Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

• Are you the one experiencing hair loss?
• Do you feel ashamed of your bald look at a young age?
• Do you also think a bald hairline can’t get you a beautiful or handsome life partner? 

If you're nodding along, you're not alone. Hair loss, or alopecia, is a shared concern for men and women worldwide. While the main causes of hair loss include hormonal imbalances, pollution, substantial weight loss over a short period of time, stress, and genetics that contribute immensely to hair loss, not eating a diet full of essential vitamins and minerals also results in hair loss. 

Additionally, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness, called androgenic alopecia, usually occur gradually and are due to hormonal changes and underlying medical conditions. 

This blog explains vitamin deficiencies that are most closely linked to hair loss and what can be done to achieve optimal health. 

6 Essential Nutrients for Strong and Healthy Hair

Several nutrients help grow strong and healthy hair. Their consumption strengthens your immune system and also contributes to new hair growth. Below is a list of vitamins whose deficiency can cause hair loss:

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps form new hair follicles, which are tiny pores from which hair grows. Vitamin D deficiency can disturb the hair cycle, leading to shedding and thinning. 

A study reveals a strong connection between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. 

Recognizing the Common Signs of Vitamin Deficiencies

The common signs of vitamin D deficiency may include: 

• Fatigue
• Increased hair shedding
• Depression or feeling of sickness
• Falling sick more frequently
• Bone pain

Discovering the Sources of Vitamin D

The sources of vitamin D include: 

• Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. Your body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. 

• Foods such as fortified milk, fatty fish, egg yolks, and breakfast cereals are excellent sources of vitamin D 

• Supplements: Vitamin D3 supplements help prevent existing hair from falling out permanently. 

Also read: 

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/vitamin/vitamin-deficiencies-diseases-causes-symptoms-and-more/

2. Biotin (Vitamin B7) Deficiency

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is part of the B-complex vitamins and is essential for strong and healthy hair. It supports keratin production. 

Although rare, severe biotin deficiency and mild insufficiencies can cause brittle hair and hair loss.

What are the common signs of biotin deficiency?

The common signs of biotin deficiencies may include: 

• Hair loss
• Thinning and brittle hair
• Dry, scaly skin
• Weak nails
• Cracking in the corners of the mouth

What are the sources of biotin?

The sources of biotin are: 

• Foods: Egg yolks, salmon, organ meats, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and yeast. 
• Additionally, you can use biotin supplements. They are easily available and often a part of hair growth formulas. 

3. Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E protects your scalp and hair from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. A vitamin E deficiency can weaken hair follicles, make hair brutal, and cause hair fall. 

Additionally, vitamin E contains antioxidants that help improve blood circulation, making it more effective for hair growth.

What are some common signs of vitamin E deficiency?

The common signs of vitamin E deficiency include:

• Dry and frizzy hair 
• Hair thinning 
• Scalp irritation 
• Fatigue
• Numbness

What are the sources of vitamin E?

The sources of vitamin E include 

• Foods include almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, mango, leafy greens, and avocado.
• Supplements: Vitamin E capsules can be taken under a doctor’s guidance. They can effectively support hair growth and improve hair strength. 

4. Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A also improves hair growth, providing healthy and strong hair. It supports sebum production, which helps keep the scalp hydrated and promotes healthy hair. Remember, vitamin A deficiency and excess levels can cause hair loss. 

Additionally, vitamin A deficiency can cause hair breakage and hair loss. Therefore, adequate intake of this vitamin can provide healthy hair growth, making it stronger and thicker. 

What are the signs of vitamin A deficiency?

The common signs of vitamin A deficiency may include: 

• Dry, flaky scalp
• Brittle and dull hair
• Increased daily shedding
• Noticeable thinning of hair
• Dandruff flaking 

What are the sources of vitamin A?

The sources of vitamin A include: 

Foods: Dairy products, fish, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables

Supplements: Taking vitamin A supplements in the right amount can help regrow hair, as excessive consumption can also harm hair.

5. Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C is a protein that helps strengthen hair. Consuming it in foods and supplements can prevent hair from becoming brittle. 

