Can Vitamin Supplements Stop Hair Loss?
Many people wonder if vitamins and minerals can help prevent or treat hair loss. There’s a lot of conflicting information on this topic, but we’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Hair loss is a common issue that can be improved with vitamin and mineral supplements. These nutrients play a crucial role in the growth and function of cells in your body, including those responsible for hair production. However, knowing which vitamins and minerals can help with hair loss is important.
There are different types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium (TE), and alopecia areata (AA). Research suggests that low vitamin D levels may improve AGA and TE symptoms. Iron supplementation can also be helpful, especially for individuals with low iron levels, which are more common in females. It’s important for those with iron deficiency to make sure they’re getting enough vitamin C in their diet. However, there’s not enough evidence to recommend zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, or vitamin B12 supplementation for hair loss.
Vitamin A is another nutrient to be cautious about. Too much vitamin A can lead to hair loss, and it’s essential to maintain a balance in your diet. On the other hand, insufficient evidence supports the use of vitamin E or biotin supplements for treating AGA or TE, and excessive biotin intake can even lead to false test results in certain laboratory tests.
Alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, has been linked to low vitamin D levels. If you have low vitamin D, supplementing it may be beneficial. However, more research is needed on iron and zinc supplementation’s effects on AA. Due to the lack of evidence, Biotin and selenium supplements are not recommended for this condition.
In some cases, premature greying or whitening of hair can be related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and selenium deficiency may contribute to premature greying. Supplementing these micronutrients in cases of deficiency can improve hair health.
While vitamins and minerals can play a role in hair health, it’s essential to have a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of certain nutrients like vitamin A or biotin. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor to determine the root cause and the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
References:
Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 30547302; PMCID: PMC6380979.
