Vitamin Challenge

[hairlove]

I am planning to do a 4 month vitamin challenge to see if they really make a difference in my hair health and growth rate. Would anyone like to join me? Here are the rules:

• Must begin taking at least one vitamin or adding/switching a vitamin to a current vitamin regimen
• Must follow whatever frequency you set for yourself for each vitamin (one a day, two a day, alternate vitamins alternate days, whatever)
• Must keep dosage the same throughout the challenge (no upping dosages, but decreases are ok)
• No hair growth measuring until the end of the 4th month
• Post vitamin regimen and the date you’ll start the challenge.

At the end of the 4 months, you can measure and see if there’s a growth difference or texture change or just healthier hair.

Just to note, I am not encouraging anyone to begin taking tons of vitamins that could potentially be unhealthy for you. You can do this challenge even if you simply want to try taking a Flintstone’s chewable multi-vitamin! I did lots of research for my own vitamin regimen to make sure I’m not taking too much of anything and additionally, I won’t be starting them all at once. I’ll start with the basics and add on each week to determine if there are any negative reactions. Feel free to modify my rules for your situation!

So, who’s interested?

[hairlove]

I will be starting the challenge on October 4th. I will be taking the following vitamins:

Week 1
GNC Hair, Skin, and Nails (2x a day)
Puritan's Pride Multi-Day Plus Minerals (1x a day)
GNC Flaxseed Oil (1x a day)

Mid-Week 1
Puritan's Pride B-50 Complex (1x a day)

Week 2
Puritan's Pride MSM 500mg (1x a day)

Mid-Week 2
GNC Silica 11mg (1x a day)

[CrownnGlori]

Ok I think I'm in Hairlove. I was just starting this on my own. I'll get it all organize by the $th. I already know I'm taking msm for the joints, (started a week ago). Also I have a Multivitamin system that has A to Z then Sea kelp to boot. Tons of water and it on!

[Isis]

This should be interesting. We will be our own experiment see what really effects our hair growth. I've done almost all of these for a long time, but recently added MSM and Biotin. I'm in starting Oct. 1.

Daily vitamins:

NOW MSM 2000 mg
NOW Vitamin C 1000 mg
Spectrum Flaxseed Oil 1- 2 tbls
Standard Process Iron
NOW Biotin 2000 mcg
Solaray B-100
Country Life Calcium/Magnesium Complex 1000mg-500mg (2 tablets)
Twin Labs B-12 sublingual 1000 mcg
NOW Spirulina 3g
Lots of water

[Peachtree]

Hey Hairlove http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif
I'm in... http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Here's my info....

- Flintstone's Chewable Multi Vitamin (daily)
- Country Life Biotin (3 mg daily)

4 mths u say http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif .... I think I can; I think I can (just need to psych myself up for the ~daily~ challenge http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif)

Ok, I'm ready http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/trampoline.gif

My start date is Sunday, Oct 5th http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/trampoline.gif

[Tebby1017]

I think I can....I'm out of hair vitamins for the moment, but since we have until the fourh, I have some time to get some more.

Tebby

[Ipanema]

I'm in, too. My daily vitamin intake will be:

One A Day Women's multivitamin
1000mg MSM

I actually started Sept. 1st after I gave myself a haircut. I got over 1 inch of growth last month, so I'm curious to see if this continues.

[dominicana]

I'm in too!! I don't take my vitamins consistently so maybe this challenge will help!

I'm taking
GNC Nourishair 1 caplet twice a day
Biotin 1000 mcg a day
cod liver oil 1 caplet twice a day
evening primrose oil 1 caplet twice a day
one protein shake once a day

[tekmommie]

I'm in too. I will start on Sunday as well. I will post my vitamin regimen then, because I have no idea what it will be.

[pookeylou]

Count me in:

GNC Mega woman without iron...two pills once a day
GNC Nourishair two pills once a day.
Coenzyme Q10 200 mgs once a day

[Brooke007]

[ QUOTE ]
tekmommie said:
I'm in too. I will start on Sunday as well. I will post my vitamin regimen then, because I have no idea what it will be.

[/ QUOTE ] DITTO

[soslychic]

I'm in!
I'll start today (october 1)
I'm taking
*Spring Valley Multi Daily
*PP Biotin 5mg daily (until it runs out, then I'm switching to freeda)
*I'll add gnc msm the beginning of december
*lots of water
*increased protein (but no shakes or anything)

[dontspeakdefeat]

Count Me in too!

