Better, Healthier Hair: Does Lack of B12 Cause Hair Loss?

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Does lack of B12 cause hair loss? Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to hair loss. This vitamin supports hair growth by facilitating normal follicle function and preventing excessive shedding.

According to the National Library of Medicine, hair density peaks at around 27 years of age. Whether you’re a man or a woman, there’s no denying that hair is important in enhancing your aesthetic appeal.

Getting enough vitamin B12 is also important for supporting the healthy production of red blood cells. Let’s explore why you need more vitamin B12 and the preventive steps you can take against hair loss.

How Vitamin B12 Causes Hair Loss

Vitamin B12 deficiency contributes to hair loss because of the role it plays in supporting hair health. The vitamin is essential for producing red blood cells, which deliver oxygen across the body, including to the hair follicles.

Lacking sufficient levels of vitamin B12 in the body leads to inefficient oxygen circulation. This deficiency inhibits hair growth and could lead to thinning or excessive shedding. The lack of vitamin B12 is usually common if you maintain certain diets such as vegan.

Besides, vitamin B12 deficiency can inhibit DNA synthesis, impairing cell division. Consequently, hair follicles may become inactive or weakened as they rely on rapid cell division for continuous growth.

Lack of vitamin B12 also contributes to hair loss through the following:

Anemia

Low vitamin B12 levels can lead to anemia by disrupting blood circulation. When you develop anemia, the body often prioritizes essential regions for oxygen supply. The scalp and hair follicle are automatically neglected, leading to accelerated hair loss.

Protein Synthesis

Vitamin B12 is critical in synthesizing amino acids for building proteins such as keratin. Without Vitamin B12, you may have poor hair health and weak hair strands. The absorption of essential nutrients such as folic acid and iron also relies on Vitamin B12.

A limited supply of vitamin B12 can exacerbate hair loss by inhibiting the cellular pathways needed for healthy hair follicle function. According to research by Oxford Academic Journal, vitamin B12 activates Wnt-pathways in human hair follicle cells.

Preventive Steps Against Hair Loss

Preventing hair loss requires a holistic approach, combining lifestyle and dietary changes. Here are some steps you can take to prevent hair loss.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A nutritious diet is fundamental to achieving healthy hair growth. Curate your meals carefully and ensure they have all the essential vitamins and nutrients. These include:

• Healthy fats, specifically Omega-3 from flaxseeds or fish
• Minerals such as zinc and iron
• Proteins available in eggs, legumes, and lean meats

Following a vegetarian diet may make acquiring all the necessary vitamin B12 for healthy hair growth difficult. However, you can get additional vitamin B12 from supplements such as vitamin B12 Liposomal, which is ideal for adults and children above four.

Adequate vitamin B12 from your diet can do more than prevent hair loss. It can also enhance sleep quality and improve your memory and mood.

Follow a Gentle Haircare Routine

A gentler approach to hair care can prevent hair loss and enhance growth. For example, you can shun harmful chemicals or conditioners for your hair to avoid damaging your scalp. Instead, use mild shampoos based on your hair type and limit the frequency of washing.

In addition, stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water throughout the day. Make lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and drinking excessively.

Stress Management

According to the Harvard Gazette, chronic stress is one of the main risk factors associated with hair loss. Effective stress management techniques can prevent the shedding of hair. Consider practicing stress management approaches such as:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Physical exercises

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Hair loss isn’t the only indication that your body needs more of this important vitamin. Other common signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Lack of energy, weakness, and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Memory loss and depression
• Numbness and heart palpitations

Along with hair loss, you may also experience dry or brittle hair that is easy to break as a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Faster graying of hair is also an indicator that you need to increase your intake of B12.

Effective Treatments Against Hair Loss

If you’ve begun losing your hair, there are still effective treatment options you can pursue. Your option will vary based on the specific causes of hair loss. The common causes of hair loss are:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormonal changes
• Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and scalp infections

There are several hair loss treatments available. They include the following:

Propecia

Finasteride, or Propecia, is an effective hair loss medication for male-pattern baldness. Propecia’s main mechanism of action is inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The drug is useful for stimulating hair growth and preventing further hair loss.

You’ll likely notice a change within three months of using Propecia. However, if you don’t see any change after one year, it’s advisable to consult a physician for an alternative treatment.

Regaine or Minoxidil

The Regaine solution is an effective treatment for hair loss, especially in women. The drug works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. The active ingredient in Regaine is Minoxidil, which can inhibit androgens, which usually act on androgen-sensitive hair follicles.

Regaine is useful for treating hereditary baldness and can effectively address bald spots and thinning hair. However, it’s ineffective for treating receding hairlines or balding at the front.

Does Lack of B12 Cause Hair Loss? Find Answers Today

A common sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is hair loss and faster graying of hair. Taking supplements can help you prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

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Does lack of B12 cause hair loss? Visit our online store today to explore the treatments available.