Upset man holding a clump of shedding hair, illustrating hair thinning or excessive hair loss symptoms.

Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss? Understanding the Link.

People of all ages, genders, and colours are impacted by the  common problem of hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormones, stress, bad diet, and heredity. Vitamin deficiency is one nutrient that is frequently linked to hair loss.

Nowadays, every nutraceutical company is making every effort to draw in new clients.

The best supplements for hair health are those that include the vital vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote hair development and prevent hair loss.

To choose the best supplement to address the hair problem, it is critical to comprehend the role and function of each key vitamin and amino acid.

When it comes to knowing how vitamins affect hair growth, not everyone is an expert. 

We, at QHT Clinic, India want you to be aware of the specific vitamin deficiencies that lead to hair loss. Vitamins are essential to our general health and wellbeing. For your body to operate at a healthy level, it needs a lot of nutrients. However, it's crucial to understand which vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss if that's what you're attempting to address. Knowing the hair vitamins for hair growth can boost hair regrowth and increase in density with consistent care.


Vitamins' Significance for Hair Health

At every stage of the hair growth cycle, vitamins are essential. They give hair follicle cells the nourishment they require for normal growth and operation. Vitamins, for instance, help with processes like protein synthesis, which are essential for creating the protein strands that make up hair. Vitamins that include antioxidants aid in shielding hair cells from harmful oxidative stress. B vitamins support the growth and metabolism of cells.

A healthy diet should provide your body and hair with adequate nutrients. However, what is the relationship between hair health and diet? Maintaining a balanced diet may help you maintain thick, glossy hair. Your hair could suffer if you are not consuming the right nutrients from your diet.


Hair follicles find it difficult to maintain healthy hair production when vitamin levels are too low. Hair is at risk because nutrient shortage disrupts their complex processes. Excessive shedding, uneven hair loss, thinning, dry, and dull strands, as well as changes in texture, can all be caused by deficiencies. Finding and fixing any vitamin deficiencies is essential to restoring your hair's health.


The Connection Between Hair Loss and Vitamin Deficiencies

 

Numerous studies have shown a direct link between vitamin deficits and problems with hair loss, particularly thinning and excessive shedding. Let's examine some important findings:

Low levels of vitamins D, B12, and other micronutrients are more common in people with alopecia and thinning hair than in control participants, according to several studies.

Restoring vitamin deficiencies has been shown in clinical trials to significantly enhance hair density, reduce shedding, and improve other indicators of hair growth and health.

The processes by which vitamin deficits impair the normal function, growth, and generation of hair proteins are described in biochemical research.


Men are more likely than women to have certain deficits, and vice versa. Which vitamin deficits may you be more likely to have?


The following are the most prevalent vitamin deficits in men:


1.Vitamin D

2.Vitamin B6

3.B12

4.Folic acid

5.Magnesium

6.Calcium

7.Iodine and Iron


However, women frequently suffer from vitamin deficits in the following areas:


1.Vitamin

2. B12

3.Iron

4.Iodine

5.Calcium 

6.Vitamin D


Vitamin deficiencies  can also result in other symptoms besides changes in hair, which could be indicators of a more serious problem. Extreme exhaustion, inexplicable weight loss, recurrent illness, muscle weakness, joint and bone pain, appetite loss, mouth ulcers, visual problems, and mood swings are examples of general symptoms. Keep an eye out for such warning signs.

The Role of Minerals and Vitamins on Hair Health


The hair growth cycle and the maintenance of healthy hair follicles depend on vitamins and minerals. They aid in the synthesis of red blood cells, which provide the hair follicles with nutrients and oxygen. The secret to stopping hair loss and encouraging healthy hair growth is a well-balanced diet full of these vital minerals.

The Ten Vitamins and their effect on hair 

Getting enough of a variety of vitamins is essential for healthy hair. Hair loss is frequently linked to deficiencies in the ten vitamins listed below. The main conclusion is that these vitamins are necessary for the health of your hair, therefore don't worry if this sounds complicated:

1. Vitamin D


A lack of vitamin D may show up as dry, brittle hair that breaks easily. Hair thinning and moderate to severe shedding are also possible. Premature greying has even been linked to insufficient vitamin D levels, according to studies. A proper  blood test to measure levels is required to diagnose vitamin D insufficiency.

Treatment typically involves daily vitamin D supplementation, often around 2,000-4,000 IU. Doctors recommend rechecking levels after 3 months of treatment. Other ways to restore vitamin D levels include:


1.Increasing sunlight exposure for natural vitamin D production

2.Eating more vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.


2. Vitamin A

Increased daily shedding and significant hair thinning might result from a vitamin A deficiency. After periods of hair loss, the time it takes for hair to grow back may also be extended. Another typical sign of low vitamin A levels is dandruff flaking. By measuring vitamin A/retinol levels in the blood, doctors can identify deficiencies.

Fortunately, vitamin A insufficiency is reversible. Vitamin A levels can be restored by taking tablets or capsules on a daily basis; however, pregnant women should speak with a doctor about appropriate quantities. Natural sources of vitamin A can be obtained by increasing consumption of orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, green peppers, and dark leafy greens. Another way to get vitamin A is by eating cod liver oil.


