Hair loss has so many causes that it is hard to identify the exact reason from someone who is struggling from it. Vitamin deficiency is one of the causes of hair loss but its relation to it is a complicated one. There are lots of vitamins and all of them have a particular duty for the process of hair growth. I have done readings to summarize the main points on this subject.
What causes hair loss vitamin deficiency? Vitamin A, C, D, E, and B12 may cause hair loss. Research done by subjects revealed that nutritional deficiencies have an impact on hair fall. These deficiencies not only affects hair growth but also affects the skin. This is important because hair growth depends on both the structure of the hair itself and the state of skin. The health of the scalp is directly related to hair shedding. Scalp maladies also lead to a significant reduction in the density of hair. Dietary influences on the skin have been studied since 1645 and since then, there was found a significant relationship between the two.
Today, vitamin A, C, D, E, and B12 are confirmed to be crucial for hair growth and scalp. For example, a study conducted with females who have hair loss problems demonstrated that they have lower vitamin D2 that is associated with their hair loss. Thus, the nutritional supplement is generally a suggestable treatment for hair loss cases. In addition to that, vitamin B12 deficiency constitutes responsibility for hair loss and it is reported that vitamin B12 is a significant element for hair growth. However, there needs to be a diagnosed deficiency to be able to treat the existing hair loss problem, definitely because random intake of nutrition supplements cause worse consequences.
UNNECESSARY INTAKE
Investigations about the relationship between vitamin and hair loss are not restricted to the questions of deficiency. There is other research for over intake of vitamins and its relation to hair loss. The excessive amount of vitamin A is known as a risk factor for hair loss as well as its deficiency is. Vitamin E is also recognized as one of the contributors for hair loss if it is taken exceedingly.
Generally, fat-soluble vitamins found to be dangerous for hair growth if they are taken unnecessarily. Taking a multivitamin for the problem of hair loss is a common response to find a solution for people who are experiencing it. However, it has to be diagnosed and recommended by a Professional to apply such methods as a solution.
Vitamin A & D Deficiency in Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. It is under the category of T-cell mediated autoimmune disease in which our T-cells attack our own body cells. In fact, T-cells attacks fungi, bacteria, and viruses in our body to protect it. Sometimes, there are conditions like alopecia areata in which these cells attack our own system.
These attacks result in inflammation around sufferer’s hair follicles. Usually, investigations showed that there is a link between vitamin D deprivation and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D affects the hair growth cycle and it is important for hair follicles. Apart from that, it is confirmed that people who are suffering from Alopecia Areata have lower levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D has a wide-spread effect in our body and it involves a variety of processes of physiology. Role of Vitamin D in the hair growth cycle is one of its important functions. That is why vitamin D deprivation constitutes one of the varieties of reasons for hair loss.
There is also foundings for Vitamin A and its relation to hair loss. Vitamin A and its derivatives influence the hair structure. Vitamin A is believed to be a supportive ingredient for normal hair growth in a healthy diet.
Iron Deficiency
As a mineral, iron has a survival duty in our physiology that it possess a role in the period of expelling carbon-dioxide from the cells of our body. Iron deficiency has been reported as one of the most frequent deficiencies throughout the world. It is usually linked to cognitive performance, development, and immune functioning. There are also studies conducted to investigate the relationship between hair loss and iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency and hair loss constitute a debatable topic in the literature. It is not yet confirmed as an exact treatment for hair loss but there are researchers who recommend regulating the iron intake with dietary and oral supplementation in the cases of hair loss. Also, some practitioners suggest examining the iron deficiency of patients with hair loss problem.
Vitamin C Deficiency and Hair Loss
Hair cells are very responsive to alterations in our body. They are fast-growing cells so their cycle needs the intake of nutrients with a desirable constant level. That is why the nutritional supplement is a traditional way of treating hair loss and thinning problems. Specialist declared that deprivations and deficiencies in dietary provoke hair loss problems, pigmentation changes and maladies of hair structure.
Vitamin C deprivation is directly attached as one of the causes of scurvy. Scurvy has an ancient history because it was common in sailors. A lack of fresh food in their stock leads to vitamin C deprivation and they show symptoms of exhaustion, abnormal bleeding, limb, and legs pain.
As you can see, scurvy symptoms are initiated from the skin. This effect has a direct influence on hair. Excessive hair loss occurs in progressive phases of the disease. Its direct treatment consists of oral vitamin C or injection of it.
Vitamin C is also important for iron absorption. Iron has a slight relationship with hair growth as mentioned. Collagen production is another important cycle in this process and if it is neglected, tissues will be harmed. Vitamin C intake is a crucial factor in these cell operations.
Vitamin E Deficiency and Hair Loss
Vitamin E works in a way in our body that it acts as antioxidants. It fights with the oxidants and prevents an induction or loss in the workings of our system. To be able to grasp the importance of antioxidants let me explain their functions for hair growth.
