You may have heard that certain supplements, like prenatal vitamins or biotin, can lead to stronger hair growth and even thicker, fuller locks. Just do a quick Google search of “prenatal vitamins and hair growth” and you’ll see thousands of results.
While many WeNatal customers have shared that they’ve experienced hair growth as an added benefit of taking WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him, is it true that prenatal vitamins are the secret behind strong, healthy hair? Let’s look at what the latest research says about nutrients and hair growth.
The role of nutrients in hair growth
Energy and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed for countless processes in the human body, from wound healing to hormone production to hair growth. All of these processes rely on ATP (energy), which we derive from macronutrients and micronutrients.
This means it makes sense that a robust prenatal like WeNatal could provide benefits beyond fertility and pregnancy like supporting hair growth, healthy skin, and overall vitality.
In practice, I often see clients experiencing hair changes when nutrient status is improved. But which deficiencies really matter most when it comes to hair?
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What nutrient deficiencies can lead to hair loss?
Research highlights several micronutrients that may play a role in hair loss and hair health.
1. Biotin
Biotin is one of the most well-known nutrients linked to hair and skin health. A study of women experiencing hair loss found that 38% had biotin deficiency, while only 13% had optimal biotin levels.
The takeaway? Biotin supplementation seems to help only when a deficiency is present. This reflects a broader theme: many nutrients benefit hair growth primarily when the body is lacking them.
2. Iron
Iron deficiency is particularly important in women. Lower ferritin levels (a measure of iron storage) have consistently been found among premenopausal women with hair loss.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that women with hair loss tend to have significantly lower ferritin levels than healthy controls. Screening for iron deficiency in both women and men experiencing hair loss may be worthwhile.
In my clinical experience, optimizing ferritin levels often improves not just hair, but also energy and mood.
3. Vitamin D
Low vitamin D has been repeatedly associated with hair loss. Research shows that individuals with alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition) have higher odds of vitamin D deficiency. A 2022 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology emphasized that restoring vitamin D status may help with certain types of hair loss.
Vitamin D also plays a broader role in immune health, fertility, and hormone balance, making it a key nutrient to monitor.
4. Zinc
Zinc is essential for metabolism, hair follicle cycling, and immune function. Studies have shown lower zinc levels in individuals with hair loss, and research suggests zinc may play a therapeutic role in androgenic alopecia (the leading cause of hair loss in men).
In practice, I often see zinc deficiency in both men and women, especially those under chronic stress or with gut health challenges.
Beyond nutrients: Other causes of hair loss
While deficiencies in biotin, iron, vitamin D, and zinc may contribute to hair loss, there are many non-nutrient drivers, including:
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Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, PCOS, menopause, and postpartum changes)
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High stress levels and elevated cortisol
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Autoimmune conditions
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Certain medications
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Recent illness or surgery
Addressing these root causes is just as important as correcting nutrient deficiencies when it comes to restoring healthy hair growth.
Key nutrients in WeNatal that may support hair growth
Both WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him are designed to optimize nutrient status for fertility, but the thoughtfully chosen ingredients may also support hair growth by closing gaps in common nutrient deficiencies.
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Biotin: 200 mcg in WeNatal for Her and 30 mcg in WeNatal for Him is enough to support healthy hair and skin without the excessively high doses found in many “hair, skin, and nail” supplements.
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Iron: 18 mg in WeNatal for Her to support women of childbearing age, who are often at higher risk of deficiency.
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Vitamin D: 4,000 IU in WeNatal for Her and 2,000 IU in WeNatal for Him are amounts that align with research for immune, fertility, and hair health support.
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Zinc: Included in both formulations to support hair follicle health, testosterone balance in men, and overall fertility.
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A holistic view: Why prenatals aren’t the whole story
As is often the case in health, there’s rarely one single cause, or one single solution, to an imbalance like hair loss. While nutrient deficiencies can absolutely play a role, addressing lifestyle, stress, hormones, and overall health is just as important.
In practice, I’ve seen that when patients begin taking a high-quality prenatal, they often notice not just improvements in fertility biomarkers but also unexpected benefits like healthier nails, more radiant skin, and yes even fuller, stronger hair.
A note from WeNatal on hair growth and nutrient support
While prenatal vitamins may not be a magic bullet for hair growth, supporting your body with the right balance of nutrients can make a big difference, especially if you’re starting from a place of deficiency.
That’s why WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him are formulated with evidence-based levels of key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, biotin, and zinc. Designed to optimize health before, during, and after conception, they may also help fill nutrient gaps that can support stronger, healthier hair along the way.
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References
Carmina E, Azziz R, Bergfeld W, et al. Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(7):2875-2891. doi:10.1210/jc.2018-02548
Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(4):405-409. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405
Lee S, Kim BJ, Lee CH, Lee WS. Increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(7):1214-1221. doi:10.1111/jdv.14987
Park SY, Na SY, Kim JH, Cho S, Lee JH. Iron plays a certain role in patterned hair loss. J Korean Med Sci. 2013;28(6):934-938. doi:10.3346/jkms.2013.28.6.934
Rodríguez-Tamez G, Herz-Ruelas ME, Gómez-Flores M, Ocampo-Candiani J, Chavez-Alvarez S. Hair Disorders in Autoimmune Diseases. Skin Appendage Disord. 2023;9(2):84-93. doi:10.1159/000527933
Saini K, Mysore V. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(11):3407-3414. doi:10.1111/jocd.14421
Tamer F, Yuksel ME, Karabag Y. Serum ferritin and vitamin D levels should be evaluated in patients with diffuse hair loss prior to treatment. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2020;37(3):407-411. doi:10.5114/ada.2020.96251
Treister-Goltzman Y, Yarza S, Peleg R. Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Skin Appendage Disord. 2022;8(2):83-92. doi:10.1159/000519952
Trüeb RM. Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss. Int J Trichology. 2016;8(2):73-77. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.188040
