Vitamin D Hair Loss: What To Do
If youve noticed your hair shedding or looking thin and think that it could be due to a vitamin D deficiency, talk to your healthcare provider.
They will be able to test you for a vitamin D deficiency and, if appropriate, may recommend using a vitamin D supplement.
You may also be able to increase your vitamin D levels by changing your diet to include more foods that contain vitamin D, or by spending 10 to 15 minutes outside during sunny weather a few times each week.
There are numerous reasons that you might lose hair. While a vitamin D deficiency could be a cause of your hair loss, it may also be due to male pattern baldness, stress, use of medication or many other factors.
Supplements Can Improve Hair Health
You may not realize it, but a lot of the nutrients you eat everyday boost the health of your hair. If you eat the right balance of nutrients, including a lot of nutrients like biotin for hair loss, zinc for hair loss, and vitamin C for hair loss, then the overall health of your hair will improve. Your hair will become fuller because the hair will be in the growth cycle longer than the rest phase, which will help your hair stay stronger, healthier, and look better.
Causes And Risk Factors For Thinning Hair
As your hair continues to thin, you probably want to ask, or even scream, Why is my hair falling out?! Its a very frustrating and often bewildering occurrence when the hair thins. According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of abnormal hair loss is not completely clear, but typically its related to one or more of the following:
- Heredity
- Physical or emotional shock
- Excessive hair styling and/or hair treatments
1. Heredity
The No. 1 reason why both men and women experience excessive hair thinning and hair loss is hereditary. For men, its a more well-known phenomenon called male-pattern baldness, but women can also exhibit female-pattern baldness. Both of these predictable, gradual hair loss patterns are linked with a family history of hair loss. For men, it can start as early as puberty. In addition to thinning hair, men may also notice their hair becoming shorter, softer and finer.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances and changes can contribute to thinning hair. Some hormone changes are temporary, like with pregnancy or menopause, and hair thinning or loss resulting from these temporary changes should be temporary as well. However, if you have an ongoing imbalance of hormones, you may have a thyroid problem that needs to be corrected.
3. Thyroid Problems and Other Medical Conditions
4. Medications
Many different types of medicines may contribute to hair thinning, including some of the following types of medications:
- Acne medications
- Thyroid medications
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Do Vitamin D Supplements Help For Hair Loss
If you have a vitamin D deficiency and are experiencing hair loss, some studies suggest a simple solution: take vitamin D supplements . Unfortunately, data is scarce on if vitamin D supplements really work for hair loss, but heres what we know so far.
One very small study evaluating just 22 people found that applying a vitamin D-derived cream was moderately effective for more than half of study participants with patchy hair loss . Another study had similar success, with researchers finding a vitamin D topical treatment to be effective for hair loss in nearly 70% of study participants. .
What Are The Best Hair Growth Pills
Okay, so lets pretend youve gotten your blood tested, youve gotten the green light from your doctor, youve made a deal with the hair gods, and youre ready to try some hair supplements. Cool. Do not go overboard. Doubling up on supplements can be incredibly dangerous over timesome vitamins get peed out by your system, but others can build up to toxic levelsso test only one supplement at a time, and make sure that whatever you ingest is a reputable, well-reviewed formula. And, ideally, approved by your doc.
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Medically Endorsed Hair Loss Treatments
In the UK, only two hair loss medicines are actually endorsed by the medical community, and have been proven to treat hair growth.
Prescription tablets:Finasteride
The most effective treatment for male pattern baldness is Finasteride . This prescription treatment is not available on the NHS, but you can order it through affordable services like our own LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Finasteride has been proven to stop hair loss in 90% of men with male pattern baldness.
Medicated foam/lotion:Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a lotion or foam that is applied to the scalp every day as an effective hair loss treatment. It is not as effective as Propecia, but has still been proven to stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth in 60% of men with male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is available without a prescription, through high street pharmacies or supermarkets. You can also order it online from our website.
References
How To Treat Vitamin D Deficiency
If youve been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency, your healthcare provider will likely recommend the use of a vitamin D supplement.
