Vitamin D plays a huge role in the body’s ability to function properly. It also affects the health of much of the body, including the skin and hair. Therefore, a deficiency in this important vitamin can cause many issues – including hair loss.
Evidence points to a vitamin D deficiency causing hair loss. After all, part of vitamin D’s job is to stimulate hair follicles to grow. Therefore, a deficiency may have a big impact on hair growth.
Plus, a vitamin D deficiency may also lead to alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss in patches.
Research tells us that people with alopecia areata have significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those who do not have the disease.
However, those without alopecia areata can also experience hair loss. For instance, further research shows that women who experience other forms of hair loss also have a deficiency of vitamin D.
However, there are more symptoms that signify a vitamin D deficiency besides hair loss alone. According to Medical News Today, these include:
- changes in mood, including depression or anxiety
- frequent fractures
- slow wound-healing
- loss of bone density
- muscle weakness
- new or worsening high blood pressure
- constant fatigue
- chronic pain
- infertility
- decreased endurance
Some of the best ways to ensure your body does not have a vitamin D deficiency is by getting plenty of sunlight. It’s also important to eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as avocado, eggs, chia seeds, salmon, trout, sardines, nuts, and cheese.
Vitamin D supplements may also be taken to ensure the daily dose of vitamin D is being met.