3. Vitamin E

Increased daily hair loss and gradual scalp hair thinning are signs of inadequate vitamin E. Deficiency may also be indicated by dry, damaged strands that are prone to breakage and split ends. A blood test measuring vitamin E/alpha-tocopherol levels is how doctors identify deficient vitamin E. People with autoimmune conditions like psoriasis or alopecia areata are most frequently affected by low vitamin E levels.



Fortunately, vitamin E insufficiency is treatable. Vitamin E levels can be raised by taking supplements every day. Dietary sources include eating more foods high in vitamin E, such as avocado, spinach, almonds, and sunflower seeds. There are other advantages to applying natural oils to the hair and scalp, such as rosehip and olive oils. Restoring vitamin E levels helps decrease damage and hair loss, resulting in healthier, thicker hair.


4. Vitamin C

Infographic listing the 10 vital vitamins and minerals (D, A, E, C, Zinc) and their effect on healthy hair growth and structure.


A lack of vitamin C can cause:



1.Hair that is dry and splitting

2.A rise in shedding

3.Slow recovery following periods of hair loss

4.Breaking, brittle strands

5.Assessing blood levels of vitamin C and ascorbic acid is part of the diagnosis process.


Vitamin C insufficiency can be corrected with daily supplements. Adding additional vitamin C-rich foods to your diet, such as peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and citrus fruits, can also help your levels return. Additional advantages could be obtained by using vitamin C topically.


6. Folic Acid

Folic acid, sometimes referred to as vitamin B9, is essential for promoting cell development and division. The body's ability to divide cells quickly, which is necessary for follicles to continuously produce new hair, can be hampered by low folic acid levels. Both greater hair loss and sluggish regrowth following shedding episodes are caused by reduced cell synthesis. By measuring blood levels and searching for readings that would suggest a deficiency, doctors might identify folic acid deficiency.



The good news is that folic acid deficiency can be treated with vitamins and diet. Restoring sufficient levels can be effectively accomplished by taking a daily folic acid tablet. Healthy fast cell division and hair follicle creation are encouraged by adequate folic acid consumption, promoting ideal hair thickness and growth.


6. Biotin

Biotin, also referred to as vitamin B7, is essential for enzymatic processes that are involved in the metabolism of fats and amino acids. Hair thinning and shedding are linked to a biotin deficiency. The effectiveness of biotin supplements in addressing hair loss in those without a deficit is still up for discussion, but they may assist address an underlying deficiency. Nuts, seeds, eggs, and whole grains are the finest sources of biotin. Maintaining cellular functions essential for the best possible hair development and lustre can be achieved by consuming enough biotin through food.



7. Zinc

In addition to facilitating cell growth, protein synthesis, hormone regulation, and antioxidant defence within follicles, zinc is an important mineral that is vital to the health of hair. These functions are hampered by zinc deficiency, which frequently results in telogen effluvium, or accelerated hair loss.

Increasing dietary consumption of zinc-rich foods such as spinach and oysters, taking the recommended daily dosage of supplementary zinc under medical supervision, having a blood test to confirm the deficiency, and treating any digestive problems that affect absorption are the main strategies to cure zinc insufficiency. Restoring sufficient zinc levels promotes healthy regeneration and normalises follicle cell function to reduce shedding.


8. Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine, another name for vitamin B6, is a necessary component of numerous enzymatic and biochemical processes that impact the health of hair. Your hair may begin to thin or fall out more frequently than usual if you aren't getting enough of this vital vitamin. Blood tests can be used by doctors to identify a vitamin B6 deficiency.

The good news is that, with proper medical supervision, vitamin B6 levels can be restored by diet and supplementation. Eating foods high in vitamin B6, such as poultry, potatoes, bananas, and nuts, can effectively help normalise levels. It might also be advised to take a vitamin B6 supplement every day. For strong, glossy hairs, getting enough vitamin B6 promotes proper enzymatic activity and protein synthesis in follicles.


9. Iron

Iron deficiency in the diet can cause slowed hair growth and increased daily scalp hair loss, which over time can cause progressive thinning.The good news is that there are dietary and supplementary ways to treat iron deficiency. Under medical supervision, daily oral iron supplementation aids in the speedy restoration of levels. Natural plant-based and animal-based sources of this vital mineral can be obtained by dietary modifications that boost consumption of foods high in iron, such as red meat, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Prenatal supplements also frequently include iron. Excessive hair loss stops and normal regrowth cycles resume when iron levels are restored.


10. Vital Fatty Acids

Omega-3s and other essential fatty acids are crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp environment. A lack of these fatty acids can lead to brittle, easily damaged hair and an itchy, dry scalp.


The good news is that both diet and supplements can reverse this insufficiency. Effectively increasing levels can be achieved by taking omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil capsules. Dietary necessary fatty acids can also be obtained by increasing consumption of foods high in omega-3, such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon. Consuming sufficient quantities of these vital fats promotes a moisturised, well-nourished scalp, which reduces brittleness and dryness of the hair.

Final Takeaway

Holistic and natural methods offer supplementary advantages for hair regrowth, even though medical procedures like hair transplant and other invasive methods are crucial in treating vitamin shortages.

For a better diagnosis, QHT Clinic can help you understand the root cause of your hair loss and the effective treatment available to restore the lost hair density.

With 15+ years of expertise, it is a pioneer in the field of hair restorative procedures.