Vitamin Deficiency and Hair Loss

Hair loss has undeniably negative effects on self esteem – It can lower self-esteem and decrease confidence considerably. 

A 2019 study in the International Journal of Trichology found that androgenic alopecia lowered the quality of life for many men and women, with particular effects in the areas of self-perception and interpersonal relations.

Many factors ranging from genetics, medical conditions, covid, nutritional to even vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss. Although genetics and hormones can be the major cause of hair loss especially in men(baldness), diet and lifestyle factors can also have a huge effect on the health and thickness of your hair.

While there are many factors that lead to hair loss, we will tailor our discussion on the connection between Vitamin deficiency and hair loss. 

If you’ve noticed your hair starting to thin, become weaker, or split apart towards the end, it could be as a result of vitamin deficiency because vitamins play a major role in development of hair follicles.

Vitamin B and D deficiency.

When it comes to creation of new hair follicles,  Vitamin D is very important because it plays a role. 

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps immensely in creating new hair follicles. When your body lacks the recommended amount of vitamin D, it can lead to hair loss.

Hair follicles are the tiny pores from which new hairs grow. New follicles help hair maintain thickness and prevent existing hair from falling out prematurely.

Because of the aforementioned, any deficiency in Vitamin D ultimately leads to hair loss. 

The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is lack of sunlight or not eating foods supplemented with vitamin D. Also, most people may have vitamin D deficiencies as a result of underlying medical conditions, like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, which shields the body from fully absorbing nutrients.

Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin is the most essential vitamin for hair growth. It promotes hair growth by producing red blood cells, which transports oxygen to the scalp so that hair follicles can generate new hair. 

Whenever vitamins for hair growth are prescribed, biotin must be in the list. A vitamin deficiency involving biotin causes hair loss, brittle nails, and nerve damage.

Also, Vitamin B12 and B6 are very essential for hair growth. For example, vitamin B12 boosts hair growth by promoting healthy hair follicles through the production of oxygen-rich red blood cells.

We also advised you to supplement your diet with other nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Iron, magnesium and zinc to avoid any Vitamin deficiency.

Let’s drop by at webmd  and see what they have to say about iron and hair loss.  

“Iron Deficiency in pre-menopausal women is one the main causes of hair loss and could indicate an underlying medical condition,” Abraham Armani, MD, a hair restoration surgeon and hair loss expert in Dallas, Texas, tells WebMD Connect to Care. 

Iron contributes to hemoglobin production, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. Without enough iron, the hair won’t grow, causing progressively thinner hair. Women with heavy periods may also develop iron deficiency anemia. Some other potential causes of iron deficiency include: 

• Not eating enough iron-rich foods, such as red meat, seafood, and beans
• Blood loss from ulcers
• Certain cancers, such as colon cancer 

Treating Hair Loss and Vitamin Deficiency 

According to webmd “People who think they have hair loss related to a vitamin deficiency should not self-diagnose. A doctor can test for vitamin deficiencies, make diet and supplement recommendations, and potentially recommend other forms of treatment. It may also be possible to have multiple types of hair loss at once, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis”.