What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

In the human body there is lot of essential nutrients that it needs. one of the most important vitamins are, ones that maintain healthy hair, from shedding, thinning or even baldness. For hair most necessary vitamin is B12 but vitamin D, biotin and iron also play important role for hair.

In this article we're going to talk about how deficiencies in human body can effect hair loss, follicles and its health and what to do to improve these deficiencies And If you are thinking of starting vitamin journey we recommend checking out Kayvita store.

What is Vitamin B12 and How Does It Work?

Vitamin B12 as an Essential Nutrient

B12 second name is cobalamin, and its water soluble vitamin which is essential for human body processes like formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and maintaining neurological functions.

Problem with this vitamin is that it cannot be produced on its own and so it must be attained from food and supplements. This vitamins main function is helping metabolism but B12  also plays big part of healthy hair growth, so deficiency in this supplement can lead to not only other problems in human body but also weak and thin hair that may lead to baldness.

How B12 Supports Hair Growth

Vitamin B12 as I mentioned helps production of red blood cells, as it’s known blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles, and hair needs constant supply of oxygen to remain healthy and promote new and strong hair for its growth. By making sure hair has all the necessary nutrients oxygen at its demand, it going to make one avoid baldness and brittle hair. by ensuring taking B12 one can maintain healthy hair follicle and support its growth. If human body lacks this supplement its going to lead hair thinning and eventually baldness.

B12 and Hair Health

Stimulating Hair Follicles for Growth

Primary role of vitamin B12 is to give hair follicles necessary supplements. When follicles are healthy, they are going to make new hair effortlessly. Having required amount of B12 in your body reassures new and healthy hair growth that is not only strong but resilient. Lacking B12 compromises this process, causing brittle hair that breaks easily.

Preventing Hair Thinning and Shedding

by ensuring meeting B12 standard in human body its prevents excessive hair shedding, by delivering enough nutrients to hair seeds, by this we can say that this vitamin prevents premature hair loss. In case of lacking this supplement hair becomes thin over time which going to lead noticeable bald patches.

What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

While it’s known that B12 is necessary for hair health, a deficiency in other vitamins can also contribute to balding. There are many other vitamins that, when not at adequate levels in the human body, can be linked to shedding and premature graying.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss

Vitamin D is detrimental for hair cycle, without this vitamin hair will start to shed, Vitamin D helps new follicles grow, it helps scalp remain active with healthy and new hair. If one doesn’t have sufficient amount of vitamin D in their system human will experience alopecia. Studies also suggest that hair cycles will be disturbed if one has inefficient Vitamin D. making hair shedding phase start prematurely. If you are experiencing hair fall, taking vitamin D might help regrow your hair.

Vitamin B Deficiency and Hair Loss

Group B vitamins are important for human hair especially B12, B6, B9 and Biotin B7. Have sufficient amount of these B vitamins help hairs Strength, and it reduces the breakage which means that B vitamins help to make hair Shiny and pretty, by promoting healthy scalp conditions, for example Biotin is always included in hair vitamins because of its role in keratin production, which is main chemical structure of a hair. Lack of B vitamins can lead to brittle, thinned out hair.

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Its Impact on Hair

Hair Loss and Thinning Due to B12 Deficiency

As we mentioned lack of B12 vitamins can cause hair growth cycle to slow down, which going to make hair thinner and thinner. People with B12 deficiency often report struggling to regrow their hair, at the start hair loss will be gradual but it will lead to more severe hair loss. if left untreated it could even turn into baldness.

Other Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

Other than hair loss vitamin B12 deficiency could also lead to various other symptoms which are fatigue, weakness, dizziness and cognitive difficulties, if hair loss isn’t enough of a worry to start B12 vitamins other symptoms might convince a person to do so, other than symptoms mentioned in this sentence it could also come with pale skin and shortness of breath, as the body struggles to produce enough red blood cells.

How to Identify a B12 Deficiency

Enough of a talk about symptoms how can one identify this deficiency? A blood test is most reliable way to determine if you have enough of this vitamin. Doctors can not only check but also give recommended supplements and dietary changes to boost the levels of B12. If this problem is identified early, one may avoid long-term damage on hair follicles and other health complications.

Best Food Sources of Vitamin B12 for Hair Health

Animal-Based B12 Sources

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods. Some of the richest sources of B12 include:

• Beef liver
• Fish (salmon, tuna, trout)
• Eggs
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Poultry (chicken, turkey)

For those who consume these foods regularly, B12 levels are typically adequate to support hair growth.

Vegan and Vegetarian B12 Sources

For vegans and vegetarians, getting enough vitamin B12 can be more challenging since it is primarily found in animal products. However, there are still ways to ensure adequate intake:

• Fortified plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat)
• Nutritional yeast
• B12-fortified cereals
• Supplements (tablets, gummies, or injections)

B12 supplementation is often recommended for those on plant-based diets to maintain healthy hair growth.

Should You Take Vitamin B12 Supplements for Hair Growth?

When to Consider B12 Supplements

If for some reason one might not get enough of vitamin B12 from their diet especially vegans, and people with absorption issues, taking supplement with B12 going to be highly beneficial if one is experiencing hair loss and is suspecting deficiency in this vitamin. Taking supplement not only going to help the damage but also promote regrowth of healthy and strong hair.

How Long Does It Take for B12 to Improve Hair Health?

Timeline for Noticing Hair Growth Results

Once starting B12 supplement , its going to take few months to see significant difference in hair health. Hair grows in cycles, so its going to take time before follicles recover and produce new and healthy hair, but if a person is consistent enough and they are diagnosed with B12 deficiency its 100% the hair is going to be shiny and fabulous to look at in few months.

Consistency and Long-Term Benefits

Once a person gets adequate levels of B12 maintaining this level of vitamins is key to long term hair health. If you continue to have proper diet and supplement intake this going to prevent future hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

FAQs About Vitamin B12 for Hair

Can B12 deficiency cause hair loss?

Indeed a deficiency in this vitamin can lead not only hair loss but other problems. B12 is essential for red blood cell production, which helps oxygen reach the hair follicles. Without enough of this supplement follicles becomes undernourished, resulting not only weak hair but it might also start shedding.

Can B12 improve hair thickness?

Maintaining required amount of Vitamin B12 can promote thicker and healthy hair, by supporting follicle functions. B12 helps nourish the hair which Leads to healthier and stronger growth.

Can too much B12 cause side effects?

It is possible to overdose on B12 but it’s quite rare, generally excess amount of B12 is excreted through urine, but if somehow person overdoses on it there is rare side effects which are headaches and anxiety.

How much B12 should I take for hair growth?

Recommended amount of B12 intake is 2.4 microgram, but if you have hair loss due the deficiency of this vitamin, higher levels of doses may be recommended under medical supervision.

Is vitamin B12 good for hair and nails?

Having required amount of B12 vitamin is not only good for the hair but also for the nails, this vitamin promotes cell division and growth, which helps strengthen the hair and nails, making it strong and less likely to break.

Can too much B12 damage kidneys?

There is little to no evidence suggesting that too much of the B12 vitamin may cause damage to the kidney, since overdosing on B12 is extremely rare. In most cases people can safely consume B12 without any bad side effects.

How do you feel if your B12 is low?

Person with low amount of B12 often feels fatigue, weakness and experiences cognitive issues like memory problems and having difficulty concentrating which would be detrimental for children in school or adults at work.