A Complete Guide to Vitamins for Hair Loss and Hair Health

Shilpi Jain
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kaushal

Review medical content on WOW Rx Pharmacy, so that accurate drug use information is easily accessible to everybody.
Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist. She possesses remarkable knowledge in Pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and drug safety services. Additionally, she is a keen learner and an educator.

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vitamins for hair loss

Are you worried about your falling hair? 

Do you find your hair all over the place and not just on your head?

What if I tell you that your diet plays an essential role in the hair growth process? 

According to a study by Almohnna et.al, vitamins and minerals are essential to hair growth. In deficient amounts, they can contribute to hair loss. 

While most hair loss caused due to Alopecia is genetic, nutrient deficiency can worsen the condition. 

Here, the article discusses the deficiencies that cause hair loss and vitamins for hair loss prevention.

Does Vitamin deficiency cause hair loss?

Yes, vitamins play an essential role in the process of hair growth. 

They are in charge of the production of specific proteins that are necessary for hair development. 

They also work to keep the scalp healthy and also aid in cell turnover to facilitate healthy hair follicles. 

Different vitamins play specific roles in hair growth that collectively aid in the good health of your hair. 

A deficiency of these vitamins can also contribute to hair fall disorders such as Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium. 

Hence, taking the recommended dose of vitamins for hair loss and maintaining a balanced diet are necessary to prevent hair fall. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that aids in hair growth. 

It works in two ways: it enhances the immune system to protect hair follicles and promotes cell turnover and growth.

Insufficient amounts of vitamin A, hair follicles are affected, leading to stunted hair growth and thinning of hair. 

In other news, studies have also shown that an excess of vitamin A can cause hair loss.

Hence, taking its appropriate amount is always recommended. 

The recommended daily dose of Vitamin A for men is 900 μg and for women is 700 μg.  

Vitamin B

A deficiency of vitamin B can increase the brittleness of your hair and increase hair shedding

Vitamin B is responsible for producing red blood cells that aid blood flow to the scalp and promote new hair growth

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is an active nutrient metabolizing fatty acids. 

Recommended reading: Biotin for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?

It aids the breakdown of omega-3 fatty acids and leads to the release of enzymes that aids in hair growth. 

Hence, increase the sources of Vitamin B in your diet to prevent excessive hair loss. 

Among the various B vitamins, B2, B7, B9, and B12 are essential for hair loss. 

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the following are the recommended dosages of Vitamin B for daily intake.

Vitamin B ComplexRecommend dose for MenRecommend dose for Women
Vitamin B21.3 mg1.1 mg
Vitamin B7(Biotin)30 mcg30 mcg
Vitamin B9 400 mcg400 mcg
Vitamin B12 2.4 mcg2.4 mcg

Vitamin C

Vitamin C foods for replenishing deficiency that cause hair lossSource: piotr_malczyk_from_Getty_Images
Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency can cause hair thinning and increase split ends and dryness. 

Is your hair dry, rough, and frizzy? Lack of Vitamin C can be a reason behind those rough bunch. 

Vitamin C aids in the production of Collagen. It is an essential protein that retains moisture in your hair and gives it volume. 

When you intake lesser amounts of vitamin C, it can result in split ends and dry hair. 

Hence, a recommended dose of 90 mg for men and 70 mg for women is advised for daily vitamin C intake. 

Vitamin D

Deficient amounts of vitamin D in the body have been linked to hair loss disorder, Alopecia Areata, and Telogen effluvium. 

Types of Hair Loss
Alopecia Areata: It is a hair loss disorder caused due to immunological distress on the hair follicles. This results in patchy hair loss on the scalp.
Telogen Effluvium: It is caused due to severe changes or stress in the body. Hair loss begins with thinning hair and leads to excessive hair loss.

Vitamin D, in sufficient amounts, aids in increasing the volume and thickening of the hair. 

It is essential in developing keratinocytes, a protein responsible for thick hair growth. 

Taking fewer amounts of vitamin D can affect the production of these cells, which may affect hair growth. 

It also has immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects that prevent hair loss disorders. 

The recommended dose for Vitamin D in adults is 800 mcg per day.

Recommended reading: How Vitamin D Stopped My Hair Loss: A Key Connection Uncovered

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that aid oxygen circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth

A deficiency of vitamin E is rare but possible. Studies have shown that low levels of E vitamins are found in people suffering from disorders such as Psoriasis and Alopecia Areata. 

Vitamin E supports blood circulation throughout the body and protects against radical-free damage to keep the scalp healthy and stimulate hair growth. 

Hence, an advised dose of 1000mg/day is necessary to prevent hair fall

How can one overcome vitamin deficiency?

Food and supplements for hair loss preventionSource: Yullia_Chyzhevska
Food and supplements for Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamins for hair loss should be incorporated into the diet through food sources or supplements to prevent hair fall. 

Replenishing vitamin deficiency is not a one-day job. 

It requires you to take recommended dosages of vitamins with your daily diet.

You can go through the following prevention steps to reduce hair loss due to vitamin deficiency. 

Balanced Diet

Having daily meals is different from taking a balanced diet. 

Your diet should consist of all the essential nutrients the body requires for normal functioning. 

A balanced diet should combine fruits, vegetables, and other essential food sources. 

Recommended reading: Foods that Cause Hair Loss: A Guide to Eating for Healthier Hair

Supplements

Supplements are paired with a balanced diet when food sources cannot fulfill the nutrient requirement. 

These supplements of specific vitamins for hair loss and minerals and a balanced diet can replenish your daily nutritional needs. 

You should always ask your doctor before consuming supplements and follow their instructions about the use and dosage.

Topical Supplements

Haircare products such as shampoo, solutions, and conditioners can also aid in nutrient replenishment. 

The effectiveness of topical supplements is still under study. But you can ask your physician for advice on using the products to prevent hair fall.

Promote hair growth, prevent hair loss

In conclusion, vitamin deficiencies may not be the root cause of your hair loss but can worsen the existing hair loss. 

A nutrient-rich diet can help ensure your body has the necessary tools to maintain healthy hair. 

Vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss, but thankfully it is reversible. 

So, go to your doctor, diagnose the cause of your excessive hair loss and start your hair growth journey today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss?

Yes, vitamin D deficiency can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Studies have also shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and Alopecia.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Vitamin deficiencies of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E can cause hair loss. These vitamin deficiencies can also worsen hair loss disorders, such as Alopecia or Telogen effluvium. 

Can hair grow back after vitamin deficiency?

Yes, hair growth is possible after vitamin deficiency. It usually takes around 6-8 months, but the hair loss is reversible.

Citations:
WowRxPharmacy uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.

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