Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. It bolsters our immune system, wards off illness, and is critical for bone health. Some studies suggest that insufficient amounts of vitamin D contribute to depression, heart disease, and cancer. But if those weren’t reasons enough to ensure you’re getting enough of the D in your diet, here’s another: a lack of adequate vitamin D intake can contribute to hair loss. If you see increased hair shedding and loss, it may be time to check your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked To Hair Loss
Multiple studies have made the connection between vitamin D insufficiency and hair loss. A 2017 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found a link between low vitamin D levels and:
- Telogen effluvium, a stress-induced condition that causes excess hair shedding
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where hair falls out in clumps
- Female pattern hair loss
Another study published in 2019 in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal concluded vitamin D deficiency could increase hair loss over time. And another group of researchers in 2016 found that women showed greater vitamin D deficiency among younger people with hair loss.
Research has also found a connection between vitamin D and the promotion of healthy hair follicles and hair growth. A 2014 study published in Molecular Endocrinology found that hair regrew in mice two weeks after introducing vitamin D receptors. Other studies have suggested that a lack of sufficient vitamin D intake may lead directly to hair loss.
How to Up Your Vitamin D Intake
You don’t need to look far for a source of vitamin D; you just have to look up. The sun is our primary source of vitamin D, which is why it is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin.” But plenty of foods are also rich in the nutrient, such as fish, fish liver oil, eggs, and dairy. Supplements are also an easy way to increase your vitamin D levels.
While vitamin D isn’t a baldness “cure” by any means, but healthy vitamin D levels can strengthen your hair and reduce the chances of excess hair loss. If you are considering increasing your vitamin D intake, you should consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Excessively elevated vitamin D levels can create health problems of their own, such as calcium accumulation in the blood, which may cause weakness or problems with the kidneys.
Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
Of course, changes in diet alone may not stop your hair from falling out or restore your hair to the fullness it once had. At the Miami Hair Institute, our skilled hair restoration physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that you can’t reverse on your own. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help you address your hair loss issues and improve your appearance and self-confidence.
To receive a personalized hair loss evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.