They may also recommend making some changes to your diet and habits to increase the amount of vitamin D you consume via food or produce naturally.
You can get more vitamin D by:
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Best Subscription Collagen Supplements
Care/of Collagen
Price: $$$
Care/of is a personalized subscription vitamin and supplement service that allows you to take a quiz to personalize the products you receive.
Their collagen supplement is designed to support elasticity and hydration in the skin and help nails become stronger.
The supplement is made to be able to easily blend in your favorite drinks, such as coffee, tea, and smoothies.
The bovine collagen in this supplement comes from grass-fed cows. Other ingredients include organic lemon and vanilla, and there are no fillers or artificial sweeteners in this product. Its also gluten- and dairy-free.
Persona Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Price: $$$
Persona is another personalized subscription service that allows users to take an assesment about their health and sends out vitamins and supplements catered to their individual needs.
They offer a collagen supplement that supports joints that have been overworked from exercise, injuries, and regular wear and tear. It also supports healthy skin and nails.
The collagen in this supplement comes from grass-fed cows. The product contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and its also gluten- and dairy-free.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Peptides Powder
Price: $$$
Vital Proteins produces many of the most popular collagen supplements on the market.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen, in particular, is specifically formulated to enhance skin elasticity and hydration.
Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Beauty
Price: $$$
Price: $$
How Does Vitamin D Affect Hair
Vitamin D affects the health of many parts of the body, including the skin and hair.
Vitamin D plays a role in the creation of new hair follicles. Hair follicles are the tiny pores from which new hairs grow. New follicles may help hair maintain thickness and prevent existing hair from falling out prematurely.
Because of this link, getting adequate amounts of vitamin D can support hair growth and regrowth.
People with a vitamin D deficiency may have no symptoms, or their symptoms may be nonspecific and change over time.
Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include:
- changes in mood, including depression or anxiety
- infertility
A lack of sunlight or not eating enough foods rich in vitamin D are the most common causes of a vitamin D deficiency.
However, some people may have vitamin D deficiencies because of another underlying condition, including Crohns disease or celiac disease, which prevent the body from fully absorbing nutrients.
People with an underlying medical condition will experience symptoms of the primary cause and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, as well.
Certain medications may also cause the body to break down vitamin D before it can be used. Medications that may cause a vitamin D deficiency include:
- antifungals
- medications for HIV
- anticonvulsants
If a medication is causing a vitamin D deficiency or hair loss, a person should speak to their doctor about alternatives.
- some fish, include salmon, trout, and sardines
- nuts
- cheese
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Sports Research High Potency Biotin
If you want to keep your supplementation routine simple and stick with only the most proven hair vitamin, Sports Research High Potency Biotin is the way to go.
While the only directly beneficial ingredients are biotin and coconut oil, the very high biotin dosage can do a lot of work on its own to improve hair growth. Other supplements offer a wider variety of ingredients, but biotin is certainly the supplement with the largest amount of scientific evidence supporting its use.
Best Supplements For Your Hair According To Dietitians
Lackluster, brittle hair is no fun. Neither is hair loss. Thankfully, several nutrients may help preserve and enhance your hair, and for some people, taking them in supplement form may be the easiest way to ensure they’re getting enough of the good stuff they need.
“While supplements may help enhance the quality of your hair, skin, and nails , it is preferable for your nutrient needs to be met through a healthy balanced diet,” cautions Kristin Gillespie, MS, RD, LD, advisor for Exercisewithstyle.com. “Nutrients found in foods are more bioavailable and better absorbed than those found in supplements.”
Nevertheless, if after talking with your doctor or nutritionist you determine a supplement to support hair health may be for you, here are registered dietitians’ top picks. Read on to get hair ready to shine like you’re in a shampoo commercial, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
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Thinning Hair In Women: Why It Happens And What Helps
- By Kelly Bilodeau, Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch
Many people think of hair loss as a male problem, but it also affects at least a third of women. But unlike men, women typically experience thinning hair without going bald, and there can be a number of different underlying causes for the problem.
Some are associated with inflammation in the body. Some are female-pattern hair loss, says Dr. Deborah Scott, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Hair Loss Clinic at Brigham and Womens Hospital. But the good news is that in many cases this hair loss can be stabilized with treatment, and it may be reversible. When its not, there are a number of new cosmetic approaches that can help.
Ranking The Best Vitamins For Hair Growth Of 2021
Thick, strong, and healthy hair is one of the most desirable physical attributes for both men and women, and vitamins for hair growth can help you achieve this.
Like hair loss treatments, taking a supplement for hair growth can help the strength, thickness, and sheen of your hair follicles really stand out.
A number of compounds, like biotin, pantothenic acid, and the B vitamins have some solid science backing up their use as hair growth supplements.
Our research team looked at what supplements combine these and other ingredients in the most effective way to determine the ten best supplements for hair growth and hair health.
Research
For those who are serious about strengthening their hair, Hair Hero by Essential elements is the best available. It combines powerful ingredients like collagen, horsetail and bamboo extract to repair damaged follicles, alongside biotin and saw palmetto to maximize growth and count.
12 essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc and iron are also added to improve overall body health, making it that much easier to see results. With no GMOs, gluten or preservatives, this is the BodyNutritions clear winner for the best hair vitamins of 2021.
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Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil has powerful cleansing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. When used topically, it can help unplug hair follicles and increase hair growth.
Tea tree oils come in many concentrations, so its important to follow the manufacturers directions. Some are highly concentrated essential oils, and other products are mixed in a cream or oil.
A 2013 study even found that a mixture containing tea tree oil and minoxidil was more effective than just the minoxidil alone in improving hair growth, though more studies are needed on using tea tree oil only.
A review in 2015 found tea tree is commonly used in anti-dandruff treatment products.
You can mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner and use it daily. Or, you can mix 3 drops with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it out.
Side Effects And Interactions
Saw palmetto generally is considered to be safe, but its not recommended for children, or pregnant and breastfeeding women. Rare side effects include mild headaches and stomach pains. Stomach irritation can be avoided by taking the extract with food.
Saw palmetto may thin your blood and can cause excessive bleeding during surgery. Always tell your doctor all of the supplements youre taking before beginning any new type of treatment and before surgery.
Interactions may occur between saw palmetto and some other medications. Because its been shown to thin blood, saw palmetto should never be taken simultaneously with other blood thinners. In particular, it shouldnt be taken with aspirin and prescriptions such as warfarin.
Saw palmetto works in a similar manner as the medication finasteride, which is used to treat hair loss and an enlarged prostate. You should not take them together, unless directed by your doctor. Saw palmetto may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives because it interacts with hormones.
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Spending More Time In Sunlight
Your body produces its own vitamin D naturally in the skin when its exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Spending too much time in direct sunlight isnt good for your skin, but a small amount of sun exposure can help to produce vitamin D naturally.
According to the Harvard Medical School, 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week is normally enough to maintain healthy levels. And remember always wear sunscreen.
Saw Palmetto And Hair Loss
There are many treatments for hair loss. In recent years, hair pieces and hair extensions have gained popularity. Topical medications and oral drugs are other popular methods people use to treat thinning hair. Surgical procedures such hair plugs also work well. But medications can have side effects and surgery can be expensive.
Saw palmetto is an alternative remedy used to treat hair loss. Its a plant with small berries that has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years. Theres evidence that this herbal remedy may treat an enlarged prostate. It also has been used to treat:
- hair loss
- prostate cancer
Research on whether saw palmetto works to treat hair loss is limited but promising. An extract of saw palmetto berries may block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is the molecule responsible for hair loss and also is involved in the enlargement of the prostate.
One study showed promise in saw palmettos ability to treat an enlarged prostate. Researchers hope it can slow or stop hair loss too. In fact, the components of saw palmetto that block the enzyme work in a similar way as synthetic ingredients in prescription medication for hair loss.
Saw palmetto comes in several different forms, including:
- whole dried berries
- liquid extracts
- powdered capsules
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