Which Vitamin Deficiency Can Cause Hair Loss?

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Micronutrients for Hair Health
• Which Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?
• Which Mineral Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?
• How Do You Prevent Vitamin Deficiency-Related Hair Loss?
• Hair Loss Treatments

The Importance of Micronutrients for Hair Health

Micronutrients are required by the body in small amounts for maintaining overall health and well-being. They play an important role in supporting the immune system, energy production, bone health as well as skin and hair health. They also prevent chronic diseases such as anaemia and type 2 diabetes. Micronutrients can be found in most food groups including meat, dairy, nuts and seeds. They are absorbed by the bloodstream through the process of digestion, and then transported to various organs and tissues. 

When it comes to hair health, vitamins and minerals can nourish the scalp, improve blood circulation and support the production of new hair follicles, leading to healthy hair growth.

Which Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?

If certain vitamin or mineral levels drop, you may experience noticeable side effects such as brittle nails, mouth ulcers, fatigue, skin dryness, mood changes and even hair loss. When hair doesn’t receive enough nutrients, it can trigger slow hair growth and excessive shedding. Hair follicles can also become dull, dry and brittle. 

The most common vitamin deficiencies that may cause hair loss include:

• Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for promoting healthy cell growth and the production of sebum, a natural oil that moisturises the scalp.  It can be found in leafy vegetables, dairy products, liver and oily fish. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to weakened hair follicles, lifeless hair and hair loss in severe cases. While vitamin A is important for hair health, studies have shown an excessive intake of this vitamin can contribute to hair loss, so it is important to maintain a balanced vitamin A intake.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protecting hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. It is also responsible for the production of collagen, a protein that maintains the strength of hair follicles. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, kale and brussels sprouts. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to weak hair that is prone to breakage. With a deficiency in vitamin C, hair can appear dry, brittle, coiled and even shed more than usual. 

• Vitamin D

Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Small sources of vitamin D are also found in red meat, egg yolks, oily fish and fortified foods such as milk and cereals. The main purpose of vitamin D is to help the body absorb calcium for building and maintaining healthy strong bones and teeth. It has the additional benefit of promoting hair growth. 

If an individual is low in vitamin D, they may experience fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, hair thinning or loss. Studies have shown a link between alopecia (hair loss) and low vitamin D levels. [2]

As the UK weather is unpredictable and lacks sunshine compared to other European countries, we can struggle to get the recommended levels of vitamin D, especially in the winter. Research suggests that 57% of people in the UK have low levels of vitamin D [3]. 

• Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Also known as biotin or vitamin H, vitamin B7 is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that forms hair, skin and nails. It can be found in organ meats, eggs, milk, fish, nuts and seeds. A biotin deficiency occurs in very rare cases, but it can lead to hair loss, dry eyes, dry scaly skin and fatigue. 

One study was conducted to determine the frequency and significance of a Biotin deficiency in women complaining of hair loss. The study shows that Biotin deficiency was found in 38% of the women surveyed. [4]

Which Mineral Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?

Not only do certain vitamin deficiencies cause potential hair loss, but a deficiency in some minerals can also be a contributing factor. Two common minerals that can potentially cause hair loss are iron and zinc. 

• Iron

Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. It is primarily found in meat and legumes. If an individual is low in iron, they may experience skin paleness, fatigue, headaches and shortness of breath. A severe iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, a condition where the body can’t produce enough oxygen-rich blood. 

Hair loss is a less common side effect of iron deficiency anaemia. It occurs when there is a lack of oxygen reaching the scalp and hair follicles, leading to slow hair growth and excessive shedding. Studies have found that ferritin (a blood protein that contains iron) may trigger a hair loss condition called telogen effluvium. [5]

• Zinc

Zinc is a nutrient commonly found in meat, fish and seafood. It is important for supporting the immune system, cell growth and skin health. Zinc also plays a key role in the structure and integrity of hair follicles. A zinc deficiency has been shown to cause forms of hair loss. A study was carried out with 312 patients who were diagnosed with alopecia areata, male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss or telogen effluvium. It found that zinc levels were significantly lower than a health control group and the ratio of the patients with low zinc levels was significantly higher in patients with alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. [7]

How Do You Prevent Vitamin Deficiency-Related Hair Loss?

The good news is most vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be reversed through a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you think your hair loss may be caused by a vitamin deficiency, it is worth visiting your doctor for a blood test to understand your general health and determine if you are low in the above vitamins or minerals.

If you are lacking in a certain vitamin or mineral, supplements or gummies can be taken daily to regulate these levels and prevent related hair loss. For instance, research has shown that adding vitamin D supplements to the diet can improve symptoms of hair loss conditions such as androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and telogen effluvium. [7] It is important to note that it can take weeks or months for vitamin and mineral supplements to lead to noticeable changes and not every case of hair loss is caused by a vitamin deficiency.

Hair Loss Treatments

If you do not want to add supplements to your diet or are unable to take them, there are also medications and products available to prevent hair loss and boost new hair growth. At Chemist Click, we offer a range of clinically tested hair loss treatments including Finasteride, Propecia, Minoxidil topical spray and Regaine Extra Strength Foam for Men. To get started today, complete our free online consultation to determine the best hair loss treatment for you.

Sources

1. World Health Organisation. (2006). Preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies in populations affected by an emergency: multiple vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women, and for children aged 6 to 59 months. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/WHO-WFP-UNICEF-statement-micronutrients-deficiencies-emergency
2. Saini K, Mysore V. (2021). Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34553483/
3. Forth. (2024). UK Vitamin D Statistics 2024. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://www.forthwithlife.co.uk/blog/uk-vitamin-d-statistics/
4. Trüeb RM. (2016). Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989391/
5. Cheng T, Fang H, Wang Y, Wang Y, Yang Z, Wu R, Yang D. (2021). The Diagnostic Value of Serum Ferritin for Telogen Effluvium: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7882421/
6. Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS. (2013). Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24371385/
7. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Retrieved 12th September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.