Alpha Linolenic Acid

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid. The recommended dosage of ALA is 1.2-2 g/day (from dietary sources) for healthy hair. If taking a nutritional supplement of alpha linolenic acid, experts recommend 4000 mg/day combination of fish or flaxseed oil with evening primrose or borage oil that contains 200 mg of GLA. ^{40, 222}

Dietary Sources of Alpha Linolenic Acid

• Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, sardines) ²
• Pumpkin seeds ²
• Soybeans ²
• Walnut oil ^{2, 223}

Dietary Sources of Alpha Linolenic Acid

• Fatty acid deficiency (either acquired or inherited) is a known cause of telogen effluvium.²⁹
• Potent antioxidant that recycles vitamins C and E after they’ve already been used to quench free radicals, stimulates production of body’s own antioxidants, and helps with absorption of antioxidant coenzyme Q10.³⁷
• Necessary for cells to use glucose for energy, ALA also helps regulate blood sugar in diabetics. ³⁷
• Improves hair texture and condition of scalp. ²