Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be a distressing condition that affects both men and women. While various factors contribute to hair loss, including genetics and hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies can also play a significant role. 

Certain vitamins are crucial for maintaining healthy hair growth among the essential nutrients. This TH Cosmetic‘s article explores the link between vitamin deficiencies and hair loss, focusing on the specific vitamin that can cause this condition.

Vitamin Deficiency meaning

A vitamin deficit is a condition in which the body does not have enough of one or more necessary vitamins. Vitamins are organic substances that the body needs to operate normally. They are essential for many physiological functions, such as growth, development, metabolism, and general health.

A vitamin shortage can occur when a person consumes insufficient amounts of vitamins in their food or experiences problems absorbing them due to certain medical disorders. Numerous health issues and symptoms may result depending on which vitamins are deficient.

These 7 Vitamin Deficiencies Will Cause Hair Loss

Selenium

An important trace element called selenium helps to keep hair follicles healthy. Low selenium levels can damage hair follicles, which can result in baldness.

A selenium deficit may also prevent the thyroid gland from operating normally, resulting in hair loss. Selenium insufficiency is frequently characterized by hair loss, dry, brittle hair, and scalp problems.

Incorporating selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs, and whole grains into the diet or supplementing with selenium may help treat selenium insufficiency.

Vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D can cause hair loss since it is essential for the cycle of hair follicles. Hair follicles may enter a resting phase when vitamin D levels are low, leading to increased hair loss. When it becomes bad enough, this can develop into alopecia, a disorder that causes many hair to fall off.

Diet and hair loss in females, brittle hair, and sluggish hair growth are signs of vitamin D insufficiency. Increasing sun exposure, ingesting vitamin D-rich foods (such fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks) or taking vitamin D supplements may be suggested to treat this deficit.

Folic Acid

Vitamin B9, often known as folic acid, is necessary for cell division and development, including the cells that produce new hair. Folic acid deficiency can result in a reduction in cell division, which impacts the capacity of hair follicles to renew and grow new hair.

Hair loss, early graying, and delayed hair growth are signs of folic acid deficiency. Eating folic acid-rich foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, legumes, and fortified cereals is advised to fight this shortage. A medical expert may occasionally recommend supplemental folic acid.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage. Inadequate levels of vitamin E can result in hair loss and reduced hair growth. Vitamin E deficiency is relatively uncommon but can be seen in individuals with fat malabsorption disorders or those with extremely low-fat diets.

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency may include hair loss, dry and dull hair, and scalp issues. To combat vitamin E deficiency, incorporating vitamin E-rich foods like nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocado into the diet or taking vitamin E supplements may be beneficial.

Iron

Because iron is essential for creating hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to the body’s tissues, including the hair follicles, iron shortage can result in hair loss.

When the body doesn’t have enough iron, it prioritizes giving it to vital organs, which might restrict the amount of oxygen getting to the hair follicles. This may result in brittle hair shafts, thinning hair, and hair loss.

Iron-rich foods, including lean meats, seafood, leafy green vegetables, and legumes should be consumed to address iron deficiency and encourage hair development. A medical expert could also advise iron supplements if necessary.

Biotin

Vitamin B7, usually called biotin, is crucial for the development and upkeep of healthy hair. In severe situations, a biotin deficit can result in full hair loss, complete hair thinning, and brittle hair. Although biotin deficiency is uncommon, it can happen in those who have a poor diet, have certain illnesses, or use certain drugs.

Increasing the consumption of foods high in biotin, including eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens or taking biotin supplements will help boost hair development and stop additional hair loss to treat biotin insufficiency.

Zinc

Zinc is a crucial mineral for healthy hair since it aids in the formation of DNA, new cells, and proteins. Zinc deficiency can interfere with the body’s regular hair development cycle and result in hair loss.

Hair loss, sluggish hair growth, and brittle hair are typical symptoms of zinc deficiency. It is advised to eat zinc-rich foods including oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts, and seeds to raise zinc levels. If necessary, zinc supplements can be administered under a doctor’s supervision.

Vitamin K

Although vitamin K insufficiency might cause significant hair shedding, vitamin K is not frequently linked to hair loss. These vitamins for hair growth and thickness aid in blood coagulation and keeps blood vessels healthy, especially those that provide nutrients to the hair follicles.

Vitamin K insufficiency causes hair loss characterized by excessive hair shedding and sluggish growth. To treat this shortage, it is crucial to include vitamin K-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and fermented foods like sauerkraut. Supplemental vitamin K may be advised in extreme situations.

