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The #1 Blood Test Most Overlooked for Hair Loss

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 12/12/2024

The #1 Blood Test Most Overlooked for Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a frustrating experience, impacting self-esteem. Many search for solutions, but some might overlook vitamin D. Could vitamin D and hair loss be connected?

Research suggests a possible link. This isn't about quick fixes. It's about understanding hair growth science and vitamin D's potential role. Let's explore this connection and steps to support healthy hair.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in cycles with three phases: growing, resting, and shedding. Hormones, genetics, and nutrition influence this cycle.

Disruptions, often due to underlying health issues, can cause hair loss, potentially including vitamin D-related hair loss.

The Anagen Phase (Growing Phase)

This phase lasts two to seven years, determining hair length. The longer this phase, the longer your hair grows. Essential nutrients fuel this growth.

The Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

This short phase (two to three weeks) slows hair growth. The follicle shrinks, separating hair from the blood supply and preparing to detach.

The Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

This final stage, lasting around three months, is when hair rests before new growth pushes it out. Shedding hair during this phase is normal.

Some experience excessive shedding and thinning during periods of stress, which some may attribute to vitamin D hair loss.

Vitamin D levels may indirectly exacerbate stress through associated hormone regulations, such as those regulated by the adrenals, which govern the body's reaction to stressors.

The Connection Between Vitamin D and Hair Loss

Vitamin D functions like a hormone, influencing thousands of genes, including some related to hair growth and follicle health. This could contribute to instances of vitamin D hair loss.

Studies suggest vitamin D receptors in hair follicles influence hair growth's active phase and follicle cycling stem cells.

Further supporting the existence and importance of acknowledging issues related to vitamin D hair loss. Vitamin D may help regulate T cells in identifying allergens. Such allergens may affect hair strength.

A study on vitamin D and A1C levels supports vitamin D's profound effects on the body, including potential implications for vitamin D hair loss and hair strength.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss

Low vitamin D might contribute to conditions like telogen effluvium (hair thinning) and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease affecting hair follicles). A vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain study mention the alopecia area's link to other conditions.

Low vitamin D can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to various hair loss types, including what many consider "vitamin D hair loss." While supplements can support hair health, excessive intake can sometimes disrupt the hair follicle lifecycle.

Even medications can sometimes contribute to hair loss. Hair loss can sometimes occur as early as your twenties.

Vitamin D and Scalp Health

Vitamin D supports scalp health by regulating inflammation. Deficiencies can contribute to conditions like psoriasis and dandruff, potentially influencing hair growth.

Other Important Nutrients for Hair Growth

Other nutrients vital for hair health include:

  • Iron: Supports oxygen transport to hair follicles.

  • Zinc: Involved in hair growth and repair. Men's hair loss often increases with age, potentially due to nutrient deficiencies like zinc.

  • B Vitamins: Contribute to overall hair health. Addressing B vitamin deficiencies could improve issues attributed to vitamin D hair loss if those deficiencies coincide.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Hydrate and reduce dryness.

  • Magnesium: Regulates calcium and supports over 300 enzymes, including six related to hair growth. Magnesium deficiency can also impact cases of what is thought of as “vitamin D hair loss.”

Testing Your Vitamin D Levels

Two systems regulate vitamin D in the body, affecting hair strength and "vitamin D hair loss." One system supports calcium and bone growth; the other supports skin, hair, and immune functions, which are relevant to "vitamin D hair loss."

The latter uses about 0.04% of circulating vitamin D. However, vitamin D's half-life in this system is 24 hours versus two or three weeks in the primary system.

Sufficient vitamin D supports these functions and could reduce "vitamin D hair loss." Healthy vitamin D ranges are debated. A hair loss and vitamin D article highlights differing optimal ranges.

Some specialists suggest levels above 70–100 ng/mL, particularly with cofactors like magnesium, are more effective for "vitamin D hair loss," especially for conditions also present due to calcium buildup from soft tissue calcification starving the hair of necessary blood supply in the scalp.

Other doctors consider 20-40 ng/mL normal, potentially less beneficial for those experiencing "vitamin D hair loss."

Magnesium activates vitamin D and can slow calcium buildup, supporting hair growth by preventing calcification that impedes blood flow.

Nutrient

Recommended Level

Vitamin D

70-100 ng/mL

Ferritin (Iron)

Above 70 ng/mL

Vitamin D and DHT

DHT, a testosterone form, can contribute to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles, sometimes making regrowth difficult.

This could connect back to vitamin D hair loss, suggesting adequate vitamin D levels might help regulate the follicle lifecycle and potentially reduce scalp DHT.

Addressing Vitamin D Hair Loss

If you suspect vitamin D deficiency contributes to your hair loss, consult your healthcare provider. They can recommend appropriate testing and treatment, such as supplementing with vitamin D.

Conclusion

Hair loss has many causes, both internal and external. Nutrient deficiencies can play a significant role, particularly a vitamin D deficiency leading to “vitamin D hair loss.”

Addressing nutritional deficiencies with a doctor’s supervision can contribute to a healthier scalp and reduce or prevent vitamin D hair loss.

FAQs about vitamin D hair loss

Can vitamin D restore hair loss?

Vitamin D can promote healthy hair growth, especially regarding “vitamin D hair loss,” but may not fully restore hair loss from all causes.

What are the signs of low vitamin D?

Signs can be subtle, including fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and increased infections. A study highlighted the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain.

Low vitamin D can also lead to an increase in occurrences of “vitamin D hair loss.”

What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is falling out?

Several deficiencies can affect hair. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D can contribute to hair issues. A proper diet is crucial.

Can too much vitamin D cause female hair loss?

Excessive vitamin D can cause toxicity and imbalances, potentially affecting hair health, including "vitamin D hair loss."

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