If you spend enough time on social media, chances are you've come across videos of women crediting prenatal vitamins for longer, thicker hair. What was once a supplement exclusively for pregnancy is now part of beauty routines for many women who are not pregnant.

With countless testimonials declaring, "It worked for me," it is easy to see why the trend has caught on.

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But are there any dangers of abusing prenatal vitamins?

Dr Richard Mogeni, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, explains that there is no strong scientific evidence that prenatal vitamins improve hair growth in healthy, non-pregnant individuals unless they have a specific nutrient deficiency.

Many people attribute fuller hair, as seen during pregnancy, to prenatal vitamins working. However, Dr Mogeni says pregnancy hormones, particularly increased oestrogen, are the main reason for fuller hair during pregnancy.

“Prenatal vitamins play a supportive role by preventing nutritional deficiencies, not by directly stimulating hair growth. Oestrogen is generally the female hormone facilitating hair growth; androgen is the male hormone associated with hair loss or baldness.”

Prenatal vitamins contain iron, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, iodine, B vitamins, and sometimes biotin. These nutrients help support normal cell growth and can improve hair health if a deficiency exists.

So are there any potential risks of doing so over the long term? “Routine use is not recommended. Excessive intake of iron, vitamin A, and other nutrients may cause side effects or toxicity. Taking supplements without medical need offers little benefit and may pose unnecessary health risks."

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Over time, he adds that excessive intake of iron and vitamin A may cause side effects ranging from constipation and nausea to, in rare cases, organ toxicity.

And who should be taking the prenatal vitamins?
Dr Mogeni says women planning pregnancy, those trying to conceive, women with certain nutritional deficiencies, or those advised by a healthcare provider may benefit from taking prenatal vitamins.

Still, he cautions against taking prenatal vitamins as a solution for hair-related conditions. “Persistent hair loss should be medically evaluated. Simply taking prenatal vitamins may delay diagnosis of treatable conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease, hormonal disorders (PCOS or PMOS), or autoimmune conditions.”

He shares common causes such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, stress, recent childbirth, hormonal imbalances (such as PCOS), poor nutrition, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and genetic hair loss should be investigated first before reaching for such supplements.

Additionally, Dr Mogeni says women planning pregnancy are advised to start prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, at least one month before conception to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

However, he admits that many people mistakenly believe prenatal vitamins are beauty supplements or ‘stronger multivitamins’.

“They are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pregnancy and should not replace a balanced diet or appropriate medical evaluation. Besides that, individuals should not fall for pyramid marketers.”

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