Thiamin

Due to the vital function that thiamin plays in preserving healthy hair follicles, thiamin deficiency might result in hair loss. Without sufficient amounts of thiamin, which aids in converting nutrients into energy, hair follicles may not acquire the nutrients required for hair development.

Brittle hair, thinning hair, and even hair loss are signs of thiamin insufficiency. By increasing your intake of thiamin-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, and legumes, as well as thiamin supplements, you may treat thiamin deficiency and improve the health of your hair.

Niacin

Lack of niacin might cause hair loss since it helps maintain good scalp blood flow. Niacin deficiency can cause decreased blood supply to hair follicles, weakening hair development and increasing hair loss.

Niacin deficiency can cause hair loss, brittle hair, and hair thinning as symptoms. Increased niacin consumption from foods high in the best vitamins for hair loss, such as meat, fish, legumes, nuts, and niacin tablets, helps correct the deficit and promote hair growth.

Other Nutrients You Should Note 

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 and omega-6, are crucial in maintaining healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss. These fats are essential for producing hormones and cell membranes that promote hair follicle health. Deficiency in EFAs can lead to dry, brittle hair and, eventually, hair loss.

• Symptoms of deficiency: Hair becomes dry, dull, and prone to breakage. The scalp may also become dry and itchy.
• Possible remedies: Including foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet can help. Foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and avocados are good sources of EFAs. You can also consider taking supplements, but it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, crucial for healthy hair structure. It also helps absorb iron from plant-based sources, another nutrient necessary for healthy hair growth. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to weak, dry, and brittle hair, increasing the likelihood of hair loss.

• Symptoms of deficiency: Dry and split ends, slow hair growth, and increased hair shedding.
• Possible remedies: Ensuring an adequate vitamin C intake through a balanced diet is vital. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C. A well-rounded diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help maintain optimal levels.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Certain amino acids, such as cysteine, methionine, and lysine, are especially important for hair health. A deficiency in these amino acids can weaken hair structure, leading to hair thinning and loss.

• Symptoms of deficiency: Thinning hair, slow hair growth, and increased hair breakage.
• Possible remedies: Including protein-rich foods can help address amino acid deficiencies. Foods like lean meats, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of amino acids. If a protein deficiency is suspected, incorporating more foods into your meals can promote hair health.

How To Prevent Preventing Vitamin Deficiencies?

To prevent vitamin deficiencies, you can follow these guidelines:

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consume various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This will provide you with a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.

• Eat Fresh and Nutrient-Dense Foods: Opt for fresh foods whenever possible, as they generally have higher vitamin content than processed or canned alternatives. Include nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and fish.
• Include a Rainbow of Colors: Ensure your plate contains colorful fruits and vegetables. Different colors often indicate different vitamin and nutrient profiles.
• Be Mindful of Cooking Methods: Some heat-sensitive vitamins can be lost during cooking. Try steaming, sautéing, or consuming raw vegetables and fruits to retain the full nutrient content.
• Avoid Overcooking: Prolonged cooking and boiling can lead to nutrient loss. Try to cook foods for shorter durations and with minimal water to preserve their vitamin content.
• Read Food Labels: Pay attention to the nutritional information on food labels. This will help you choose foods that are rich in essential vitamins.
• Consider Supplementation: If you have specific dietary restrictions or health conditions, or follow a restrictive diet, consult a healthcare professional about the need for vitamin supplements. They can guide you on appropriate dosage and ensure you don’t exceed safe levels.
• Get Regular Sun Exposure: Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D. Aim for moderate sun exposure, particularly in the morning or late afternoon, while being cautious about sunburns and skin damage. If you have limited sun exposure or are at risk of deficiency, consult your doctor about vitamin D supplements.
• Practice Healthy Cooking and Storage: Store food properly to preserve its vitamin content. Avoid overcooking or reheating leftovers excessively, as this can result in nutrient degradation.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you suspect a vitamin deficiency or are concerned about your nutritional intake, consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can assess your diet and recommend appropriate dietary changes or supplementation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, various reasons can contribute to hair loss, and vitamin deficiencies are one of them. Biotin deficiency stands out among the many vitamins as a key contributor to hair loss. It’s crucial to remember that additional variables, such as heredity, hormone imbalances, and underlying medical issues, can also affect hair loss.

Consult a healthcare provider if you’re losing hair so they can precisely determine the underlying cause and offer suitable treatment choices, which may include dietary adjustments, supplements, or other focused therapies.