Does Low Vitamin D Cause Hair Loss? Clear, Simple Guide

Not‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ so few people find out by means of blood tests that their levels of vitamin D are low and immediately ask the question if a lack of vitamin D is the cause of hair loss. In general, the answer is that a lack of vitamin D is connected with different types of hair thinning; however, in most cases, it is a factor that is combined with others resulting in hair loss.

How Vitamin D Affects Hair Growth

To tell the truth, Vitamin D is closer in concept to a hormone than to a regular vitamin. Hair follicles are equipped with vitamin D receptors that not only mediate growth (anagen) but also the rest (telogen) phases of a hair. When vitamin D is low, the cycle is disrupted: the growth period becomes shorter, more hairs are in the resting phase and are lost, and the new hair growth can be postponed.

Several animal and human experiments have demonstrated that a lack of or malfunctioning vitamin D receptors can stop the normal hair cycle and lead to alopecia (bald patches). A systematic review also pointed out that there is a strong inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and different kinds of hair loss without scarring. 

Hair Loss Conditions Linked to Low Vitamin D

• Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss in men and women
• Telogen effluvium (stress‑ or illness‑related shedding)
• Alopecia areata (autoimmune patches)
• Some scarring alopecias

A recent meta‑analysis has disclosed that nearly half of the patients with alopecia areata, female pattern loss, male pattern loss, and telogen effluvium were low in vitamin D. Yet, the proposal that supplements alone can totally reverse hair loss is only in its infancy, thus vitamin D should be rather a helping factor than a miraculous cure.

Low Vitamin D and Hair Loss: At a Glance

What to Do If You Suspect Low Vitamin D

If you are losing hair and simultaneously feel exhausted or have bone or muscle pains, low mood, or lack of sun exposure, then you should think about getting checked. A doctor may look at your serum 25‑hydroxy vitamin D level and if it is low, suggest safe sun exposure, diet changes, and supplements that suit your needs.

Do not forget the vitamin D level is right and couple it with a proper hair‑loss investigation (iron, B12, thyroid, stress, hormones) for the most effective results. Quite a number of people acknowledge over time that after they have dealt with their deficiencies and scalp problems, their hair loss has reduced and their hair has gotten thicker.

Simply put, deficiency of vitamin D might lead to hair loss and hence, resolving that issue should be your doctor's work and not just your only ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌plan.