Your Hair Loss May Be Due To These Vitamin Deficiencies
Whether male or female, hair loss could be a possibility. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, age, hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications. Hair loss can occur in many different ways. Some people lose hair from the scalp or body, while others experience hair thinning or balding.
Right after puberty, androgen levels in males dramatically rise and produce the condition. On the other hand, androgen levels have an unclear connection with female pattern hair loss.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and prescription products taken orally or applied as a cream or gel to treat hair loss may be available. However, you must also check if you are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals.
Insufficient Vitamins And Minerals Might Be Causing Your Hair Loss
Poor nutrition is one of the factors that causes hair loss, and a deficiency of these vitamins and minerals in your diet may be the culprit.
Vitamin D
Patients with non-scarring alopecia have been shown to have lowered serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, suggesting its possible involvement in hair loss. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is an effective treatment for alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, and telogen effluvium.
Iron
Iron is necessary for the production of new cells, including hair cells. When iron levels drop too low, these cells are not replaced, and the hair stops growing. Women’s recommended daily iron intake is 18 mg, and 8 mg for men. The best sources of iron are red meat, fish, poultry, and non-heme iron foods, like beans and leafy greens.
Increasing ferritin levels through iron intake can help combat hair loss. Foods high in iron include red meat, cashews, spinach, beans, and iron-fortified foods. If iron deficiency is suspected, a doctor or dietitian can recommend an iron supplement.
Zinc
Alopecia areata patients have been shown to have significantly lower zinc serum levels than controls in previous studies. Furthermore, serum levels appear to be inversely associated with disease severity.
What Can Be Done To End Hair Loss And Vitamin Deficiency?
If you are concerned about your hair loss, talk to your doctor. They can rule out other causes of hair loss and determine if it is related to a vitamin or mineral deficiency. In some cases, dietary supplements may help. Sometimes, a diet low in essential nutrients can cause hair loss and other health issues. Therefore, it is vital to know what constitutes a healthy diet.
