Vitamins and minerals need to be an essential part of our diet and nutrition plan, if we want to get the best out of our bodies. Lacking the required amount of some vitamins can lead to physical side effects, and there has been much debate over the years about vitamin deficiency hair loss, and whether it’s a genuine concern. Let’s have a closer look at how vitamins affect our bodies, and how we can ensure we are getting the right amount, to keep everything ticking along nicely.
So why do we need vitamins?
It’s not just vitamin deficiency hair loss that can be a problem for some. Vitamins are essential for keeping the body functioning. They fight infection, heal wounds and help with bone, hair and nail growth. All of these functions can be influenced by adding, or removing certain vitamins from our diet.
How do we make sure we are getting enough vitamins?
Sometimes, diet alone is simply not enough to provide our ever-changing bodies with the vitamins and minerals they need. There is an ample supply of supplements from every supermarket, chemist and online, to make sure that you’re not missing out. You may find you have a deficiency in some vitamins for no reason in particular, or it may be due to lifestyle changes that have depleted your supply of certain essential vitamins. Age and illness alone can result in your body needing a boost from supplements. Changes in diet, pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations can also mean that you need to get your recommended daily intake from adding supplements to your diet. Before embarking on any new routine, it’s best to speak to your doctor first. It is possible to do more harm than good if you overload on some vitamins. Your medical history and body composition will also determine whether you need additional support or not.
What are the symptoms of vitamin deficiency?
Getting the right amount of vitamins on a daily basis can be quite a complex balancing act. Too little of something, your body will show signs of deficiency. Too much, and you could find yourself overdosing on vitamins. Vitamins are required in different quantities. You need much more calcium and magnesium, for example, than you need iodine and fluoride. The recommended daily intake guide is there for a reason. Since we’re concentrating on vitamin deficiency hair loss here, you probably want to understand the lack of which vitamin causes hair fall? Some of the most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency that show up on the body are as follows:
Brittle hair and nails
Mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, cracked corners of the lips
Poor night vision
Scaly dandruff
Hair loss
So, there is a vitamin deficiency hair loss link, but what can we do about it? The lack of which vitamin causes hair fall? Studies have found that if you have an existing deficiency in the following vitamins, you may be able to slow down the hair loss process by adding supplements to your diet. The most important vitamins to include, if you already have a deficiency in them, are vitamin D, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, niacin, biotin linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid.
However, if you don’t have a deficiency in these vitamins already, it is not advisable to overload on them, in an attempt to prevent hair loss. They only work if there is already a deficiency present, and adding them when they are not required could, in some cases, increase the risk of hair loss.
What should I be eating to boost levels of these vitamins?
If you’re deficient in vitamin D or B12, ensure you are getting enough oily fish, red meat, eggs, yoghurt and cheese.
If biotin is lacking in your diet, you can increase levels by adding peas, beans, lentils, bananas, broccoli, nuts and seeds to your meals.
If lack of zinc is an issue, try to incorporate more spinach, lentils and pumpkin seeds to your daily intake.
If you find it difficult to get the required amount from food, it’s easy to get hold of supplements containing these vitamins.
What other causes of hair loss are there?
Hair loss is a complicated subject, for men and women alike. It can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and the menopause, as well as being hereditary. Some scalp infections, poor nutrition, age, stress and some medications can also contribute to, or trigger hair loss. If you find you are losing more hair than usual, it’s best to speak to a professional if you are concerned. They will be able to help you determine the reason for your hair loss, and perhaps suggest some remedies.
What can I do to regain my hair?
Hair loss no longer carries the stigma of the past. Treating hair loss has become a much more mainstream procedure, and people are happier to share their experiences with others. For some, scalp treatments and prescribed medication can keep their hair loss to a minimum. Non surgical options, such as medication and injections to the scalp, are popular choices for those not quite ready for the surgical options. They can help reduce the level of hair loss and stimulate new growth. For others, the condition is more serious and requires more invasive treatment to restore the hair to its former glory. The huge increase in people choosing to undergo hair transplantation treatments has not gone unnoticed. And the results, if done well, are fantastic. There are many options available, in the UK and beyond, but make sure you do your research first. Going abroad might seem like a good option, but you need to remember that hair transplantation is a surgical procedure. Should you require aftercare, a UK clinic will be better placed to accomodate you, and easier for you to reach quickly, should it be necessary. Here at Enhance Hair Restoration, we are one of the UK’ leaders in hair transplant procedures and other state of the art, hair loss treatment centres. We employ only the very best hair transplant surgeons, and have a large number of satisfied clients who will testify to our professionalism and dedication.
Whatever your thoughts on hair loss, and the effects it could have on you, it’s always good to know you have options. Whether it’s a boost in essential vitamins, or a trip to the hair clinic, there’s something for everyone.
