Is there Any Connection between Vitamin D and Hair Loss?

Hair growth usually occurs in a cyclical phase and the three phases of hair growth include Anagen, Catagen and Telogen phase. The hair growth takes place in the Anagen phase while Catagen phase the hair stops grown and Telogen phase the hair reaches its death stage and falls off. The balance between Anagen, Catagen and Telogen phase is important to prevent hair loss and balding.

However it is observed that individuals who are deficient of Vitamin D, these cycles become interrupted and resulting in significant hair loss.

In order to understand the relationship between Vitamin D and hair loss, it is important to understand the process of hair growth. Hair growth takes place in three different phases,

• Anagen Phase is the phase when your hair grows. At any point in time about 70% of your hairs are in the anagen phase. The duration of this phase is important, since this phase helps replenish hair that is lost during the telogen phase.
• Catagen Phase is the phase when hair growth becomes stagnant. If the catagen phase gets prolonged, hair that fall of are not replaced which in turn increase the risk of balding.
• Telogen Phase is the phase when the hair become old and fall off. If the telogen phase becomes longer than the anagen phase a person may face severe hair loss and balding.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin which keeps the hair healthy and ensures that the balance between the different phases is maintained. Vitamin D deficiency is known to alter the balance between these phases, resulting in shortening of the anagen phase and lengthening of the telogen or catagen phase. This in turn increases the risk of hair loss and may cause balding.

What is The Connection between Vitamin D and Hair Loss?

In most instances, hair loss due to Vitamin D deficiency is often overlooked and its importance underestimated. However, studies have shown that if the hair loss is linked to Vitamin D deficiency, including the essential vitamin in your diet can help reverse hair loss and promote hair growth. However, it is always vital to take medical advice before altering your diet patterns.

Including Vitamin D rich foods can be very beneficial, especially if your hair loss is linked with vitamin D deficiency. Here are some useful foods that are loaded with Vitamin D,

• Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, etc are loaded with Vitamin D
• Dairy products include milk, cheese, butter, etc are good sources of Vitamin D. Note that it is recommended to consume low fat dairy products in order to avoid other associated complications of a high fat diet.
• Egg and poultry products are also a good source of Vitamin D.
• Shitake mushrooms are also a good source of Vitamin D.

Note that if the deficiency of Vitamin D is extremely low, it is possible that your doctor may recommend oral supplements or injections of Vitamin D to correct the disorder.