Understanding the Impact of Vitamin Deficiencies on Hair Growth

Hair loss is a common and persistent cause of concern for individuals. According to the American Hair Loss Association, by age 50, about 85% of men are balding, and the numbers don’t look too good for women either. The cause of hair loss can be any of the following:

• Severe illness
• Stress
• Dandruff
• Vitamin and nutrient deficiency
• Hormonal changes like those in pregnancy, puberty, and menopause 

While there are many different reasons that could cause hair loss, hair loss from vitamin deficiency is a common cause for many. 

Among the vitamin deficiencies that cause hair loss, vitamin D deficiency hair loss is perhaps the most common. Studies show that the link between vitamin D and hair loss is definitely there since its deficiency can cause alopecia (the clinical term for hair loss). 

Vitamins, especially vitamin D, can help in the creation of new hair follicles, which can prompt hair regrowth in individuals. Data also shows that vitamin D plays a role in hair follicle cycling, making it crucial for the health of your hair. 

Additionally, when your vital organs lack nutrients, they try to extract that nutrition from non-vital organs such as your hair, leaving it more brittle and weak. Which is why hair fall and vitamin deficiency are related. 

If you are asking. ‘lack of which vitamin causes hair fall?’, you will find the answers here. Since hair loss due to vitamin deficiency is fairly common, it is important to look at the various vitamins that are important for the health of your hair. Following are the vitamins you need to consume to avoid vitamin deficiency that causes hair loss:

Vitamin D

Does vitamin D help hair growth? The short answer is, yes. We have already mentioned some of the assumptions behind a lack of vitamin D and hair loss, making it abundantly clear that vitamin D deficiency and hair loss are well connected. The good news is, vitamin D deficiency-induced hair loss is reversible, only if you can increase the intake of it. Foods like red meat, egg yolks, livers, and fishes have a high vitamin D content. Greater vitamin D in your body will boost your hair regrowth process, which is why direct contact with sunlight is recommended since it is important for vitamin D infusion in your body, which is great for both your physical and mental well-being. Since we have established vitamin D deficiency causes hair loss, we recommend increasing your intake of it.

Vitamin A

Did you know that vitamin A is crucial for the growth of cells in your body? Since hair is the fastest growing tissue in your body, its regrowth is also intimately linked with the content of vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to anaemia, and studies have provided evidence that diets lacking vitamin A have led to severe problems, one of which is hair loss. Additionally, our hair is kept healthy owing to proper moisturisation from sebum (an oily substance produced by glands). According to studies, Vitamin A has proved effective in helping our glands secrete sebum, which helps keep the scalp moisturised and healthy. Foods like cheese, eggs, fortified foods and oily fishes can help improve your vitamin A intake. 

Biotin of vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to hair loss quite often since the vitamin is an essential source of nutrition for your hair. Various studies have pointed to Vitamin B12 hair loss being very common in individuals whose diet does not consist of enough B vitamins. In fact, B12 deficiency hair loss is quite obvious, considering bitcoin treatment is used for hair regrowth. This proves that the link between deficiency of vitamin B12 and hair loss is quite strong. The RBCs that B vitamins created carry oxygen to the scalp, keeping it healthy in the process. A wide range of foods contain B vitamins, so B12 hair loss is generally less common than the other two.

You asked us ‘does vitamin D help hair growth?’, we said yes. 

You wanted to know if ‘hair loss in children due to vitamin deficiency is possible?’, we said yes. 

Now that we have established the importance of vitamins for your hair, let’s discuss how you can get the required vitamins in your body. There are two ways to this:

1. The first option is to include vitamin-rich foods in your diet. We have already mentioned some examples in the previous section, but a simple internet search will show you the numerous vitamin-rich foods you can incorporate into your diet. 
2. The second option is to go for medical supplements. External vitamin supplements are increasingly common, and you must have seen ads everywhere. These supplements help improve the health of your hair, promote the growth of new follicles and give your hair a luxe texture and shine. Make sure you consult your physician before starting any supplements.

Now that you know hair loss due to vitamin deficiency is fairly common, here are a few ways you can prevent vitamin deficiency:

• Eat a balanced diet with vitamin-rich foods
• Go take walks and soak in the sunlight
• Manage your stress better
• Consume medical supplements if your vitamin deficiency is severe

If you feel that you have a severe hair loss problem, you should immediately consult a dermatologist since it can be a symptom of another severe illness. One such clinic for all your hair problems is HairMD.

If you are suffering from hair loss in India, HairMD is an excellent choice for you. Located in Pune, HairMD is one of the most successful hair transplant centres in the country. Founded by Dr Dhananjay Chavan with 28 years of industry experience, this facility boasts a team of surgeons who are internationally trained. Their world-class equipment, warm hospitality, and history of successfully treating more than 1,00,000 patients in Maharashtra make them simply the best in the business.