No MSM for me..I am allergic to sulfur!
One a Day Women's (1 daily)
Vitamin Shop Skin hair and nails (3 daily)
L-Cysteine (2250 mg)
Vitamin C (double the l-cystein dose)
Biotin(12 mg)
Plenty of extra chicken and fish, water and exercise

I already take the biotin and one a day vitamin vitamins.
I will start taking the others on Friday.

[soulchild]

I'm in. Starting the 1st
1 Multi
Evening Primrose Oil 3000 mg
Flaxseed Oil 2000 mg
Will add MSM and B-complex as well

[Dandy112]

I am in too! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Multivitamin
B-5
Lots of water

[AnjelLuvsUBabe]

i am in also

see siggy for vit's

[sabie19]

I'm in this challenge also. I will love to join in and start taking vitamins.

[hairlove]

Yay to all of those joining me! This should be fun! Sometimes it's hard to remember to take the vitamins so this should be a good motivator.
Does anyone know how long it typically takes for a shipment from Puritan's Pride? I ordered on Sunday but I never got a shipping confirmation...only an order confirmation.

[Michelle79]

I'm in!! I currently take:
1 Centrum multi-vitamin
2000mg Evening Primose Oil
1000mg Flaxseed Oil
1000mg Vitamin C

Question- how do you measure your hair? Is there something you can buy or can I use tape measure?

[hairlove]

I think everyone measures differently...
Since I'm transitioning, I typically only "measure" my new growth. I just use a ruler.

[Pookie25]

Count me In:
One a day- for women
GNC ultranourish hair
MSM 1000 mg

[pookeylou]

Dont know if anyone has mentioned this yet...but make sure you do a test on your vitamins to make sure they are being digested in time and thus absorbed.

Take a glass of water.
A teaspoon of vinegar.
Drop in your vitamin.
If it is not dissolved or considerably broken apart...you are not digesting it and it is simply passing through your system...a nutritionist told my husband and I that.

[hairlove]

Thanks for the info, Pookeylou!

[Starr]

I'm in also. I'll post my regimen on Sunday. Thanks dontspeakdefeat for mentioning MSM is sulfur. I'm allergic also... resulting in hives. I hear so many rave reviews about the product, but never asked what it contained.

[miss_brown]

Great idea! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/clap.gif

Starting October 1, I'm in with the following:

Solgar VM Multi Vitamin
PP Biotin 4000mcg
PP MSM 3000mg

If this stuff doesn't work this time, I'm giving up on the vitamin thing and just knocking my intake down to a multi. Good luck everybody!

[dontspeakdefeat]

[ QUOTE ]
Starr said:
I'm in also. I'll post my regimen on Sunday. Thanks dontspeakdefeat for mentioning MSM is sulfur. I'm allergic also... resulting in hives. I hear so many rave reviews about the product, but never asked what it contained.

[/ QUOTE ]
I am glad I mentioned that. You are probably not the only one who didn't know. Sulfur allergies are common among women. So please if any of you ladies don't know if you are allergic to sulfur please note if anything strange is happening after taking a dose. Some of the symptoms are swelling, itching and hives. Hopefully this is not the case.

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

Hey, I want in on this too. I will start on the 5th of October. I am currently taking 5000 mcg pp biotin, 1 tablespoon pp flax seed oil and 2 vitimin B-complex on a daily basis. I am adding evening primrose oil and msm on the 4th. So I'll say my start day will be the 5th. I dont know the dosage yet but will post that later, unless someone can give me advice on recommended dosage. waiting to hear. http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[tekmommie]

[ QUOTE ]
pookeylou said:
Dont know if anyone has mentioned this yet...but make sure you do a test on your vitamins to make sure they are being digested in time and thus absorbed.

Take a glass of water.
A teaspoon of vinegar.
Drop in your vitamin.
If it is not dissolved or considerably broken apart...you are not digesting it and it is simply passing through your system...a nutritionist told my husband and I that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you! I didn't know this.

[quarsar]

I'm in...
Start date: 10/01/03
PPB 10mg
MSM 3000mg
B-Complex 1x day
Hair, Skin, and Nail Vit. 3x day

[miss_a]

Great idea! I'm in....Just one quick question--which vitamin company is the best (is there even a such thing?), e.g., freeda better than solgar better than now better than twin lab better than puritan pride?

Thank you

A.

[EXSQUISIT]

i'm in........

i already do this but need to be consistent.

1 multi
3 mg spring valley biotin

this is done daily.

the hard part is the not measuring my hair because i get my relaxers every three months and its gonna kill me not to measure after my next one.....

[loverofnaps71]

I'm in. As a napptural, sometimes it's difficult to realize that the hair IS growing due to shrinkage. I've just completed a 3 week regimen of the vitamins listed below, so I'll keep monitoring and keep on it. This is actually a fantastic idea because it ensures that we are indeed getting the nutrients that we need.

Good luck to all of you... http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/clap.gif

[loverofnaps71]

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif Puritan's Pride products came in just two days! I was thrilled!!! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[sabie19]

bump

[hairlove]

I'm so glad so many of you are participating! Hopefully, we can keep each other motivated. Anyhow, I thought I'd list a few websites I found helpful in my vitamin regimen:

Puritan's Pride.com (http://www.puritan.com)

GNC (http://www.gnc.com)

Supplement Info (http://www.wholefoods.com/healthinfo/wholehealth/list_supp.html)

If anyone has anymore information, please list. I had a site on silica but I can't seem to find it at the moment...

[Peachtree]

[ QUOTE ]
Peachtree said:
Hey Hairlove http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif
I'm in... http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Here's my info....

- Flintstone's Chewable Multi Vitamin (daily)
- Country Life Biotin (3 mg daily)

4 mths u say http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif .... I think I can; I think I can (just need to psych myself up for the ~daily~ challenge http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif)

Ok, I'm ready http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/trampoline.gif

My start date is Sunday, Oct 5th http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/trampoline.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok, so I still have 2 more days to FINALIZE my vit regime... Adding:

- GNC UltraNourishair.... I still have a half bottle left over. Might as well use 'em http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (I can't remember the dosage http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/ohwell.gif )

- L-Cysteine...I started that thread "...Eggs make ur hair grow" after talking with the cashier at the health store. Well, I plan to discover if this is really true http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I'll document the dosage after I purchase it.

- Thinking of adding silica... I dunno yet http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/ohwell.gif

Oh, another thing... I hafta purchase a pill crusher http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif, cuz I ain't tryin' to get chocked on a vit http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif!

[Nessa]

I wanna join, I am taking a Centrium vitamin, the ones for adults, the doctors, say over 12 and up can take but only 2 to three times a week.

[dontspeakdefeat]

Thanks for the info Hairlove!

[Starr]

My regimen

New Life Hair w/Silica x 2
Flaxseed Oil x 1 = 1000mg
Super B-Complex x 1
Prenatal vitamins x 1
Vitamin A x 1 = 8000 IU
Calcium x 1 = 500mg
Iron x 1 = 65mg
Vitamin E x 1 (Every other day) = 400 IU
Omega 3 x 1 = 1000mg

[mblake8]

im in too.
My regimen
PP biotin 5mg
Pantholic Acid 5Mg
MSM 2mg
Silica 2 silica
Natures Plus Prenatal

M. Blake

[CrownnGlori]

Thanks for the supplement site. I just love being in the company of knowledgable woman. Sisterhood. I am taking:
1) Andrew Lessman's MultiVitamin. It contains 100% of B-vitamins. Almost the RDA of everything.
2) Flaxseed Oil
3) MSM for the Joints
And water like a fish.

[Nina_deF]

I'm in.

I'm stopping with the biosilic b/c I don't think it's working. My nails aren't growing at the same rate and the usual tenderness of my crown as my hair grows is none existant.

I'm continuing the codfish liver oil (for my brain and concentration issues).
Adding Green Tea 3200mg per day
and
MSM 1000mg per day.
Start extimated around 13 october.

I measured my hair at it's shortest at the nape 14cm (c:a 5,5 inches).

[diva4life]

okokok! I can do this too. My current regime is as follows:

1. 2 silica capsules by Body Essentials (224 mg @ 2x per day).

2. 1 B-complex tablet by Megafoods which is 100% whole food. (2x per day).

3. Nature's Plus Ultra Hair (2 tablets 1x per day).

4. Spring Valley MSM (1000 mgs 2x per day)

*** I just purchased some spirulina and hopefully I will have some good reports from it since it is the only new addition.*** My hair is WAY thicker than it had been now that I have finished my first bottle of B-complex vitamins. They are kinda pricey at Earthfare though.

[hairlove]

Nina,

What's biosilic?

I still have not received my vitamins from Puritan's Pride. So, I may not be starting tomorrow afterall. But, I will start as soon as I receive my items.

Also, I need to revise my regimen before starting!

[kinikini]

Add me in please! I've been ramping up my modified Bargello routine since the end of August. My daily regimen is below -I usually split the pills into two groups for morning and evening. The growth is coming in - I think I've gotten about 3/4" in the last month. I'll be waiting another 4 weeks before I go in for a touch-up since I'm trying to avoid excessive breakage at the new growth.

