More than 30% of the U.S. population is at risk of at least one vitamin deficiency. This can lead to various symptoms including fatigue, bleeding gums, vision problems, and weight loss.
That’s not all, it can also increase the risk of certain diseases. Take vitamin D deficiency, for example, it’s associated with an increased risk of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.
What other health effects are there? Can low vitamin D cause hair loss?
For the answers, keep reading! We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about vitamin D and hair loss below.
Can Low Vitamin D Cause Hair Loss?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that’s vital for overall health. Not only is it necessary for strong bones and teeth, but it also plays an important role in hair production. Without it, the keratinocytes in your hair follicles won’t be able to grow and shed properly and that can lead to hair loss.
There’s also a link between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes bald patches on the scalp. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes of thinning hair.
Not only that, but studies have also shown that vitamin D deficiency can affect the severity of androgenetic alopecia aka hereditary hair loss (severe cases are associated with low serum vitamin D levels).
How Much Vitamin D Should You Take For Optimal Hair Growth?
As a general rule, you want to get at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day. For those over the age of 65, the recommended amount is 800 IU.
Depending on your lifestyle, your body may be able to produce enough from being out in the sun. With that said, it’s not a reliable source for everyone.
Fortunately, there are other ways to get the nutrient. For example, you can augment your diet with vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, red meat, and liver. There are also foods that are fortified with vitamin D such as milk, cereal, orange juice, and oatmeal.
Supplements are another option. This is especially true if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle as those diets tend to lack vitamin D.
There are a couple of choices as well. For example, you can take a multivitamin that includes vitamin D (e.g. daily hair growth gummies) or a singular vitamin d supplement.
Either way, you want to make sure to take it with a meal. That way, your body will be able to absorb the fat-soluble vitamin properly.
How Vitamin D Benefits Your Hair: Explained
Can low vitamin D cause hair loss? The answer is yes. Fortunately, it’s preventable with regular sun exposure and a healthy diet. For those who are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor—they’ll be able to determine whether or not supplementation is necessary.
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