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Vitamin D and hair loss

Vitamin D deficiency has become a common problem. This is because many people have low exposure to sunlight and/or a poor intake of foods high in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss. What exactly is vitamin D deficiency and why does it affect hair?

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that is essential for health. It boosts the immune system, keeps bones strong and skin healthy. In addition, vitamin D stimulates cell growth and therefore has a positive effect on the growth of your hair. This is because the vitamin is responsible for creating new hair follicles. Thus, vitamin D deficiency and hair loss are related.

You get vitamin D primarily through sun exposure, but it is also found in animal foods, such as egg yolks, milk, cheese, meat or butter. You can also take nutritional supplements to increase your intake of vitamin D. The vitamin plays an important role in strengthening the immune system. In addition, the vitamin also helps prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, depression and some forms of dementia. Vitamin D is also associated with Alopecia (patchy baldness).

The most common symptom of vitamin D deficiency is dry skin and nails. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, weight gain, brittle bones and an increased risk of infections.

How does your body get vitamin D from sunlight?

The body makes vitamin D when the body comes in contact with sunlight. The sun's energy triggers a chemical reaction. Sunlight is converted into a form that the body absorbs. This form of sunlight is necessary for strong bones and hair growth. Ten to 20 minutes of sunlight on the forearms every day is enough to build and maintain vitamin D levels.

The link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss

You need vitamin D for your health and, therefore, for your hair. The vitamin is also important to keep your bones strong. Getting enough vitamin D, also has to do with where you live. In the northern hemisphere, people are much less exposed to Uv light. Seasonal changes create different weather conditions that can have an effect on the body and cause symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

The impact of vitamin D deficiency on hair growth and texture?

Each hair follicle produces a new hair. This grows in a certain cycle until the hair falls out again. This cycle can vary from months to years. Vitamin D plays an important role in the hair's growth phase. Vitamin D deficiency can have a negative effect on hair length, structure and health. In fact, it can lead to weaker and more brittle hair. It can also cause hair loss. If you don't get enough vitamin D, it can limit hair growth.

Do you lose more hair in the summer or winter?

You may experience more hair loss in the winter. This is probably because you get less vitamin D through sunlight. Winter is often associated with dry skin, dry hair or red skin. These symptoms are usually caused by environmental factors. Consider low humidity, heating or wind. Research has shown that vitamin D in the hair slows the process of hair loss.

How to prevent hair loss in winter?

In addition to sunlight, food is an important source of vitamin D. It can be difficult to get enough vitamin D with food alone. There are also other ways to properly care for your hair in the winter:

  • Avoid heat sources on your hair, such as straighteners or blow dryers;
  • Do not wash your hair daily. This actually dries out the hair and can lead to brittle hair;
  • Use an appropriate conditioner, for example, for dry or damaged hair.

The importance of vitamin D in hair loss

Not all scholars agree on the sense and nonsense of vitamins. Whether taking vitamin D helps with alopecia is also a matter of debate. Nevertheless, it is important for everyone to get enough vitamin D. Not only for hair growth, but also for bones, muscles and resistance.

Research Developments

Unfortunately, there is still little scientific research proving that vitamin D actually helps against hair loss. Below, however, we have highlighted for you a study that showed that vitamin D may have helped combat hair loss.

Research ISHRS

On vitamin D deficiency, Sharon Keene, MD, FISHRS and ISHRS Past President presents a case report. This article was published in ISHRS Hair Transplant Forum. Indeed, a correlation was suggested between vitamin D deficiency a hair loss. The case is about a 41-year-old man, he came to a consultation to see if he was eligible for a hair transplant. Since the age of 22 he had been dealing with thinning hair, he also had family members with Alopecia Androgenetica.

The man stated that his pattern had been stable for two years. He had nearly completed a six-week course of weekly dosing of 50,000 IU vitamin D3, followed by 10,000 IU per week, for 8 months. Six months later, photographs were taken. Remarkably, there was regrowth of forehead hairs. It was assumed that the regrowth was a reaction to other medications the man had taken, but he reported that he had only taken the vitamin D3 supplements.

Scheduling a consultation

Want to know if you qualify for a hair transplant? Then schedule a consultation at Zantman Clinic. We will assess your hair quality, hair density and the area to be transplanted. We will also give you more information about the course of treatment and pre- and aftercare.

Receive a no-obligation treatment and price estimate

Receive a hair transplant treatment and price estimate by email. To do so, please email photos of the donor area (the back of your head) and the area to be treated to info@zantmankliniek.nl. Please include your first and last name, phone number and date of birth. You will receive a recommendation by e-mail from one of our specialists within one working day.

Dr. Olga van Putten-Rademaker, haartransplantatiearts bij Zantman Kliniek, gekleed in een donkerblauw uniform, met een vriendelijke glimlach.
Drs. O.W. van Putten-Rademaker, MSc.
Hair transplant doctor
BIG 59023398801
Drs. O.W. van Putten-Rademaker, MSc, works as a hair transplant doctor at Zantman Clinic. With more than 35 years, she is the most experienced hair transplant specialist in the Netherlands. "The careful way of working at Zantman Clinic appeals to me. With that you get the best possible results with the available donor material." Her articles are about hair loss in general and hair loss prevention in particular.

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