1. Either Women's One-a-day Multi-vitamin OR Super-B Complex w/Vitamin C
2. MSM 2x 1500 mg
3. Biotin 5400 mcg
4. Flaxseed Oil OR Evening Primrose Oil 2x 1000 mg
4. Silica 11 mg
5. L-Cysteine 500 mg (occasionally)

[hairlove]

Sounds good, Kinikini!
I'm so excited to begin - I wish my vitamins would get here.

Someone mentioned getting a pill crusher and I can't remember who...
Anyhow, a month ago, I was taking the GNC UltraNourishair pills and those things are HUGE!!! I went out searching high and low for a pill crusher. I finally found one and do you know those UN pills are so huge and coated so strongly that the pill crusher wouldn't crush them? I had to just learn to swallow them! So, hope you find a better pill crusher than the one I have!

[HotCoCoGurl130]

I'm in.

7 days a week:
1 multivitamin
5 Biotin (1000mg x 5)
1 MSM 750mg
2 ACV Tablets

[Tracy]

I am currently taking:

10mgs of Biotin
1000 mgs. of B5


I want to add Hair Factors (3 pills) and EFA's (2 pills) regularly (I'm not consistent).

Sometime mid-challenge I'm going to change brands on my Biotin. I want to try Freeda. I'm currently taking Country Life.


I'll begin tomorrow on the EFA's and the Hair Factors and replace the CL with Freeda on the Biotin when run out. I'm also going to take MORE B5 - 1000mgs more.

[ngaa]

add me in!! i'll start today takin

1500mgs of msm
3mgs of biotin
b complex
taken with a protein shake

[pooh123]

Count me in as well! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Nature's Bounty Flaxseed Oil- 1 teaspoon daily
Continue with increased protein and water intake daily
At least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day
Puritan's Pride Hair tablet -once daily starting 10/15
Vitamin E - once daily starting 10/15

pooh123

[hairlove]

I'm thinking of adding a protein drink/shake to my regimen before I start. What kind are you all taking?

[SingingStar12]

This is a great idea http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif :
GNC Teens Multivitamin

[EbonyEyes]

I'm starting today, October 4th.

My daily vitamin regime is:

-1 One-A-Day vitamin
-2 mg PP Biotin
-1000 mg VS Biotin (Will change the brand soon)
-1 PP B-50 B Complex vitamin
-500 mg of PP L-Cysteine
-1000 mg of Vitamin C
-Plenty of water

Wow...I can't measure my hair until February 4th? That's gonna be tough but I think I can do it.

I wish everybody luck!

-Ebony

[hairlove]

Good luck Ebony Eyes

[EgyptianSand16]

I'm in, I think i started taking my vits about a month ago(Puritans Pride)
5000mcg Biotin
1000mg EPO
1000mg Alfalfa
1000mg MSM
1 Spring Valley Multivitamin
Whey Protein Shakes (1- 2 scoops) theres 17.5grms of protein per scoop

[EgyptianSand16]

Hairlove i'm taking Designer Whey the vanilla flavored one. I'm thinking of buying the chocolate one next. The vanilla one didn't taste like i thought it would.

[hairlove]

Just a little note to everyone in regards to the post about ending up in the emergency room from supplements...

I hope that you all know that my intention is certainly not for anyone to start taking tons of supplements for any hair effect...just as I mentioned in my original post. You should definitely do research on dosage amounts, begin gradually, and consult a doctor if necessary. I was very concerned about starting this challenge b/c I didn't want anyone to take it the wrong way...so please don't misunderstand my intentions! I would hope that everyone is being safe and doing the necessary research to ensure that they aren't causing themselves any harm!

[Brooke007]

Vitamin Regimen (5x a week):
Maximum Complete For Women alternate with vitamin shake

Circulation and Vein Support For Healthy Legs with Diosmin
CoEnzyme Q-10 75 Milligrams Cellular Energy and AntiOxidants
Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails
ProCap Essential Omega-3 with High EPA-DHA Fish Oil and Flax Seed Oil
Glucosamine-Chondroitin Joint Benefits
MSM (5000mg)
Biotin (dosage undecided)
Organic Hempseed Oil 4 tbs http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/fat.gif http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif
Organic Flaxseed Oil 4 tbs http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/fat.gif http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif
Organic Flaxseeds (crushed) 2 tbs
Organic Coconut oil (used for cooking eggs & salmon)
Green Kamut (8 oz)
3 liters water (daily)http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/fat.gif

Added protein
At least 7oz of Salmon 5 days a week
At least 1 can Atkins Protein Shake (Chocolate Delight)
At least 2 eggs daily

My Biotin didn’t come yet http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/swearing.gif But I’m starting anyway. Today October 6, 2003

[CrownnGlori]

Ok. Just thought I should add, I am on a high protien fiber diet. Not to lose weight, Health reasons. And officially my hair is 3 inches past shoulders on back and sides.

