Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss
Our bodies need vitamins to restore and replenish: vitamins are as crucial to us as oxygen. From healing our cells to boosting our metabolism, vitamins are the most important source of micronutrients for our bodies. That is why it is no shock that certain deficiencies in vitamins can have serious results for our health.
This article discusses the role vitamins and minerals have in hair loss by focusing on the qualities and the duties each vitamin has in our bodies. It also compares how different vitamins can be at the core of hair loss for women and men and how it can be different/similar for both.
Continue reading to find out which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss and what you should do in the case of vitamin deficiency in order to not lose hair.
The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss
There are many factors that contribute to hair loss. From genetics to alopecia, from childbirth to stress there may be multiple factors at play. One overlooked cause of hair loss is vitamin deficiency. Most people tend to overlook the importance of vitamins and minerals on our bodies. However in order to overcome many health conditions and give our bodies strength to restore and maintain, we need vitamins.
Consumption of certain foods or taking additional supplements are some of the ways we can include vitamins in our diet. According to a study published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, maintaining a Mediterranean diet which is packed with antioxidants and fresh fruits and vegetables along with a stress-free lifestyle not only affects the strength and durability of hair but the overall life expectancy.
The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss is a complex yet definitive one. The cause and effect of vitamins on hair loss is thus: not having enough vitamins can lead to hair loss directly or being vitamin deficient can cause other health problems which may lead to hair loss. There are certain vitamins whose deficiency is known to lead to hair loss.
Vitamin D, Vitamin B7 and B12 along with Iron have direct correlations to hair loss. However research on the effect of other vitamins like Vitamin C, Selenium and Vitamin E are still being researched as there is research to suggest that they certainly help with fighting causes of hair loss however a direct correlation is yet to be discovered.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin meaning it dissolves in oil. It protects the immune system and enables the body to absorb calcium too.
Along with these benefits it is also a vitamin that aids hair growth. People with alopecia are usually Vitamin D deficient and further autoimmune diseases can also be hidden to a vitamin D deficiency which can attack hair follicles causing significant degree of hair loss.
Vitamin D Rich Foods: Eggs, Most Fishes like Salmon, Tuna and Trout, Mushrooms and Tofu
Vitamin B7 and B12
Biotin which is Vitamin B7 is a common vitamin which aids the growth of and increases the quality of hair and nails. A deficiency in B7 (Biotin) can cause frailty in hair and eventually lead to significant levels of hair loss.
Similarly B12 vitamin is known to directly correlate to the body’s source of strength and energy at the cellular level. A B12 deficiency can cause disruption to hair follicles and thus lead to hair loss. B12 deficiency is also closely related to our mental health and strength which can cause stress and indirectly be linked to hair loss.
Vitamin B7 and B12 Rich Foods: Eggs (Rich in both B7 and B12), Nuts and Seeds (most nuts and seeds contains both), Legumes (Rich in B12), Fresh Vegetables (Rich in B7)
Iron
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia which is when the body is incapable of pumping fresh red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This is a huge stress on the body and can lead to many health problems including but not limited to hair loss.
Iron can also be responsible for cell turn-over and rejuvenation in your hair follicles and thus a deficiency would cause a considerable decline. Note that in order for Iron to be observed the body should be equipped with Vitamin C so most iron supplements can also be paired with a good source of vitamin C which exist naturally in most fruit and vegetables.
Iron Rich Foods: Red meat including organ meats, all kinds of beans and dried fruit.
Best foods to prevent hair loss
As foods are dense with nutrients they are our greatest and healthiest source of vitamins and minerals. Food rich with Biotin, Iron and lean protein are great sources of nutrients that not only prevent hair loss but also improve the durability of your hair. Note that maintaining a healthy diet is great not just for your hair but your hair will certainly benefit from it.
Eggs contain protein with healthy fats and biotin. Berrys contain antioxidants and vitamin C which is a vitamin used for creating collagen and absorbing Iron. Foods like avocados and fish are rich in omega-3 and healthy fats which do wonders for the skin including the scalp. Selection of nuts and seeds are rich in most vitamins and great for our blood-sugar levels. Consuming these regularly and freshly will do wonders for your hair and overall health.
