4 Vitamin Deficiency That Can Cause Hair Loss
A lack of certain vitamins and minerals has been shown to cause hair loss. Zinc, vitamin D, and iron are some of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies. Some of the leading causes of deficiencies include blood loss, a lack of proper diet, or a medical condition that interferes with nutritional absorption.
It's also vital to note that hair loss can also be a side effect of vitamin overdose. Therefore, it's critical to get a correct diagnosis and ensure that nutritional levels are balanced.
A vitamin shortage may be the cause of your hair loss or dullness. Even though vitamin deficiency may lead to hair loss or exacerbate other forms of hair loss, the majority of hair loss issues, commonly known as alopecia, are often inherited.
The good news is that hair loss resulting from vitamin deficiency is often rare and treatable. However, consuming vitamins in excess might have the reverse effect and cause hair losing instead of improving hair. Furthermore, it may result in critical medical issues. For this reason, it is crucial to work through hair loss with the assistance of a healthcare professional.
The easiest way to ensure that your hair is getting all the proper nutrients and vitamins it needs to grow is to take a hair-specific multi-vitamin like Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins. Formulated with our exclusive Capilsana Complex® blend, Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins specifically targets your hair, with the proper doses of the nutrients we know hair needs. The result is a beautiful head of hair that you can be proud of. Don't like swallowing pills? Try Hairfinity Candilocks Chewable Hair Vitamins instead!
Below are four vitamin deficiencies that have been shown to lead to hair loss:
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Vitamin B12 Deficiency
As a water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the synthesis of oxygenated red blood cells. Your hair follicles are fed by these cells. In contrast to a hair strand, hair follicles have a lot of life in them. Therefore, while getting a haircut, you experience no pain; nevertheless, when pulling your hair out from the roots, you experience pain.
The papilla, which is the follicle's base, provides the follicle with all the nutrients it needs to thrive and reproduce. Blood veins in the papilla provide oxygen and nutrients to the follicles. A lack of B12 may lead to hair loss and inhibit the growth of new hair strands since B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells.
This may result in hair thinning and hair loss!
Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with early graying of the hair in addition to hair loss. The combination of white hair and hair loss is a blatant indication that you are itamin B12 low, so take note.
You may have other symptoms of B12 deficiency, such as fatigue, poor energy, and anxiety. Pale complexion, mood swings, and blurred vision are some more symptoms.
How to Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Consult a physician. Your doctor will advise an oral B12 dose based on the B12 levels in your blood. In addition to taking supplements, you should consume meals with the right quantity of B12. There are very few foods that are abundant in these vitamins, and vitamin B12 cannot be obtained from plants. Liver, dairy, clams, shrimp, sardines, and eggs are among the foods high in B12. Thus, the sole sources of B12 for vegetarians are dairy and eggs.
Vegans must routinely get B12 injections or daily supplements to satisfy their daily needs.
Iron insufficiency is also quite prevalent in those with vitamin B12 deficiencies. Pernicious anemia is the term for this illness.
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Vitamin D Deficiency
Numerous forms of hair loss have been connected to vitamin D. The skin cells known as keratinocytes, which break down the keratin protein present in hair, have receptors for vitamin D. The cycle of hair follicle development is disrupted when vitamin D levels are inadequate.
In instances of alopecia areata (AA), which is characterized by immune cells attacking hair follicles, there is the most direct proof of a connection between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. According to research, an insufficient amount of vitamin D caused a more severe hair loss, and individuals with AA were mostly people with vitamin D deficiency.
Male and female pattern hair loss, as well as telogen effluvium, have also been connected to vitamin D deficiency. According to some minor research, these forms of hair loss are associated with reduced vitamin D levels, and the more vitamin D deficiency there is, the greater the hair loss.
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Biotin Vitamin Deficiency
Biotin is the most widely hailed supplement for promoting hair development and minimizing hair loss. It also has the strongest scientific foundation of any vitamin for enhancing hair health. Dermatologists highly advise taking biotin, a kind of B vitamin that is contained in practically all hair vitamins.
Biotin, however, only addresses hair loss brought on by a deficiency; it is ineffective in treating male or female pattern baldness or hair loss brought on by factors like hormonal imbalance or delivery.
How can biotin benefit your hair then? Biotin transforms food into energy. It is crucial for tissue regeneration and DNA repair. By greatly enhancing keratin structure, biotin promotes hair development and gives hair a beautiful appearance. It helps strengthen and keep your nails from breaking in addition to your hair.
How Can You Increase Your Biotin Levels?
Biotin may be used as a supplement. The recommended dosage is usually 5 mg or 10 mg. However, always ensure that you get an excellent biotin vitamin from reliable vendors.
The best way to meet your daily needs for vitamins, as with other nutrients, is through natural sources. The following foods are high in biotin: sweet potatoes, bananas, spinach, almonds, eggs, cheese, oats, milk, and broccoli.
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Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency may lead to hair thinning and loss. Contrary to what most people think, zinc deficiency can occur, and it's not as uncommon as we formerly thought. Zinc keeps the immune system functioning properly in the body.
