In autumn we know that our hair tends to fall out more or to be weaker than in other seasons. However, if the problem persists for a long time, the cause could be something very different from a simple seasonal change. On the other hand, some research has highlighted how a lack of vitamin D can cause a weakening of our hair. Here’s when to suspect low levels of this substance. Vitamin D and Hair
Loss Recent studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. This precious substance, in fact, seems to have the ability to stimulate the follicles connected to new and old hair. This is why growth could be slowed if we don’t have enough vitamin D resources.Alopecia and falling hair
One of the worst consequences of vitamin D deficiency is alopecia. An autoimmune condition that causes hairless or hairless areas in other areas of the body as well. This is a problem that can affect both sexes. When it occurs between the ages of 18 and 45 – according to some researchers – it could also be low levels of vitamin D. The disease, in fact, is also associated with other autoimmune conditions – such as multiple sclerosis – for which it is believed that a vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the onset of the disease. Studies
A study conducted in 2014 and published in Molecular Endocrinology, showed that vitamin D deficiency could cause hair to fall out in rodents and that only after the activation of the vitamin receptors could regrowth be seen. Unfortunately, there are few data regarding the duration of the treatment, however it seems that on average it takes two months to obtain the first appreciable results. In other studies, scientists noted that too little serum ferritin could also be the cause of hair loss. Because you have a vitamin D deficiency
There can be many reasons. These include spending too much time indoors, always using sunscreen, having little sun exposure, and eating refined or packaged foods. It is therefore important to spend at least half an hour a day in the sun – the important thing is not to do it during the hottest hours when the sun can burn the skin. It is also possible to integrate vitamin D with food but the sun is certainly more efficient. In other cases, the deficiency could be due to intestinal malabsorption originating, for example, from celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Foods that contain vitamin D
Among the foods richest in vitamin D we risk salmon, mackerel, fatty fish, fish liver oils and animal fats. In fact, it is fat-soluble and there is a need to consume fat so that it can be made bioavailable. Recall that a single tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 340 percent of the daily value of vitamin D. Other foods useful for improving vitamin D levels are avocado, eggs, cheese and nuts. If you are on a vegan diet you may be deficient in vitamin D, so if you don’t have enough time in the sun, you may need to use supplements. How much vitamin D is needed
According to the Endocrine Society, adults should get around 600 IU of vitamin D per day, while children only get 400 IU. Vitamin D supplements should be taken after meals as long as they contain a sufficient amount of (healthy) fat.
Scientific Sources
[1] Dermatol Online J. 2010 Feb 15; 16 (2): 3. Does D matter
The role of vitamin D in hair disorders and hair follicle cycling. Amor KT1, Rashid RM, Mirmirani P.
[2] Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2013; 26 (2): 101-7. doi: 10.1159 / 000346698. Epub 2013 Feb 20. Serum ferritin and vitamin d in female hair loss: do they play a role
Rasheed H1, Mahgoub D, Hegazy R, El-Komy M, Abdel Hay R, Hamid MA, Hamdy E.
[3] Mayo Clin Proc. 2010 Aug; 85(8): 752–758. doi: [10.4065/mcp.2010.0138] PMCID: PMC2912737 PMID: 20675513 Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults: When to Test and How to Treat Kurt A. Kennel, MD, Matthew T. Drake, MD, PhD, and Daniel L. Hurley
