Anyone, including children, can experience hair loss or alopecia. Hair growth depends on vitamins and minerals, which is why dieters who severely restrict their calories or follow fad diets may have problems with hair loss. Giving your child vitamins won't do anything for hair loss unless it's related to a vitamin deficiency, explains Mary Pickett, M.D., an associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University.
Considerations
Medical problems, medications and nutritional deficiencies are possible causes of hair loss in children, according to HealthyChildren.org, a website published by the American Academy of Pediatric. More often than not, however, hair loss is not linked to a vitamin deficiency.
Kids who twirl their hair, wear tight braids or pull their hair too hard when brushing or combing can also have hair loss. Pulling on the hair, which can be a sign of emotional stress, can make hair fall out as well.
Kids who twirl their hair, wear tight braids or pull their hair too hard when brushing or combing can also have hair loss. Pulling on the hair, which can be a sign of emotional stress, can make hair fall out as well.
B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are needed for healthy hair, skin, eyes and liver, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin H, often referred to as biotin, is part of the B-complex group that is often suggested to help strengthen hair and nails. Biotin is contained in numerous hair and skin products. Lack of adequate biotin can lead to hair loss and dry scaly skin but such deficiency is rare.
Precautions
Check with your doctor before giving your child vitamins to prevent or treat hair loss. While B-complex vitamins are generally safe, upset stomach is possible when taken in high doses. Taking any one B vitamin such as biotin for an extended period can lead to an imbalance of other essential B vitamins, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Also talk to your doctor if your child is over 6 months old and has unexplained hair loss. Your doctor will examine your child's scalp, diagnose the cause and possibly refer you to a pediatric dermatologist.
Also talk to your doctor if your child is over 6 months old and has unexplained hair loss. Your doctor will examine your child's scalp, diagnose the cause and possibly refer you to a pediatric dermatologist.
Diet
A well-balanced diet can help ensure your child develops normally and doesn't experience hair loss related to nutritional imbalances. A healthy diet should include whole-grain breads and cereals, five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, lean meat, nuts and eggs and other healthy sources of protein. Foods high in biotin include cereals, liver, cauliflower, salmon, carrots and bananas.
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