Additionally, the vitamin aids in protein synthesis, cell development, and even the maintenance of your senses of taste and smell. Since zinc aids in cell development, the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle—during which the hair grows and the cells at its roots quickly divide—is enhanced.
Low zinc levels may also diminish keratin, which causes hair loss due to its function in protein synthesis. Studies have revealed that zinc inhibits 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of DHT, and that it has been associated in certain studies with male pattern baldness.
Other signs of zinc deficiency include reduced appetite, weight loss, sluggish wound healing, lack of alertness, diminished sense of taste and smell, and diarrhea. If you are seeing these symptoms, going for zinc supplements may be the best for you.
Fortunately, zinc deficiency-related hair loss is only temporary and may be fully reversed. However, be careful not to overuse the supplements since too much zinc may also result in hair loss. Hormonal abnormalities and hampered mineral absorption are two effects of high zinc levels.
How to Include These Vitamins In Your Diet
Although the majority of the vitamins and minerals your body needs come from the common foods you consume, you must be sure you are consuming the appropriate ones.
Salmon, eggs, cheese, and cow liver are a few items you can consider including in your diet to increase your vitamin D consumption. If they are fortified, certain yogurts, milk, cereal, and bread may all include this crucial vitamin.
Since UVB rays aid in the body's synthesis of vitamin D, staying outside under the sun is a fantastic method to receive some vitamin D. But because sun exposure without protection can harm your skin, it may be advisable to stick to taking vitamin D supplements.
For vitamin C, keep in mind that the body cannot store it. An enzyme called L-gulonolactone oxidase, which is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin C, is naturally lacking in humans. You must therefore consume it through your food to get it. Citrus fruits, spinach, green and red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes are a few examples of foods that are high in vitamin C.
For healthy hair, B vitamins are also essential. Meats, eggs, and nuts are among the food sources of biotin (vitamin B7). Vitamin B5 is abundant in dairy products, beef, chicken, eggs, potatoes, almonds, and meat.
Another vitamin that will strengthen your hair is vitamin A, so be sure to consume plenty of it. Vitamin A is typically found in good concentrations in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, including pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Vitamin E Leafy green vegetables, seeds, almonds, and canola oil are some examples of foods high in vitamin E. A significant role in getting vitamin E can also be played by corn and soybeans.
What Supplements Can Help Cure Hair Loss?
Your decision-making on supplements to take will be aided by a more precise understanding of the vitamins you are lacking. These nutrients can promote the health of your hair.
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Iron
Due to its role in hemoglobin formation, iron is one of the most essential vitamins. The body's ability to transport oxygen can be slowed when there's an iron deficiency. This has an immediate impact on the nutrients that reach cells and may prevent the formation of hair shafts and follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Pork, spinach, salmon, peas, and iron-fortified cereals are a few examples of foods high in iron.
You can as well consume some iron supplements if your diet is deficient in iron.
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Vitamin D
Perhaps you are already aware of the significance of vitamin D for bone health. However, are you aware that its deficiency has been related to hair loss? Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D in your skin, but for many individuals, sun exposure is insufficient.
By consuming fortified milk or fatty salmon, you may increase your vitamin D levels. You may also get a supplement recommendation from your doctor. Supplementing with magnesium and vitamin D will increase bioavailability.
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Magnesium
Because magnesium is involved in metabolism and metabolic processes, a magnesium deficiency may result in hair loss and may even hasten the graying process. A diet rich in whole leafy greens, seeds, legumes, nuts, and grains may help you get more magnesium in your system. Additionally, there are magnesium supplements available that you can take.
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Selenium
Uncommon vitamin selenium is important for keeping healthy hair. The selenoproteins that selenium produces help to promote the development of new hair. Reduced hair growth might result from a selenium deficiency.
Additionally, this vitamin may help to lessen or perhaps completely avoid dandruff. Because the body cannot generate selenium, some naturally available options to complement this potent vitamin are eggs, tuna, and spinach.
Can Taking Too Many Vitamins Cause Hair Loss?
Supplements that are supposed to promote hair development may cause hair loss. Hair loss may be brought on by excess vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium.
You're more likely to have hypervitaminosis from fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin A than from water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C.
Hypervitaminosis refers to the condition where there's an excessive amount of certain vitamins in your body. Selenium and vitamin E are also crucial for healthy hair, although they are seldom deficient. Vitamin and mineral overdose may result in a number of symptoms, including severe medical disorders.
Therefore, it's crucial to discuss your medications with your healthcare professional, including the dosages.
Final Thought
Healthy hair, skin, and overall well-being depend on consuming enough amounts of vitamins and minerals as part of a well-balanced diet. Most people suffer from hair loss issues as a result of a lack of the proper vitamins and nutrients in their diets, and not because of their genes or health conditions.
However, the good news is that most hair loss brought on by vitamin deficiencies may be reversed. After using the right supplements and consuming a proper diet for one month, you will see fresh hair growth. Even if it will take some time for the hair to reach its former length, the difficult hair fall period will be behind you.
We suggest seeing a dermatologist as your first step if you are experiencing significant hair loss. With their knowledge of your food preferences and medical background, the majority of them could determine which vitamin deficiencies you have. Some of them may ask that you get tested before you begin using any supplements.