Best foods to prevent hair loss: Eggs, fresh fruit especially berries, Fish and legumes that are rich in omega-3 and fatty acids, nuts and seeds
Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss in Females
Vitamin deficiency can be an indicator for hair loss for women. Deficiency in Vitamins D, B7 and B12 and Iron is a known indicator for hair loss. Particularly iron deficiency is more common in women due to loss of blood in their menstrual cycle. Additionally many women may also suffer from vitamin deficiency due to pregnancy or menopause. In some cases vitamin deficiency can occur whilst women are breastfeeding or postpartum. In these instances hair loss can easily be triggered or can be a byproduct of another health concern. Consulting a healthcare professional and getting tested is the best solution to know exactly what may be lacking. Make sure to consult your doctor first instead of consuming supplements or making biased assumptions.
Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss in Men
Vitamin deficiency can be one of the factors that contribute to hair loss in men. Deficiency in vitamins D, 7 (Biotin), B12 and Iron are common vitamins that may be at the root of your hair loss problem. People who do not go outside often or who have an unbalanced diet may experience deficiency in vitamin D which is best acquired from direct sunlight. People who do not consume fatty acids or antioxidants can be lacking vitamins B7 and B12 along with Vitamin C which is necessary to absorb Iron naturally from foods.
Which method is the best for Hair Transplant after hair loss?
There are many hair transplant methods that can work for patients with severe hair loss. Depending on the severity and the existing donor area for transplant use the best method would be a FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant. With the FUE method higher amounts of hair grafts can be transplanted in a single operation and the success rate is very high.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is also a great method that works wonders. Using a tool that is shaped like a pen, often called a Choi-pen, the surgeon is able to make identical and minimal incisions to both extract and then transplant the hair. If you’d like to learn more about these methods check out our articles that go into details about the method and a step by step rundown of what to expect for FUE Hair Transplant and DHI Hair Transplant.
Recommended Vitamins to Take After Hair Transplant
Vitamins are a great source of energy for our cells and have restorative qualities which may help the recovery process from a hair transplant. Vitamins that boost collagen and aid in tissue restoration can be opted for after a hair transplant. Vitamin C allows the absorption of iron and not only boosts the immune system but also aids the production of collage in our bodies.
Zinc can also be a great supplement which helps repairs in complex tissues along with boosting the immune system. Folic acid is a great vitamin that helps with cell division which helps create cell-renewal. Do not forget to consult a health care professional before adding vitamins to your daily regimen.
FAQs about Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss
Depending on the severity of the deficiency, hair loss can be caused by vitamin deficiency. However note that hair loss can be the side effect of another health condition that may also be due to vitamin deficiency. The lack of certain vitamins are linked to hair loss. Lacking in vitamins D, B7(Biotin), B12 and Iron is directly linked with hair loss as they play crucial roles in cell renewal, hair follicle repair and rejuvenation. Make sure to get tested if you are suspecting vitamin deficiency and consult a healthcare professional for a change in diet.
Vitamins are not stored in the body, which is why it is easier to have deficiencies. We need to consume vitamins in order to get their benefits. Most vitamins are water soluble thus they are “cleaned” out of our systems with urine. However in order to ensure the health of our kidneys it is important to consume vitamins in recommended doses.
Biotin or Vitamin B7 is essential for the creation of keratin which is the protein that is responsible for creating hair along with our nails and skin tissue. The decision to take a Biotin supplement should come from your healthcare provider who will refer to your blood-work in order to make the decision. Do not consume supplements without the direction and guidance of a doctor.
Vitamins are the greatest source for cell turnover and rejuvenation which helps with hair loss too. Vitamins D, B7(Biotin),B12 and Iron are the best vitamins that can not only help with hair loss but also lead the way to hair regrowth. Consult your doctor in order to make sure which supplement may be the best for your body’s specific needs.
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