[offthechainliz]

I aslo want to join a stated taking these vits the beginning of the month

week 1-2 I took
msm-1000mgs a day
evening primrose 1000mg a day

today I will start taking
msm- 1500-2000mg a day
flaxseed oil 1000mg a day
evening primrose 1000mg a day
mutil vit GNC womens ultra nourisher 1 tab a day

vit c tabs- amt depend on msm taken that day_ I haven't bouth these yet but I really need to. I keep hearing it's best to take 2-3 x the amt of vit c with each msm dosage.

I orderd a protien shake from pruitian pride along with
l-cysteine about 1 1/2 ago and I haven't recieved it yet
but as soon as they come I will implement

l-cystiene 1 500 tab a day
1 or 2 serving of the protien shake -one evey morning and I'll try to squeeze in an evening drink

and that's it!

I have boitin but it make me break out, b-complex. fish oil, but the after taste is to fishy. and number of other vits I bought but there is no way I will be able to commit myself to taking all of them so I thought I'd pick out the most important one for me.

[offthechainliz]

I aslo want to join a stated taking these vits the beginning of the month

week 1-2 I took
msm-1000mgs a day
evening primrose 1000mg a day

today I will start taking
msm- 1500-2000mg a day
flaxseed oil 1000mg a day
evening primrose 1000mg a day
mutil vit GNC womens ultra nourisher 1 tab a day

vit c tabs- amt depend on msm taken that day_ I haven't bouth these yet but I really need to. I keep hearing it's best to take 2-3 x the amt of vit c with each msm dosage.

I orderd a protien shake from pruitian pride along with
l-cysteine about 1 1/2 ago and I haven't recieved it yet
but as soon as they come I will implement

l-cystiene 1 500 tab a day
1 or 2 serving of the protien shake -one evey morning and I'll try to squeeze in an evening drink

and that's it!

I have boitin but it make me break out, b-complex. fish oil, but the after taste is to fishy. and number of other vits I bought but there is no way I will be able to commit myself to taking all of them so I thought I'd pick out the most important one for me.

[offthechainliz]

I aslo want to join a stated taking these vits the beginning of the month

week 1-2 I took
msm-1000mgs a day
evening primrose 1000mg a day

today I will start taking
msm- 1500-2000mg a day
flaxseed oil 1000mg a day
evening primrose 1000mg a day
mutil vit GNC womens ultra nourisher 1 tab a day

vit c tabs- amt depend on msm taken that day_ I haven't bouth these yet but I really need to. I keep hearing it's best to take 2-3 x the amt of vit c with each msm dosage.

I orderd a protien shake from pruitian pride along with
l-cysteine about 1 1/2 ago and I haven't recieved it yet
but as soon as they come I will implement

l-cystiene 1 500 tab a day
1 or 2 serving of the protien shake -one evey morning and I'll try to squeeze in an evening drink

and that's it!

I have boitin but it make me break out, b-complex. fish oil, but the after taste is to fishy. and number of other vits I bought but there is no way I will be able to commit myself to taking all of them so I thought I'd pick out the most important one for me.

[GodsPromises]

I just join this club and I would love to be added to the vitamin challenge.

Is it too late. I will be starting today. When I get home from work I will post what I will be taking.

[GodsPromises]

Ok here is my vitamin intake:

Vitasmart Mult Vitamin with iron - 1x
day
Sundown BComplex - 1x day
Biotin - 300 mcg - 1x day
Silica - 11mg - 1x day
MSM - 1000mg - 1x day

I probably will add evening primrose at some point. I'm starting tonight. I just have to decide if which is better for me: half in the morning and half at night, all at night or all in the morning. I'm thinking half and half

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

Four months seemed like a good idea at first, but now I have so much new growth that I want to measure at my touch up in December. My hair measured six inches from crown to tip at my last touch up in August. Help me hold out. I started the challenge on October 5th February seems to be a million months off. Can I do it. Pleeeeeeease let me measure. I will not measure in December, I will not measure in December, I will not m........ http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif