Vitamin C Deficiency Hair Loss
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and integral vitamin to the immune system. It plays a role in collagen production and the absorption of iron. A deficiency in this vitamin may contribute to hair loss or brittle, weak hair.3 Vitamin C deficiency is known to cause scurvy, an ancient disease that resulted in poor gum health and other connective tissue problems.
Vitamin C is necessary for the development and repair of all tissues throughout your body. It helps with the production of collagen, an essential protein to make healthy skin and strong hair. Vitamin C is also needed for healing wounds and maintaining healthy teeth and bones.1
Vitamin C deficiency causes dry, breaking hair, rough skin, and bleeding gums.2 Along with other nutrients, vitamin C helps support hair growth by assisting with collagen production and supporting the absorption of non-heme iron3 .
Because Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, your body cannot store excess amounts of it so it must be replenished through your diet. Good sources of vitamin C include dark leafy greens, green and red bell peppers, potatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, and citrus fruits.
Vitamin A For Hair Loss
Role in hair: this vitamin is needed for healthy cell growth, including your hair cells. It also supports the production of sebum, a substance which keeps hair hydrated and prevents hair breakage.
Supplementing for hair loss: most people should be able to get enough vitamin A from their diet without supplementation. This is important to remember, as Van Onselen cautions that taking too much vitamin A through supplements can in fact result in hair loss. Therefore, you should be cautious of how much vitamin A supplement products contain. You can find recommended daily limits here.
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
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Zinc Deficiency And Hair Loss
Hair loss is a well-known sign of zinc deficiency. Although zinc deficiency is not common, restoring zinc may help reverse hair losses in those who are deficient . This mineral is an essential part of cell growth, protein synthesis, and the immune system. It also helps repair hair follicles and maintain the oil glands in the scalp .
Other Vitamin Deficiencies Related To Hair Loss: Zinc Fatty Acids Selenium
There are a range of vitamin deficiencies that can be linked to hair loss, so it isnt just your Vitamin D and iron levels you will need to get checked. Making sure you are getting enough zinc, fatty acids and selenium are also crucial. Zinc and selenium are vital for healthy hair and so are fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6.
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The General Consensus Hair Loss Vitamins Just Dont Work
If a patient is deficient in a specific vitamin, then its important to take that vitamin, Dr. Shapiro says. But, if someone isnt deficient, then I dont recommend taking them.
Dr. Tosti agrees.
Vitamin supplementation is useful in the case of vitamin deficiency, but not in general, she says. Furthermore, hair vitamins frequently contain vitamin Awhich actually might cause hair lossand biotin, which could alter the results of laboratory tests.
That means that if you dont have a specific deficiency, taking vitamins wont help youand may even cause other issues.
Zinc Deficiency Treatments And Considerations
In one study of 312 people with AA, TE, and male and female pattern hair loss, all were shown to have lower zinc concentrations compared to 30 people with no hair loss. Those with AA and TE had the lowest levels of zinc. Another study showed those with AA and low zinc levels benefitted from zinc supplementation .
Researchers warn that using supplements when zinc levels are already normal can be dangerous and do not show a benefit. Zinc toxicity can cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and long-term over-supplementation can lead to adverse interactions with iron and reduced immune function .
A few things to consider if you think you may be suffering from hair loss due to a zinc deficiency include :
- Zinc deficiencies are uncommon in North America, but they can occur with conditions that make it harder to absorb zinc, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastric bypass surgery, pregnancy, and alcoholism.
- Vegetarians have an increased risk of deficiency because zinc levels are lower in vegetables than in meat.
- Foods high in zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry are the highest other good sources: seafood, nuts, beans, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.
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Is Hair Loss Caused By A Lack Of B12 And Folate
B12 Deficiency and Hair Loss Hair loss, dyspnea, lack of energy, palpitations, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and tingling in the hands and feet are common symptoms of low B12 when blood levels fall below 300 ng/l. There are two types of B12 deficiency: One is caused by a lack of B12, and the other is caused by a Vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be deficient in B12.
Why Vitamins Are Important To Your Hair
Vitamins, minerals and nutrients all play an important role in the health of your hair, from the development and growth of the hair follicle itself to the immune function that protects the follicle.
But its not just about growing or not growing. Vitamin deficiency can become a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of hair thinning or alopecia, also known as hair loss.
Vitamins help supply the structures of the hair follicle, so not having enough of them can lead to hair loss.
But some vitamins may also cause hair loss when taken in excess volumes. At least some anecdotal research has found examples of both selenium and vitamin A as the culprits in some types of hair loss.
Still, deficiency is arguably a worse problem for your hair, because the conditions it causes can vary so greatly. Lets take a look at what insufficient vitamins can do to your hair, one vitamin at a time.
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Hormones Including The Pill
In women, estrogen or progesterone hormone replacement therapy , also known as menopausal hormone therapy or treatment for menopause, is associated with the onset of telogen effluvium.
Hair loss on birth control pills is also a frequently reported side effect. Some women experience hair loss while they are taking the pill, while others see shedding only after stopping oral contraceptives or when they switch from one type of pill to another.
Hormone injections, hormone skin patches, progestin implants, and vaginal rings can also lead to hair loss.
Why does the pill, other contraceptives, and HRT cause hair loss? They trigger the telogen phase in your hair follicles, particularly if you are sensitive to the given hormone or if you are already predisposed to hormone-related hair loss . Its the same mechanism seen in alopecia during and right after pregnancy.
So, birth control pills and hair loss: Is it permanent? For most women hair loss related to birth control pills is not permanent. However, if you are already predisposed to Androgenic Alopecia , you might continue to see your hair fall even after stopping the pill or any other hormone-based birth control, and will continue losing hair progressively thereafter.
To help prevent or at least slow down this situation, the American Hair Loss Association recommends opting for low-androgen index oral contraceptives.
They are listed from the lowest-androgen to the highest-androgen index:
What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness is usually caused by DHT , which is commonly referred to as a male sex hormone, though everyone has it in their bodies. In men with genetic susceptibility, DHT attacks hair follicles on the head, causing them to shrink. This produces progressively thinner hair, potentially leading to no hair at all.
DHT is the culprit for almost all adult male hair loss. In rare cases, other causes come into play, including stress, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.
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What Causes Hair Loss In Women
Hair loss can affect any woman, though it tends to happen more frequently to women at least 40 years of age or who have recently given birth.
Peters says, Common causes of hair loss in women include iron or vitamin deficiency, hormone imbalance, and damage from styling.
Other common causes of hair loss in women include:
- Use of medications that cause hair loss as a side effect
- Chemical treatments on hair, such as perms
- Hairstyles that pull on hair, such as tight braids and ponytails
Is There An Ideal Dosage Of Collagen That Patients Should Follow
Collagen supplements dont tax the body with their digestion and integration into peoples systems, which can lead to the misunderstanding that more collagen means better results. However, manufacturers will usually include the ideal dosage of collagen that people should use on the packaging.
For the best results, dermatologists should never recommend that the patient exceed the specific recommended dose. Patients who are using collagen supplements should also be wary of any potential side effects that may arise, and report such situations to their dermatologist or doctor immediately.
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Vitamin B12 For Hair Loss
Role in hair: vitamin B12 helps in the production of red blood cells, which transport all-important oxygen to the hair follicles.
Supplementing for hair loss: there is limited evidence that taking this vitamin can prevent or restore hair loss and more studies are needed. Scientists have tried to determine whether there is a relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and temporary hair loss, but many studies have found no significant correlation.
This vitamin is usually touted as the best thing since sliced bread But now research shows that TOO much can be very bad for men
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Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss
Creatine is popular among gym-goers because it can provide increased energy and aid in muscle growth, but does it cause hair loss? The thinking goes that creatine increases the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. If you know the answer to the question, What is DHT and does it impact hair loss? then you know that dihydrotestosterone is what you get when testosterone is exposed to the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, and that those who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness will begin to experience hair loss if this reaction occurs within the hair follicles oil glands. More testosterone equals more hair loss, right? Not quite!
Currently, only one study has been conducted on the subject. In 2009, The Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine wrote that three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. The problem with this study, however, is that it only used 20 participants and even then its conclusion was inconclusive and suggested further investigation.
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Do Pre Workouts Cause Hair Loss
Now that we know what pre-workout supplements are and how they work, lets take a look at pre-workout and hair loss.
There is no evidence to suggest that pre-workout supplements cause baldness or thinning in men, but there are some studies that show an association between creatine and male pattern baldness .
From my personal findings, I discovered that as stimulants which increase blood flow and heart rate during exercise pre-workouts may cause temporary changes in the bodys response mechanisms for regulating hair growth and loss of hair.
Also, pre-workout supplements may increase testosterone levels in men, which could lead to male pattern baldness . However, these findings of mine were not conclusive and need more research before any final conclusions can be drawn.
Ill keep updating this piece as I find new research and studies to back this up.
So in essence, what does this mean?
Pre workout supplements may increase your risk of developing male pattern baldness if you take them for a longer period of time.
However, more research is needed to confirm this. If you are concerned about losing your hair, its best to speak to your doctor before taking pre-workout supplements or any supplements at all.
Does Biotin Help Hair Growth
Sorry , but theres no definitive answer on whether biotin really helps grow hair. According to dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD, clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center, if youre taking a stand-alone biotin supplement, youd need to take at least 5 milligrams daily for it to have the chance of affecting hair growthbut even then, theres no guarantee itll do anything.
Its also worth noting that biotinjust like any supplementisnt without its downsides: Excess biotin has the potential to trigger breakouts in some acne-prone individuals . More research is needed to understand the exact correlation, but what is known is that taking biotin can also affect major medical tests your doctor may perform. Basically, unless you yourself are a doctor , make sure to discuss all supplement-related info with an actual MD before trying any.
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How To Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency
It is essential to spot the early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. If not identified and treated, its lack can lead to more severe health problems, including neurological disorders. If youre experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend you speak with your doctor and get your vitamin B12 levels checked at the earliest.
Does Protein Powder Cause Hair Loss
Some people worry that protein powder, which is made from milk, eggs, and even plants, may cause hair loss.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. Hair grows out of follicles in the scalp, so eating certain foods cant affect it directly. However, poor nutrition can lead to a number of conditions that could contribute to hair loss.
Some of the few benefits of protein whey powder include:
- Help build muscle mass
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Increase your metabolism rate and help you to lose weight faster
Studies have shown that protein is most effective when consumed with carbs after a workout, but not within 30 minutes of eating carbohydrates because they raise insulin levels in the blood which will block growth hormone release.
If youre worried about the effects of protein shakes on your hair, speak to your doctor or a nutritionist. They can help you create a balanced diet that is good for your hair health.
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Hair La Vie Clinical Formula Hair Vitamin
Hair la Vie is the no.1 hair care brand ideal for people of all ages. It is comparably a new brand, but it has made its space in the haircare market in no time. Their products are made of high-quality and proven ingredients. They also come with a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you dont need to worry about wasting your money on products that dont work for you.
Hair la Vie Clinical Formula Hair Vitamin is made from a mix of ingredients like vitamins, herbal extracts, and minerals. The main ingredients in these supplements are, saw palmetto, collagen, vitamin A, vitamin D3, biotin, Reishi Mushroom Extract, Amla, Flaxseed Powder, Bamboo Stem & Leaf, and Horsetail Extract.
Reishi mushroom supports the immune system, flaxseed powder contains omega fatty acid 3 and 6, which promotes hair follicles, and bamboo stem and leaves have silica that stimulates hair elasticity. Zinc, selenium, folic acid, and iron are a few minerals present in Hair la Vies hair supplements.
Is Hair Loss Common
Interestingly enough, various factors can lead individuals to experience hair loss. Many people experience one or more of these factors. While it might seem daunting, isolating, or overwhelming if you are experiencing them, hopefully we can help.
The truth is that several different vitamin deficiencies can contribute to hair loss, so you might have to do a bit of testing with your doctor to get to the bottom of it. Lets talk more about which vitamin deficiencies specifically can lead you to lose some hair.
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Role Of Micronutrients In Scalp Scaling Conditions
Passi et al. noticed a significant deficiency of serum vitamin E in patients with seborrheic dermatitis as compared with a control group . Of note, zinc therapy was found to significantly increase both the size of the sebaceous glands and cell proliferation in the sebaceous glands in an animal study .
A possible relationship between vitamin D level and psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, is controversial. The authors of an observational casecontrol study investigated 561 subjects, of whom 170 had psoriasis , 51 had autoimmune bullous diseases, and 340 were healthy controls. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood level in each group was measured and found to be significantly different in all three groups, with psoriatic patients having significantly lower vitamin D levels than healthy controls . The authors of this study concluded that vitamin D level may correlate with psoriasis duration .