Additionally, vitamin C aids in collagen production and enhances iron absorption, another nutrient essential for hair growth.

What are the signs of Vitamin C deficiency?

• Corkscrew hair
• Split ends
• Hair breakage
• perifollicular hemorrhages
• Dull and lifeless hair 

What are the sources of Vitamin C?

The sources of vitamin C are: 

• Foods such as oranges and lemons. Besides, strawberries, broccoli, and bell peppers boost collagen production and improve scalp circulation. 
• Supplements: Take vitamin C tablets or powders to promote hair growth by supporting iron absorption and helping with collagen production. 

6. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 helps form red blood cells (RBCs), ensuring a healthy supply of oxygen to hair follicles. 

If your body lacks vitamin B12, it can lead to slow hair growth and loss, mainly if you are vegan or follow a vegetarian diet. 

Also read: 

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/cancer/can-vitamin-b12-deficiency-be-a-sign-of-cancer/

What are the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

The signs of vitamin 12 deficiency may include: 

• Hair thinning
• Weak and brittle hair 
• Fatigue and pale skin
• Irritability 
• Menstrual problems

What are the sources of vitamin B12?

The sources of vitamin B12 are: 

• Foods: Citrus fruits, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals. 
• Supplements: Discuss with your doctor; he may suggest B12 injections or shots to treat a vitamin B12 deficiency. 

How are vitamin deficiencies diagnosed?

Seeking Professional Advice for vitamin Deficiencies 

Book an Affordable Blood Test for Vitamin Deficiencies from Redcliffe Labs! 

If your healthcare professional suggests a blood test to detect which vitamin deficiency is causing hair loss, book it immediately. Redcliffe Labs is a renowned diagnostic center that specializes in multiple diagnostic tests in PAN India, including a Full body checkup, blood sugar test, lipid profile test, and more. Get the most accurate blood test report within a given timeline. 

Below is stepwise information on booking a blood test online from Redcliffe Labs! 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

How are vitamin deficiencies treated?

Your doctor will review your blood test reports to suggest medicine to help cover the vitamin deficiencies contributing to new hair growth. 

With dietary changes, like eating a nutrient-dense food, and lifestyle modifications, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise, you can ensure you meet your daily vitamin needs. 

Nevertheless, staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep are equally important for your health and well-being. 

5 Key Tips for Preventing Hair Loss

As it says, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few helpful tips to prevent hair loss: 

• Eat a balanced diet: Incorporate foods that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• Keep your scalp protected: Always keep your scalp clean and hydrated. 

• Avoid stress: Keep stress at bay. Don’t take tension for those things that are out of your control. Unnecessary stress can lead to weight gain and other health problems. 

• Stay Hydrated: Maintain hydration to support healthy hair growth. 

• Seek Professional Help: If hair loss occurs, discuss it with your dermatologist or trichologist.

5 Home Remedies to Prevent Hair Loss 

Apart from eating a balanced meal and making other necessary lifestyle changes, you can also try some amazing home remedies for hair loss, using ingredients easily available in your kitchen. 

• Try an amla and lime juice hair pack to strengthen your hair and prevent premature aging. 
• Use a fenugreek (methi) mask for hair fall control. 
• Pour the cool green tea bag mixture on your hair and scalp. This helps reduce hair fall reduction. 
• Apply onion juice to increase blood supply to your hair folliclesAn. Follicles strengthen hair strands, promote some hair growth, and prevent split ends. 

When to See a Doctor? 

Early and accurate diagnosis is important to reverse vitamin deficiencies that lead to hair loss. Chronic hair loss could be a sign of medical conditions that need to be treated. You can also try home remedies, but if they don't yield results, it's time to seek professional advice.

Conclusion

Consult your dermatologist for hair loss. Hair health reflects your current lifestyle and overall well-being. To maintain healthy hair, ensure your body doesn’t lack essential vitamins such as D, B7 (biotin), E, A, and C. 

Addressing vitamin deficiencies improves hair health and takes one step closer to living beautifully. A balanced diet, proper supplementation, and a healthy lifestyle can prevent and manage hair loss.