eggs, dairy products and fish. It supports the formation of collagen, can strengthen hair and improve its own repair mechanisms. Taking it reduces hair loss and strengthens the overall hair structure.
- L-Methionine
Methionine is a sulphur-containing, essential amino acid that can combine to form chains due to its properties. This is important for hair and nail growth. It is also involved in the formation of L-Cysteine. The healthy body needs about two to three grams a day. However, if you are affected by allergies or other illnesses, this value can fluctuate considerably. The best suppliers of Methionine are e.g. protein-containing foods.
Among them:
- meat and soybeans,
- on the other hand green vegetables like spinach, Brussels
- sprouts and broccoli
- and sesame seeds.
- L-Glycine
Glycine is the smallest variant in the amino acid complex. The acid is contained in almost all proteins and plays an important role within the amino acid metabolism. As a non-essential amino acid, it is formed in the body and therefore does not have to be taken in with food.
Glycine supports hair growth and hair health, as it plays a major role in Keratin metabolism and is a major component of collagen.
- L-Proline
Proline is formed in the body from L-Glutamate and is mainly present in meat and dairy products. If you eat a varied diet, you support the synthesis of this amino acid significantly. As it reduces the breakdown of collagen, it contributes to the growth and healthy condition of the hair.
Proline deficiency can cause brittle, dry hair and hair loss.
- L-Glutamine
With a share of about 60 percent, glutamine takes the largest share in the amino acid complex. As a non-essential amino acid, it can be produced by the organism itself and is involved in numerous metabolic processes. A balanced diet supports glutamine synthesis, which decreases with age. An increased requirement can also occur during periods of stress or during mental and physical exertion.
With regard to our hair, glutamine is important for supplying the hair follicles with energy and sulphur for strong growth.
- L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine has a direct effect on hair within the amino acid metabolism. The acid promotes the formation of Melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation and thus the colour of the hair.
The formation of Tyrosine can decrease with increasing age or in case of diseases. As a result, less Melanin is produced and the hair becomes grey or white.
How do amino acids influence the health of your hair
The amino acid complex as a whole is extremely important for the healthy functioning of our organism. This is because amino acids are the essential components of proteins and key players in human metabolism.
This also applies to their effect on the health of our hair, because amino acids make a decisive contribution to the formation of Keratin and red blood cells.
Keratin
The protein compound Keratin is the main component of hair, but is also needed for toenails and fingernails as well as for the skin. Keratin has a structure of fine, intertwined fibres, the macrofibrils. Elasticity, resistance and strength of the hair depend on this structure. The formation of Keratin does not take place without the support of the amino acid metabolism.
Red blood cells
The amino acid complex also plays a decisive role for the red blood cells, which are needed for oxygen supply. This is because the hair follicles are supplied by the red blood cells with other nutrients in addition to oxygen. This supports healthy hair growth. The better the supply, the stronger the hair grows.
Effects of an amino acid deficiency
In the course of a deficient amino acid metabolism, it cannot only lead to
- general metabolic disorders,
- unusual tiredness and
- lack of concentration is coming,
but also hair loss.
This is due to the fact that the hair is no longer sufficiently supplied with proteins because the amino acid balance is disturbed. Suddenly brittle and dry hair are often the first symptoms of this. It is therefore advisable to eat sufficient amino acid-containing food or even food supplements.
Besides amino acids, food supplements often contain other active ingredients such as vitamins, zinc and trace elements. These also play a role in combating hair loss.
Side effects are hardly known with these products. In any case, you should take care not to overdose supplements.
It could lead to phenomena such as
- dizziness,
- tiredness and
- digestive problems.
In such cases the dose must be reduced.
Recommendations for a diet containing amino acids
Both animal and vegetable foods are suitable for counteracting hair loss and other complaints with amino acids. Among the animal products, these are above all
- Meat,
- eggs,
- certain cheeses and fish.
But also vegetarians and vegans find numerous foods containing amino acids.
Here it is possible that you may also use food supplements to provide your body with the right amount.
We have already mentioned foods such as soybeans, brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli and sesame seeds above.
You can also find a relatively high content of amino acids in
- nuts,
- grain,
- rice,
- carrots and peas.
Lifestyle as a cause of hair loss
Counteracting hair problems with amino acids can be a great help. However, the follicles and their cells for hair production can be considerably disturbed by severe stress, bad eating habits and excessive alcohol consumption. An overall unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to your hair turning grey or white earlier than usual. Or, in the worst case, severe hair loss may occur.
If these symptoms occur acutely in your case, we recommend that you consult a doctor so that medical causes can be ruled out.
Conclusion – How you can protect yourself against hair loss with amino acids
With a balanced diet, you can provide yourself with enough amino acids against hair loss.
If you avoid meat, fish, eggs and dairy products for personal reasons, you can support your diet with supplements, because it is more difficult to get amino acids from a purely vegetable diet.
Complexes such as our amino4u are generally well tolerated, can lead to increased blood circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth.