Lack of Vitamin D and Hair Loss

Vitamin D is often referred to as the vitamin of sunshine, as it can easily be developed by the body upon exposure to the early morning sunlight. However, little do we realize that we hardly spend time in fresh sunlight anymore. This means there are lower vitamin D levels in the body which show up by way of several symptoms. One of these symptoms is the weakening of hair, loss of natural hair color, and hair loss.

How Vitamin D and Hair Loss are Associated

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins that is required for the absorption of calcium. While popular belief is that calcium is responsible only for healthy bones, a fact is that it is also needed for healthy, strong hair. When there is lower vitamin D in the body, the amount of calcium is affected, which in turn affects the body in several ways including causing hair fall. Vitamin D also helps the hair follicles mature and possesses fatty acids that are important in strengthening the hair. These fatty acids regulate the production of natural oils in the scalp and even help prevent dandruff. As such, lack of vitamin D can result in hair loss.

A recent study conducted on mice showed that depriving them completely of vitamin D has resulted in hair loss along with the symptoms of rickets. It is, therefore, this vitamin that is being attributed as one of the causes of hair loss. However, no study has clearly established that a lack of this vitamin is directly responsible for hair loss.

It is important to note that hair loss may be caused due to several other reasons. To determine whether vitamin D is the real culprit, you must visit your doctor and find the root cause of the problem. If it is a lack of vitamin D that is causing hair loss, you may be asked to alter your diet and perhaps will also be provided nutritional supplements to increase the amount in your body.

How to Improve Vitamin D Levels to Reduce Hair Loss

As mentioned earlier, the first thing to do is to consult your doctor regarding whether it is actually a deficiency of the sunshine vitamin that is causing your hair loss. If it is, there are certain things you can do and certain foods you can eat that will help you combat this problem. These methods have been enlisted here:

• Try to get a minimum of five minutes of early morning sunshine. The earlier it is, the better effect it will have. The time may range between 6 A.M to 10 A.M. Any time after that can prove harmful to the skin as the sunrays are too strong at those hours.
• Consume foods that are rich in vitamin D. These foods include dairy products, that include butter, yogurt, and plain milk, and oily fish such as salmon and herrings.

Do not take any additional vitamin D supplements unless prescribed by your doctor. An excess of vitamin D in the body can create toxicity because it is a fat-soluble vitamin and does not get excreted easily. Even when you are resorting to natural methods that help increase vitamin D levels such as spending time in sunlight or changing your diet, do not do so in excess. Spending too much time in sunlight can darken your skin as it increases the production of melatonin in the body. Simply follow the aforementioned methods in the right manner to combat your hair loss problem. Also, take care of your hair in other ways such as massaging it with oil regularly and keeping away from heavily chemical-loaded hair products.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not attempt to replace the diagnosis and treatment of a doctor. Visiting your doctor is the best way to deal with any health problem.