There are numerous causes of hair loss and although excessive heat use, thyroid gland issues and medications are among the most common reasons why this may happen to you, did you know vitamin D deficiency can also be a factor? A vitamin D deficiency can actually be tied to alopecia areata which triggers patchy hair loss. Through thorough research, people with alopecia areata have significantly lower levels of vitamin D. Read on to learn more about the connection between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D keeps bones, teeth and muscles healthy by regulating phosphorus and calcium to these areas of the body. Vitamin D also helps your body fight infection! In fact, vitamin D is crucial to helping your body properly heal.
Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
While hair loss is one of the signs of vitamin D deficiency, there are several other symptoms including a weakened immune system. If you notice you’re frequently getting sick, you could be lacking vitamin D. Some other symptoms include:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Bone and back pain
- Impaired wound healing
- Muscle pain
You can also be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency if you don’t consume a lot of fish or dairy, always wear sunscreen, and stay indoors. Those who live further from the equator and do not get sufficient sunlight are also at a greater risk.
Vitamin D and Hair Loss
Vitamin D is needed to create new hair follicles (the pores where hair grows). New hair follicles help hair stay thick and they stop existing hair from falling out. Because of this, vitamin D helps hair regrowth. According to a Harvard study, vitamin D can “wake up” hair follicles that have been dormant, and balding occurs when hair follicles are dormant.
Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to low bone density, bone softening, heart disease and cancer.
How Can I Get More Vitamin D?
If you don’t have time to get outside, there are other ways your body can get vitamin D. Eating foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, swordfish, mushrooms, grains and low-fat fortified milk will help.
How Hair Growth Shampoo Can Help
In addition to getting enough vitamin D, a hair growth support shampoo can also make a world of difference. Nourish Beaute’s nutrient-rich shampoo is formulated with DHT blockers and a blend of vitamins, plant extracts and essential fatty acids to nourish the scalp. Used with our hair growth conditioner, you’ll find your hair shinier and strengthened. We also offer a hair growth support nourishing mask which combats dry hair to improve hair health, manageability and shine.