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 and Hair Growth

Can vitamin D help with hair growth? Yes, it can! A lack of vitamin D is strongly linked to hair loss. The good news is that hair loss caused by vitamin D deficiency is reversible if you increase your intake. Foods like red meat, egg yolks, liver, and fish are rich in vitamin D. Spending time in sunlight is also a great way to boost vitamin D levels, which supports hair regrowth and improves your overall health. If you’re experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D in your diet.

Vitamin A for Healthy Hair

Vitamin A is essential for cell growth, including hair, which is the fastest-growing tissue in your body. A lack of vitamin A can lead to hair loss and other health issues like anemia. This vitamin also helps your scalp stay moisturized by supporting the production of sebum, a natural oil that keeps hair healthy. To boost your vitamin A intake, include foods like cheese, eggs, fortified cereals, and oily fish in your diet.

Vitamin B12 and Hair Loss

Vitamin B12 is critical for healthy hair since it helps create red blood cells that carry oxygen to your scalp. A deficiency in B12 is often linked to hair thinning and hair loss, especially in people with diets low in B vitamins. Foods like eggs, dairy, meat, and fortified cereals are great sources to prevent B12 deficiency. If you’re noticing hair loss, consider checking your vitamin B12 levels as part of your hair care routine.

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:

• 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. 
• 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 Pune 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.