Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Hair Loss

About Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most vital vitamins for the human body, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because it is naturally produced in the skin when exposed to direct sunlight. Besides sun exposure, it can be found in certain foods such as milk and dairy products, specific types of wild mushrooms, seafood, and various kinds of fish.

The Importance of Vitamin D for the Body and Hair

Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining balanced calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, enhancing the bones’ ability to absorb calcium. Beyond bone health, it supports heart function, protects against diabetes, lowers the risk of some cancers, and is crucial for healthy hair.

Regarding hair, vitamin D helps prevent hair loss by stimulating hair follicles to produce natural oils that keep hair healthy. It also activates cells within the hair strands, promoting stronger and longer hair growth.

Hair Loss and Vitamin D Deficiency

Excessive hair shedding, visible thinning between hair follicles, and a weak scalp are clear signs of vitamin D deficiency. Normally, losing up to around 100 hairs per day is considered acceptable; surpassing this amount suggests a deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in women than men. Therefore, it is essential for women to get regular, moderate sun exposure—ideally between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Additionally, including vitamin D-rich foods in every meal supports hair strength and vitality.

If sunlight exposure and diet fail to restore adequate vitamin D levels, vitamin supplements may be prescribed by a doctor in the form of tablets, to be taken according to medical advice.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

• Insufficient exposure to sunlight.
• Poor nutrition or malnutrition.
• Aging, which reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.
• Excess body weight, causing vitamin D to be trapped in fat and unavailable for use.
• Disorders affecting vitamin D absorption.
• Genetic conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism.

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

When vitamin D levels drop, hair loss is often the first symptom. Other indicators include dental and gum pain, joint and bone aches, and in children, rickets—a bone-softening disease. Adults may suffer from osteoporosis, or brittle bones.

Treatment involves taking physician-prescribed vitamin D supplements in appropriate doses to restore healthy levels.