Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?
Vitamin D is an effective nutrient that helps regulate Calcium absorption.
Not just bone health, your hair follicles contain vitamin D receptors, and researchers believe a lack of vitamin D could disrupt the hair growth cycles.
This disturbance of the growth cycle may lead to hair thinning or loss.
Yet, more research is needed to establish a definitive link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
Adequate levels of vitamin D through diet, supplements, or sun exposure may be beneficial for maintaining healthy hair.
The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin D for males, females, pregnant women, and lactating mothers aged 19–50 are 15 mcg (600 IU).
Continue reading to know, “Does vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss?”
How does vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss?
Some evidence suggests that the deficiency of vitamin D may contribute to hair loss.
However, the relationship between the two still needs to be fully understood.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that plays a critical role in bone health, immune function, and other physiological processes.
The exact mechanisms by which vitamin D affects hair growth are still unclear.
Yet, some research suggests that the vitamin may regulate hair follicle cycling and differentiation.
Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that vitamin D receptors exist in hair follicles.
These vitamins may play a role in hair growth and cycling.
Other research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with Telogen effluvium.
It is a condition in which hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase, leading to increased hair shedding and thinning.
While these findings are promising, more research is required to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
It is also important to note that hair loss can have many underlying causes, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions.
Recommended doses of vitamin D
A detailed look at the chart can help determine the RDAs for vitamin D.
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-12 months | 10 mcg (400 IU) | 10 mcg (400 IU) | ||
| 1-13 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | ||
| 14-18 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| 19-50 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| 51-70 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| >70 years | 20 mcg (800 IU) | 20 mcg (800 IU) |
Forms of vitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble compounds.
These vitamins are essential for proper bone growth and development and other physiological processes.
There are two primary forms of vitamin D, D2 and D3.
Vitamin D2
Vitamin D2 is also known as Ergocalciferol.
It is derived from plants and is typically found in fortified foods such as milk and cereal.
D2 is also available in supplement form.
It is not as demanding as vitamin D3 and is less well absorbed by the body.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is also known as Cholecalciferol.
The body synthesizes it in response to sunlight exposure.
Some of the most potential sources of vitamin D3 are fatty fish, egg yolks, and liver.
Vitamin D3 is the most biologically active form of vitamin D and is better absorbed by the body.
In addition to these two primary forms, several vitamin D metabolites are essential for physiological function.
These include 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D).
25(OH)D is the most commonly measured form of vitamin D in the bloodstream and is used to assess vitamin D status.
Whereas 1,25(OH)2D is the active form of vitamin D that regulates Calcium and Phosphorus absorption in the body.
Takeaway
Some evidence suggests that the deficiency of vitamin D may contribute to hair loss.
However, the relationship between the two still needs to be fully understood.
Vitamin D is crucial in many physiological processes, including bone health and immune function.
If you are experiencing hair thinning, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
They will help you determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
A balanced diet includes vitamin D-rich foods, safe sun exposure, and supplementation.
It may help maintain optimal vitamin D levels and support healthy hair growth.
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