Nutrient Deficiencies That May Cause Hair Loss
Hair loss is more common than you might think. It can be temporary or permanent and can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons are listed below:
- genetics, especially as we age
- hormone imbalances, especially in women during post-partum and menopause
- tight hairstyles
- prolonged stress causing high cortisol levels
-medical conditions such as thyroid issues and autoimmune diseases
- nutrient deficiencies
All of the above can affect hair follicles and hair growth, leading to thinning or significant hair loss. Hair loss often isn't curable but can be managed effectively. If your hair loss is down to a nutrient deficiency alone, it has a better chance of improving with supplementation. A simple blood test can tell you if you have hormonal imbalances and exactly what vitamins and minerals your body may be lacking.
Here are some common nutrients to look out for:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- B vitamins (B12, B9 or folic acid, B7 or biotin)
- Zinc
Premature graying is generally caused by B vitamin and vitamin D deficiencies. If you're vegetarian or vegan, you're most likely not getting enough B12. The majority of us living in colder climates do not produce adequate vitamin D, and thus supplementation is highly recommended for all ages. Iron and copper deficiencies have also been linked to graying.
Insufficient iron means less oxygen to the hair follicles, which causes hair loss. If an iron deficiency is the cause of your hair loss, iron supplements can help reverse that by replenishing iron stores in the body.
Zinc is needed to maintain healthy hair follicles. A deficiency in zinc can contribute to poor hair.
It's important to ensure you're getting a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support healthy hair growth. Sometimes, diet alone isn't enough. In this case, consider supplements to treat specific deficiencies. There are a lot of influencers out there that swear by biotin supplements, but unless you have a B7 or biotin deficiency, it won't help and is unlikely to help with other causes of hair loss either. Keep in mind that it may take 3-6 months to see noticeable changes in your hair once you begin your supplements.