Antioxidants in the Body
Oxidation progressively causes cell death or structural alterations. In our Daily life, our body exposes dozens of chemicals and it results in the production of free radicals. It is actually a survival mechanism but it is very important for the human body to maintain the balance. Thus, more free radicals mean there need to be more antioxidants taken.
If our body cannot maintain the balance, if there are lots of free radical comparing to antioxidants, we became prone to various kinds of diseases. Vitamin E as a fat-soluble vitamin is known as an antioxidant. It protects our cells in the body against to dangerous side effects of free radicals.
Antioxidants contribute to healthy hair growth and structure. Most of the hair products apply the ingredients act as antioxidants. They stimulate hair growth and prohibit hair loss. Here are 5 antioxidants for your hair growth.
1. Berries
Besides being affordable, berries count as the best element in the dietary for relieving the body from oxidations. They reduce the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation in the body. Their elements against oxidations are especially dense in the more colorful ones.
Berries contain a lot of sugar but they are not rich in calories. They are comprised of little fat molecules but much fibers. Thus, they generate a good option for a healthy diet as antioxidants and reducing oxidative stress in the body.
2. Coffee
Coffee is a strong antioxidant. Its acidic components generate a reduction in the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease as well as prohibiting oxidation and cell damage. Thus, coffee seems a good option to prevent impairment processes for health in our body.
Some professions investigate the relationship between the consumption of milk or its beverages with coffee and antioxidant property of coffee. The research did not reveal a significant effect. Thus, beverages with coffee seem to be little important for now.
3. Cinnamon
The need for antioxidants in our body is a considerable one and demand of natural antioxidants in the World increased recently. The main source of natural antioxidants is herbs. Their several parts act as important free radical fighters and reduce the risks of developing heart diseases.
Cinnamon comprise an advantageous choice if we want antioxidants in our diet. Cinnamon includes several elements and molecules in itself that they have preventative roles for various impairments in our whole body system.
4. Exercise
Exercise is an essential component in life and it is found that it vitiates the oxidative stress in the body. It decreases aging is strongly recommended with a healthy diet. It is suggested by Professional that exercise with a healthy diet which is enriched with antioxidant nutritions make human body immune to free radicals and reduces their harm to the body.
5. Antioxidant vitamins & minerals
Vitamin C and E; selenium and zinc are counted as antioxidant vitamins and minerals. One study indicated that participants who are given these supplement possessed protection against oxidative stress and cancer.
Vitamin B12 & Other Deficiencies and Hair Loss
There are studies reveals an association between some deficiencies and hair loss. Here I pointed some of them for you:
- There is a relationship between hair loss and zinc level. People with hair loss problems have relatively lower levels of zinc compared to people without hair loss problem.
- People with hair loss problems displayed lower levels of iron and zinc. A lack of these two minerals interacts with each other in people with hair loss problems.
- Biotin seems to be one of the leading factors of hair loss since it has both contributions to healthy skin and hair. Studies revealed its effects on hair loss.
- Serum ferritin levels of individuals who suffer from hair loss are found as significantly lower than people without hair loss problem.
- Low vitamin D2 is associated with hair loss problem in females as studies indicated.
- Vitamin B12 is found to be associated with hair loss problems.
Related Questions
What is the best vitamin for hair loss?
As it is mentioned, there are some particular vitamins for hair loss. Their effects on hair growth have been well-examined but there is no finding indicating the best one among them.
Generally, vitamin E and C are over-recommended because of their contributions to the overall health and antioxidant aspect. All vitamins are vital for our body and our skin and hair are part of them. A balanced diet with regular exercise provides us much more benefit rather than focusing on a single vitamin for our hair loss.
Will my hair grow back after vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the metabolism of many tissues in our body. As I emphasized its deficiency may lead to hair loss and usually, one single factor does not cause hair loss. There would be complicated or interacted reasons. If vitamin D deficiency is a salient reason for hair loss, the balance of this deficiency by consultation of a specialist result in good outcome.
There are disease-specific deficiencies in hair loss. There are different diseases cause hair loss. In these conditions, supplements are used as part of treatment. Vitamin D is a particular treatment for a disease like alopecia areata. Thus, these conditions depend on the particular disease, treatment, and symptoms of hair loss itself.
How can I stop my hair from thinning and falling out?
If you are experiencing hair thinning, there could be lots of reasons for that. Seeing a specialist and checking your levels of the vitamin, especially iron level would direct you to prevent your hair thinning problem. If your levels of vitamins are normal, you can get away from stressful conditions in your life or learn coping skills.
Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption also generates a good option. Consuming anti-oxidants with regular exercise will bring about a good outcome for your hair as well as your general health state. Generally, having a balanced diet with the adaptation of healthy lifestyle would bring benefit. Our hair cells could be fragile since they carry little or no survival value. Thus, your lifestyle could damage your hair. It is better to review your habits and take precautions.
