Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common problem, and it can damage your self-esteem as well as your appearance. The most frequent cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, often known as male or female pattern baldness. According to the research published in the Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia in 2016, hair loss affects 67.1 percent of males and 23.9 percent of women. It might also indicate the presence of various health issues in your body. Hair loss can be caused by vitamin inadequacies in the body; however, treating the deficit may solve the problem.

13 vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that cause hair loss:

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known to activate hair follicle stem cells, in addition to aiding to maintain healthy bones, skin, and teeth. It aids in the production of sebum, an oily material that keeps your scalp moisturized and your hair healthy. 

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D promotes cell growth, immunity, healthier skin, and stronger bones, as well as stimulating both existing and new hair follicles. It boosts your immune system and fights inflammation, which can lead to thinning hair on your scalp and the development of disorders like alopecia areata and alopecia totalis. 

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E has antioxidant qualities that help to prevent oxidative stress and free radical damage to cells and tissues in your body, including hair follicle cells. It is also important for blood circulation and oxygen flow throughout your body, especially in your scalp.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an essential vitamin for healthy scalp hair. It is essential for your cell and immunological functions, as well as protein synthesis. Telogen effluvium and brittle hair are caused by a zinc shortage in the body. Zinc deficiency is more common among pregnant women, drinkers, those with digestive problems, and vegetarians. 

5. Fatty acids

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are important fatty acids that reduce inflammation and promote hair development. Hair loss from the scalp and brows, as well as hair whitening, can result from a lack of these nutrients. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as eggs, flaxseed, walnuts, and supplements/oils, include fatty acids. 

6. Niacin

Niacin, often known as vitamin B3, is essential for your healthy scalp hair development. It aids in the increase of energy and blood flow to your scalp. Niacin deficiency has been connected to a variety of health problems, including diarrhea, dementia, baldness, and more. It can be found in a variety of foods, including almonds, eggs, mushrooms, meat, and tuna. 

7. Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that is required for a variety of bodily activities, including hair development. It has antioxidant characteristics that improve your body’s metabolic function and maintain hormonal balance, both of which are necessary for the development of healthy hair. 

8. Iron

A nutritional deficiency in your body, such as iron deficiency, is a common cause of hair loss. Iron aids red blood cells in transporting oxygen throughout the body. The blood cells in your body can’t carry enough oxygen to your body if you don’t have enough iron, resulting in symptoms including hair loss, brittle nails, and exhaustion.

9. Biotin

Biotin, often known as vitamin B7, is said to boost hair development by improving the keratin structure of your hair. Follow a diet high in meat, eggs, nuts, and dairy items to get enough biotin. 

10. Folic Acid

Folic acid is a vitamin that is necessary for cell growth in your skin tissues, as well as your nails and hair. It also aids in the maintenance of healthy red blood cells in the body. Leafy greens, fruits, nuts, meat, poultry, and beans are all good sources of it. 

11. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that protect your scalp from oxidative and stress-related hair loss. They include minerals including zinc, vitamins A and E, selenium, and vitamin C. In comparison to supplements, foods such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and grains provide safer and healthier compounds. 

12. Proteins and Amino Acids

Protein deficiencies in the body cause hair loss and thinning. Amino acids aid in tissue healing, hormone regulation, immune system enhancement, food digestion, and hair growth, among other things. 

13. Restrictive Dietary Practices

If you’re on a diet, you may experience hair loss, structural irregularities, and pigment changes as a result of caloric deficiency or lack of many nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, vital fatty acids, and proteins, caused by decreased uptake. 

See Also: What age is best for a hair transplant?

Conclusion

You should not self-diagnose if you believe your hair loss is caused by a vitamin deficiency. Your doctor can do tests to see if you’re deficient in vitamins, offer dietary and supplement suggestions, and even suggest other treatments. It’s also possible to have many types of hair loss at the same time, so getting an appropriate diagnosis is critical. This notwithstanding, for healthy hair growth, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are essential to have. 

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