Vitamin Deficiency and Hair Loss
Key Takeaways
- Certain vitamin deficiencies, including low levels of vitamin D, vitamin B7 and vitamin A, may contribute to hair shedding or slower hair growth.
- Hair loss can have multiple causes, so identifying a deficiency through a healthcare provider is an important first step before starting supplements.
- Diet improvements, targeted supplementation and advanced hair growth options such as low-level laser therapy may all play a role in a broader hair health plan.
Diet plays an important role in many aspects of our lives, including heart health, skin longevity, energy levels and beyond. Unfortunately, the average American does not get all the nutrients they need from diet alone. Vitamin deficiency can lead to numerous health concerns, and hair loss is one of the most frustrating side effects.
While nutrition remains an important part of hair health, it is also important to remember that shedding, thinning and baldness can have several causes, including genetics, hormones, stress, medical conditions and nutrient deficiencies.
Which vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss?
The recommended consumption of vitamins varies based on a person’s age, sex and type of vitamin or mineral. Some vitamin deficiencies can lead to headaches, fatigue, anxiety and even depression. If you suspect a deficiency, consider speaking with a healthcare professional before starting or increasing supplements, since both too little and too much of certain nutrients can affect overall health.
Having low levels of the following vitamins has been linked to hair loss in both men and women.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports the reproductive system, healthy vision, the immune system, and keeps the organs working properly. It is naturally present in many foods, including eggs, spinach, poultry, fish, and dairy.
Interestingly, hair loss can occur with a vitamin A deficiency but also if a person consumes too much of this nutrient. Because vitamin A is one of the nutrients we often get plenty of through diet alone, it is important to monitor other supplements, creams and medications that contain it to avoid ingesting too much.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
If you are interested in healthy skin, nails and hair, you have probably heard of biotin. Biotin is the common name for vitamin B7, an essential nutrient involved in a wide range of metabolic processes. A lack of biotin can lead to hair loss, nausea, muscle pain and memory problems. Biotin is often marketed for hair growth, but supplementation is most relevant when a true deficiency is present.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for immunity, bone strength, cell growth, and mental wellbeing! This vitamin truly does it all, and it is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in Americans.
Vitamin D is responsible for creating new hair follicles, and a vitamin D deficiency has been linked to alopecia. When the body lacks sufficient vitamin D, it cannot create new hair follicles, stunting new hair growth and resulting in baldness. Because vitamin D levels can be checked with a simple blood test, this is one nutrient many people choose to review with their provider when evaluating unexplained hair shedding.
How can I treat my hair loss?
If your hair loss is due to a vitamin deficiency, taking oral supplements and improving your diet may help. A balanced approach often starts with identifying the cause of hair loss, correcting any confirmed nutrient gaps and choosing treatments that support healthier follicles over time. But if you’re not seeing the desired results from your supplement regimen, you may want to look into more advanced treatments, including medications like minoxidil and low-level laser therapy.
The Original LaserCap uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to promote hair growth. LLLT stimulates hair stem cells and increases blood flow to the scalp, giving your follicles all the energy and nutrients they need to support healthy hair growth. You can increase the thickness of your hair by using LaserCap for just 30 minutes every other day!
Get your LaserCap today to start your journey toward thicker, healthier hair.
Related Posts
- Why is My Hair Dry and Brittle?
- The 4 Phases of Hair Growth
- How LLLT Helps Prevent and Reverse Hair Loss
Michael Rabin, MD, MBA
Michael Rabin, MD, MBA, is the founder and CEO of LaserCap Company. He is a physician, entrepreneur, and inventor of The Original LaserCap. Dr. Rabin received his MD and MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has more than 30 years experience creating and leading innovative biomedical companies.
