Skin & Esthetics


The role of nutrition in hair loss


By D.A. (staff writer) , published on August 01, 2020



Medicine Telehealth Health Hair Hairloss Nutrition Vitamins Diet Hair Supplements


Hair loss is one of the most prevalent aesthetic complain reported in individuals of almost all age groups. Hair loss is not associated with undesired changes in physical appearance but, a substantial psychological effect is also associated with it. The fact that premature shedding of hair leaves a detrimental impact on both the self‐esteem and body image of an individual is universally acknowledged. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that more than 80 million men and women in America suffer from alopecia. 

 

The causes of hair fall in both genders are diverse and include variants such as genetic predisposition, hormonal role, immunological, inflammatory and infectious pathologies, and environmental factors such as nutritional imbalances and cultural and behavioral practices. Fortunately, a number of these etiologies are reversible and correctable. One of such reversible cause is a nutritional imbalance. It is proposed that in women before age 50, a major cause of hair loss is nutrition, affecting as many as 30% of women in this population.

 

How nutrition impact hair health?

Like almost all aspects of the body, diet plays a crucial role in the growth and health of human hair. As hair follicles have a high cellular turnover, they require a constant supply of nutrients to cope with this high metabolic rate. As 90% of human scalp hair is present in the anagen phase, they require adequate amounts of essential elements such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals to pursue healthy growth. 

 

Nutritional deficiencies, therefore, not only contribute to hair loss but also lead to structural abnormalities and pigment changes in hair strands. These include vitamins and additional essential nutrients along with the regular calorie intake deficiencies. Such as protein malnutrition in children such as marasmus and kwashiorkor have reported o cause significant changes in hair and skin of affected children. Alongside, severe carbohydrate reduction to accelerate the course of hair fall. 

 

Role of essential nutrients in hair loss:

A brief discussion with authentic literature is provided below that’s covers most of the essential nutrients and minerals frequently associated with hair loss:

 

Iron

The role of Iron deficiency in stimulating hair loss was proven with scientific researches as early as the 1930s. With the most well-renowned study conducted in 1960, that demonstrated the significance of iron supplements to tackle hair loss observed in iron-deficient, non-anemic women. In the early 21’s century, this notion was further scientifically backed. When the serum ferritin levels were evaluated in healthy women with unremitting hair fall of duration for more than six months. The results showed more than 96% of participants understudy had serum ferritin levels below the normal ranges.

The essential amino acid, L-lysine is also linked with compromising iron stores in the body precipitating hair loss. Combination therapy of L-lysine with the iron supplement in these populations has shown to control hair loss significantly. 

 

Vitamin A

An excess amount of Vitamin A is proven with studies to have a contributory role in increasing hair loss. A study evaluated the changes caused by isotretinoin (a synthetic vitamin A analog), commonly used to manage acne vulgaris on hair cycle and growth. After observing the participants over 3-7 months the researchers reported a decrease in hair count, density, and percentage of anagen hair.

 

Vitamin B

While considering Vitamin B only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss

However, contrary to popular belief there is an insufficient amount of literature available to support the role of biotin supplements to manage the complaints of hair fall. 

Similarly, the recommendation about zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, or vitamin B12 supplementation to positively impact hair loss also remains controversial.

 

Vitamin C 

Statistical data show vitamin C deficiencies causing scurvy to be also related to noticeable skin hemorrhages and hair loss.  

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D with its immunomodulatory role is frequently linked to autoimmune disorders such as Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE). Multiple studies show that supplementing the diet with low levels of vitamin D can improve symptoms of these diseases. A recent publication correlated the serum vitamin D levels with the severity, pattern, and duration of androgenetic alopecia. The researchers found 96% of the patients under study to be vitamin D deficient (< 20 ng/mL), along with concluding that serum vitamin D levels negatively correlate with the severity of the disease. 

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has an established role in maintaining the oxidant/antioxidant balance and protecting the body against free-radical damage. Therefore, in alopecia secondary to inflammatory disorders, deficiency of this vitamin is commonly observed.  

 

Selenium:

Similar to vitamin A, excessive intake of selenium also negatively impact the hair growth cycle. In 2008, an outbreak of acute selenium toxicity was reported in 200 individuals after a liquid dietary supplement consumption. 72 % of the affected individuals reported a rapid loss of hair along with other complaints. 

 

Do dietary supplements help manage hair loss?

Correction of the abovementioned imbalances can indeed halt the excessive hair loss and restore the hair to its former glory. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the supplements are only significantly effective if the cause behind the hair loss is a nutritional imbalance. 


 

 

REFERENCES

Hård S. Non-anemic iron deficiency as an etiological factor in the diffuse loss of hair of the scalp in women. Acta Derm Venereo. 1963;43:562-9.

Finner AM. Nutrition and hair: deficiencies and supplements. Dermatologic clinics. 2013 Jan 1;31(1):167-72.

Rushton DH. Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology: Clinical dermatology. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404.

Rushton DH, Norris MJ, Dover R, Busuttil N. Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation. International Journal of cosmetic science. 2002 Feb;24(1):17-23.

Gade VK, Mony A, Munisamy M, Chandrashekar L, Rajappa M. An investigation of vitamin D status in alopecia areata. Clinical and experimental medicine. 2018 Nov 1;18(4):577-84.

MacFarquhar JK, Broussard DL, Melstrom P, Hutchinson R, Wolkin A, Martin C, Burk RF, Dunn JR, Green AL, Hammond R, Schaffner W. Acute selenium toxicity associated with a dietary supplement. Archives of internal medicine. 2010 Feb 8;170(3):256-61.

Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatology and therapy. 2019 Mar 1;9(1):51-70.

Daniells S, Hardy G. Hair loss in long-term or home parenteral nutrition: are micronutrient deficiencies to blame?. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care. 2010 Nov 1;13(6):690-7.

Rajput RJ. Controversy on the role of iron and a clinical trial with intermittent iron and nutritional supplements in hair loss management.

Naziroglu M, Kokcam I. Antioxidants and lipid peroxidation status in the blood of patients with alopecia. Cell Biochemistry and Function: Cellular biochemistry and its modulation by active agents or disease. 2000 Sep;18(3):169-73.

Le Floc'h C, Cheniti A, Connétable S, Piccardi N, Vincenzi C, Tosti A. Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2015 Mar;14(1):76-82.

Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology practical & conceptual. 20




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