Generally, vitamin D is a vital nutrient for bone health, stronger immunity, cell growth, and skin health. This vitamin is naturally obtained from the early morning sun, though, a variety of foods also provide vitamin D. Studies also indicate how vitamin D is necessary for hair growth through triggering the formation of new hair follicles and with that, vitamin D deficiency may trigger hair loss.
Vitamin D & Hair Loss
According to a review published by the “Cleveland Clinical Journal of Medicine” Vitamin D deficiency has a capacity of triggering hair loss, though it’s exact mechanism during hair loss isn’t known. Generally, vitamin D is required to stimulate hair follicles and in case of insufficiency, the hair follicles are weakened and stunted which results in hair thinning and lastly hair loss.
In addition, vitamin D deficiency is linked to alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss in men and women. A majority of studies conducted on alopecia areata patients indicate that they have low levels of vitamin D.
Similarly, the rate of hair loss is escalated in case of a deficiency in either of the following nutrients; proteins, iron, vital fatty acids, and zinc.
Vitamin D & Dental Issues
Medical reports indicate a link between osteoporosis, alveolar bone density, and tooth loss. These studies indicate that insufficient vitamin D levels are a major cause of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Vitamin D is known for maintaining the required calcium and phosphorus concentration levels in the body and aid in bone metabolism. Lastly, it is a good anti-inflammatory agent and also aids in anti-microbial peptides production.
Dealing With Vitamin D Deficiency
In case concerned about your vitamin D levels, it is advisable to have a vitamin D blood test. Vitamin D is generally required for normal health and it does not only fall into the category of dental health, hair growth, but also stretches to female fertility and bone health.
In women, vitamin D deficiency accompanied by iron deficiency is the main cause of hair loss. We generally seek hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and hair transplant for hair loss, correcting vitamin D levels is an immediate step to combat hair loss.
Best Vitamin D sources
Early morning Sun- Rather than staying indoors, opt to sit in the soft and calm sun early morning. Once the sun hits the skin, it converts the cholesterol-like substance into active vitamin D. At least this approach is the best for generating vitamin D at no cost. Dietary supplements/foods for vitamin D include;
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Orange juice
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Egg Yolks
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Fish (Salmon, fish liver oils, mackerel and other fatty fish)
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Milk
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Breakfast Cereals.
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Dark green vegetables
Self -evaluation
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a number of symptoms that include hair loss, low bone density, heart disease and cancer. Vitamin D deficiency can also be identified through rickets (bow-legged appearance).
Vitamin D deficiencies are more common in women, however, 10 million cases are recorded annually.