Vitamins to Help Your Eyelashes Grow

It should come as no surprise that the same nutrition that supports overall healthy hair growth also support eyelash growth. A balanced diet of whole foods is essential to make your eyelashes grow and remain healthy. There are some key vitamins and minerals that you want to make sure you include in your diet that will support healthy eyelashes.

Biotin

Biotin is very important for your hair and eyelashes as it is required for the growth of all cells and tissues. Include romaine lettuce, tomatoes, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and carrots in your diet to make sure you are getting enough biotin. You can also take biotin as a supplement. It is water-soluble so it is unlikely you can overdose on biotin.

Do not eat foods containing raw eggs because they are high in a protein that binds biotin and prevents it from being absorbed. Cooked eggs are fine.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency could be the culprit if one is suffering from hair loss and weak eyelashes. It is often paired with biotin to support healthy hair growth. You can get zinc in meats, peas, beans, and lentils. Check your multivitamin, it generally contains zinc. Too much zinc can cause an upset stomach. Do not exceed 100mg/day. Excessive amounts of zinc can interfere with iron absorption. You should check with your doctor if you have questions about your zinc intake.

Iron

Lack of iron is responsible for a condition known as anemia and hair loss is one of the symptoms. To make sure you are getting enough iron in your diet, eat lean meats, legumes, nuts, and beans. You can also take iron as a supplement. Iron is not water-soluble and if you take too much, you may suffer constipation and excessive amounts can cause toxicity and even death.

The requirement for iron decreases after menopause for women. The daily recommended dosage for females 14-18 is 15mg/day, for females 19-50 is 18mg/day, and for females over 50 is 8mg/day. Check with your doctor to determine what is right for you.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B also supports growth of healthy hair and lashes. Foods high in vitamin B include liver, tuna, beef, oats, turkey, bananas and potatoes. You can also supplement with a good vitamin B complex. Since vitamin B is water-soluble, it is virtually impossible to overdose on it.

Other Means to Healthy Eyelashes

There are other things you can do to keep your eyelashes healthy. Save the false eyelashes and heavy mascara for special occasions. Remember to remove your mascara at night and be gentle with your lashes when you do it. Easy does it with the eyelash curler and don’t pull your eyelashes when you use it.

For conditioning, try a little Vaseline or Aquaphor at night and comb through with an eyelash brush or comb.

Another alternative to make your eyelashes grow, is an eyelash enhancement serum. You apply these just like your eyeliner and this acts as a conditioner to stimulate existing lash growth.

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Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D.; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.