What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss? Causes & Prevention

What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss, including Vitamin D, B12, Iron, and more. Learn symptoms, causes, and how to prevent hair thinning through proper nutrition. The two main causes of hair loss are aging and stress. Many people are unaware that an unhealthy diet can also be a contributing factor to this. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, but they are essential for healthy hair growth and strong hair follicles. An estimated 2 billion people worldwide suffer from deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

In this blog post, we explain the importance of micronutrients for hair health, which vitamin and mineral deficiencies cause hair loss, and how to prevent it.

The Importance of Micronutrients for Hair Health

The body needs small amounts of micronutrients to stay healthy and happy. These play a vital role in supporting the immune system, energy production, bone health, skin and hair health. They also prevent chronic diseases such as anemia and type 2 diabetes. Micronutrients are found in most food groups, including meat, dairy, nuts, and seeds. These are absorbed into the bloodstream during digestion and are then transported to various organs and tissues.

For hair health, vitamins and minerals nourish the scalp, improve blood circulation, and promote the production of new hair follicles to promote healthy growth.

What Vitamin Deficiency causes hair loss?

Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals can have noticeable side effects such as brittle nails, mouth ulcers, fatigue, dry skin, mood swings, and even hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies can slow hair growth and increase hair loss. Hair follicles can also become dull, dry, and brittle.

The most common vitamins deficiencies that lead to hair loss are:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for cell growth and the production of sebum, a natural oil that moisturizes the scalp. It is found in leafy vegetables, dairy products, liver, and oily fish. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to weakened hair follicles, dull hair, and in severe cases, hair loss. Although vitamin A is important for hair health, studies have shown that excessive intake can lead to hair loss. Therefore, it is important to consume a balanced amount of vitamin A.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects hair follicles from free radical damage. It also plays a role in the production of collagen, a protein that keeps hair follicles strong. Vitamin C is found in oranges, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, kale and brussels sprouts. A lack of vitamin C can make hair weak and brittle. A deficiency can also make hair dry, brittle, frizzy and fall out more frequently than normal.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also found in small amounts in red meat, egg yolks, oily fish, and fortified foods such as milk and cereals. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also promotes hair growth.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, thinning hair and hair loss. Several studies have linked low vitamin D levels to alopecia (hair loss). Many people in the UK do not get enough vitamin D due to the unpredictable weather and lack of sunlight, especially in winter. Research has shown that 57% of the UK population have low intakes of this important nutrient.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin or vitamin H, is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that forms hair, skin and nails. It is found in organ meats, eggs, milk, fish, nuts and seeds. Biotin deficiency is very rare but can lead to hair loss, dry eyes, dry, flaky skin and fatigue.

Also, B12 can lead hair loss check it out.

A study was conducted to determine the frequency and severity of biotin deficiency in women complaining of hair loss. In this study, 38% of the women surveyed were found to have a biotin deficiency.

What Mineral deficiency causes hair loss?

Not only can certain vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss, but deficiencies in certain minerals can also contribute to hair loss. Common minerals that can cause hair loss are iron and zinc.

Iron

Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. It is found primarily in meat and legumes. An iron deficiency can cause symptoms such as pale skin, fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath. Severe iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the body cannot produce enough oxygen-rich blood.

Hair loss is a rare side effect of iron deficiency anemia. Lack of oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles leads to slower hair growth and increased hair loss. Research has shown that ferritin, an iron-containing blood protein, can cause a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.

Zinc

Zinc is a nutrient commonly found in meat, fish, and seafood. It is important for supporting the immune system, cell growth, and skin health. It also plays a vital role in the structure and health of hair follicles. Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause various forms of hair loss.

A study of 312 patients diagnosed with alopecia areata, male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, or telogen effluvium found that zinc levels were significantly lower than those of healthy controls, and that the proportion of patients with alopecia areata and telogen effluvium who had low zinc levels was significantly higher.

How can you Prevent hair loss due to Vitamin Deficiency?

Fortunately, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be corrected by eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. If you suspect your hair loss may be due to a vitamin deficiency, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor and have some blood tests done to get a general idea of ​​your health and ensure you’re not deficient in any of the vitamins or minerals mentioned above.

If you’re deficient in certain vitamins or minerals, taking a supplement or daily gummies can help regulate your intake of these nutrients and prevent hair loss.

For example, studies have shown that adding vitamin D supplements to your diet can improve hair loss problems such as male pattern baldness (MPB) and telogen effluvium.

However, keep in mind that it can take weeks or months for vitamin and mineral supplements to show visible changes, and not all hair loss is due to a vitamin deficiency.

Hair Loss Treatment

If you’re unwilling or unable to add supplements to your diet, there are also medications and products that can help prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. Genericpharmamall offers a wide range of clinically tested hair loss treatments, including:

• Finasteride,
• Propecia,
• Minoxidil topical spray,
• Regain Extra Strength Foam for Men.

To get started today, sign up for a free online consultation to find the hair loss treatment that’s right for you.