Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss - Symptoms and Treatment

Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss

Due to the hectic lifestyle that most people have, many people suffer from various vitamin deficiencies that lead to various health problems. When people suffer from certain symptoms such as laziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, poor memory and other side effects that make the patient suffer throughout the day.

However, vitamin D deficiency has always raised the question of whether or not it causes hair loss? Read on as we discuss what vitamin D is, how it relates to hair loss and how its levels in the body affect the overall health of the human body.

What is Vitamin D? 

Vitamin D is a type of nutrient that the human body needs to build and maintain the health of our bones. Vitamin D is very important because otherwise the bones are not able to absorb calcium, which is the main component of bones. Vitamin D supports the immune system, muscle function and brain cell activity.

What causes Vitamin D deficiency? 

There are several main factors that lower vitamin D levels in the body. These factors can either be environmental or due to another health condition. And these factors are:

• The body is not getting enough of Vitamin D through food or sunlight 

• The body is unable to absorb Vitamin D 

• Some medical conditions 

• Weight-loss surgeries 

• Certain medications 

• Aging 

Who is at the highest risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Some people have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, either because of their lifestyle, occupation or body system:

• Older people: As we age, the skin loses its ability to produce vitamin D; therefore, people who have passed the age of 60 have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

• People with darker skin color: If the skin has a darker color, it means that the melanin content is high. When the melanin content in the skin is high, it absorbs large amounts of UV radiation, which delays the formation of vitamin D. Therefore, people with darker skin color have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency

• People who spend their time indoors: People who spend most of the day indoors and do not get enough sun exposure have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency than people who spend most of the day outdoors.

How does Vitamin D deficiency affect the hair? 

Vitamin D is associated with almost all parts of the body, including the hair and skin. Vitamin D plays a major role in the formation of hair follicles. If vitamin D is not present in the body in sufficient quantities, the hair follicles initially shrink and eventually die.

What are the other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? 

Mild vitamin D deficiency may not cause severe symptoms, and symptoms vary from patient to patient depending on their overall health. Other symptoms include:

• Mood swings 

• Slow wound healing 

• Loss of bone density 

• Constant fatigue 

• High blood pressure 

What should you do to prevent vitamin D deficiency? 

We believe that a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle will help prevent vitamin D deficiency, especially if the main cause of low vitamin D levels is external and not internal. Try to eat foods that help with the absorption of vitamin D in the form of pills, such as:

• Avocados 

• Eggs 

• Chia seeds 

• Cheese 

• Nut 

• Salmon 

In addition to food and pills, try to take a walk in the sun between 7:00 am and 10:00 am to take advantage of sunlight, which increases vitamin D production. After 10:00 am, however, it is harmful to expose yourself to direct sunlight, which can lead to serious skin conditions

How to help your hair while treating vitamin D deficiency? 

If you suffer from vitamin D deficiency and have started taking the necessary supplements to increase the levels of this vitamin in your body, you need to be careful when handling your hair. For example, avoid pulling your hair when brushing it. Also try to avoid tight hairstyles to avoid damaging your hair or putting pulling pressure on the hair follicles. Replace any chemical hair products you use with organic products and try not to expose your hair to the heat of a hairdryer or other hair styling appliances.