Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss | What You Should Know
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for our overall health. We need a daily dosage for our immunity, to stimulate cell growth and support bone density. This super vitamin is also associated with other important functions including our hair.
Vitamin D – Why It's Important For Us
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced in the body from cholesterol when our skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also found in some food items but sunlight is the easiest and most abundant source of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a special kind of vitamin as it works as a hormone. Every cell in our body has a receptor for it and thus you must maintain the proper level of it. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it is responsible for a host of functions like keeping our bones healthy and strong.
Another important function is its role in growing new hair follicles. Doctors have found a connection between hair loss and vitamin D deficiency which makes it even more important for us to get an adequate amount of this vital vitamin.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss
Hair loss is common. But when we start losing our hair at an alarming rate, we need to take a note of it and try to find out the reason. One reason that doctors have pointed out is vitamin D deficiency.
When you are deficient in Vitamin D, your hair may fall prematurely and new hair will not grow leading to thinning of your hair.
Another link between vitamin D and hair loss is alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disease in which we experience severe hair loss from all parts of the body. Patchy hair loss is the primary symptom of this condition. This disease is associated with rickets which is caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D Deficiency – Symptoms and Treatment
The major symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency is exhaustion, fatigue, body aches, and hair loss. So, whenever you experience any of these symptoms you must check with your doctor and get a blood test done to assess the level of the vitamin. If there is a deficiency, you may have to take supplements and also increase the consumption of vitamin D rich foods.
It would be pertinent to mention that people with dark skin or who are overweight are at risk of getting deficient in this vitamin. People who don’t consume adequate amounts of dairy products or stay indoor also become vitamin D deficient.
One of the easiest ways to get vitamin D is through sun exposure. Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors every day. If your doctor suggests, you may take supplements.
Try to include dairy products in your daily diet. Eggs, fish, chia seeds, nuts, and cheese will help your body to produce and absorb vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. It can induce hair growth and so make sure you are getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. Also check out our tips on a healthy diet and how it can improve your hair.