Which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss | Vitamin B12 & D Deficiency

Hair loss can have many causes, from genetics to medications. However, which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss is a common question. Two vitamins that are especially important for healthy hair growth are vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to thinning hair and excessive shedding. This article will examine how vitamin B12 and D deficiencies contribute to cause hair loss.

How Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and DNA production. Low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with multiple hair issues:

• Excessive hair shedding and thinning
• Slow hair growth
• Graying or hair discoloration
• Brittle, dry hair

Which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss? A vitamin B12 deficiency disrupts the normal hair growth cycle. Hair may prematurely stop growing and enter the resting phase (telogen effluvium). This leads to hair falling out before the new hair shaft forms, causing thinning.

Certain groups are at higher risk of B12 deficiency, including:

• Vegans and vegetarians
• Individuals with conditions affecting B12 absorption
• Those over age 50
• People taking medications that reduce stomach acid
• Those with autoimmune disorders

If you notice sudden hair thinning along with fatigue and neurological symptoms, which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss may be a B12 deficiency.

Symptoms

In addition to hair thinning and excess shedding, some other signs of a B12 deficiency include:

• Weakness and dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Vision changes
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Sore tongue or mouth

A family history of pernicious anemia also raises your risk of B12 deficiency. Which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss? A B12 deficiency can gradually trigger hair thinning, while an autoimmune disorder may cause patchy hair loss.

Treating Hair Loss from Vitamin B12 Deficiency

There are several ways to restore B12 levels and treat hair loss:

• High dose oral B12 supplements
• Weekly B12 injections for those with absorption issues
• Eating B12-rich foods like meat, eggs, dairy and fortified grains
• Getting treatment for medical conditions impeding absorption
• Taking probiotic supplements to support gut health

With treatment of the underlying deficiency, new hair growth may take 3-6 months. Maintaining adequate B12 intake can prevent recurrent which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss.

How Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Vitamin D is crucial for absorbing calcium, immune function, and regulating cell growth. In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to hair loss.

How does vitamin D affect hair?

• Stimulates new hair follicles
• Regulates oils that moisturize hair
• Reduces inflammation that can damage follicles
• May help balance hormones involved in the hair cycle

With low levels of vitamin D, hair growth cycles can falter. Hair shedding increases while new growth slows. Vitamin D deficiency also raises the risk of patchy, autoimmune hair loss known as alopecia areata.

Certain populations are more prone to vitamin D deficiency:

• Those with darker skin tones
• People who spend little time outdoors
• Individuals with conditions affecting fat absorption
• People with kidney or liver disease
• Older adults over 50 years
• Those who are obese or overweight

Thinning hair along with fatigue and bone aches may signal a deficiency. Which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss? In many cases, the culprit is low vitamin D.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency Hair Loss

In addition to excessive hair shedding and thinning, other signs of vitamin D deficiency can include:

• Muscle weakness and spasms
• Bone fractures and joint pain
• Mood changes and depression
• Impaired wound healing
• More frequent illness and infections
• Patchy hair loss at temples and crown (alopecia areata)

Dry scalp and dandruff may also accompany a vitamin D deficiency. There may be smooth bald patches if autoimmune hair loss develops.

Treating Hair Loss from Vitamin D Deficiency

Correcting a vitamin D deficiency can help stop and reverse hair loss:

• Vitamin D supplements – tablets containing D3 are commonly used
• Increased sunlight exposure – 10-15 minutes per day
• Eating foods rich in vitamin D – fatty fish, eggs, fortified dairy/plant milks
• Using topical vitamin D ointments on the scalp
• Treating conditions affecting vitamin D absorption
• Medications for autoimmune hair loss like alopecia areata

It takes time to restore vitamin D levels and reduce inflammation. With treatment of a vitamin D deficiency, new hair growth may take 3-6 months.

Conclusion

In summary, deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D are common nutritional causes of hair loss and thinning. These vitamins play key roles in maintaining the hair growth cycle.

Symptoms like fatigue, neurological issues, bone pain and susceptibility to illness can accompany hair shedding. Vegans, vegetarians, older adults and those with absorption disorders are at higher risk.

Restoring vitamin B12 and D levels through diet, sunlight, supplements and treating medical conditions can reverse which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss. New hair regrowth takes time and consistency is key.

See a doctor if you notice sudden increased shedding to test for vitamin deficiencies or other underlying causes. Getting ahead of hair loss early improves success.

With vigilant repletion of vitamins through food and supplements, hair should regain its thickness. Identifying and promptly treating which vitamin deficiency cause hair loss promotes healthy hair regrowth.