Hair Loss
Hair fall is a very common symptom amongst young women and at times it is very distressing. In this section we will concentrate on the nutritional causes of hair fall however there are many other causes for hair fall, and we will only give a short brief on the medical causes of hair fall below:
Medical causes of hair fall
- Increasing stress
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Excess male hormones in woman (hypernadrogenism) - this could be due to increased stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, nodules producing testosterone, menopause or increased consumption of simple carbs such as pasta, rice, potatoes etc
- Uncontrolled Thyroid disorders
- From toxicity of certain drugs
- Sudden weight loss (either through strict diet, prolonged disease or through therapies encouraging weigh loss such as injections with Ozempic)
- Certain autoimmune conditions (such as alopecia areata, psoriasis,
- Hereditary/genetic causes
In this section we will concentrate on nutritional causes, which could also act as a help to regain lost hair even when there is an underlying condition behind hair fall which has been corrected
Nutritional deficiency causing hair fall
- Lack of iron
- Biotin deficiency
- Zinc Deficiency
- Selenium deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Vitamin E
- B Complex deficiency
- Folic Acid
Vitamin B Complex / Vitamin B12
The most widely known Vitamin from the B complex is B12. It is of paramount importance as it is am important helper of the enzymes required for healthy brain, blood and DNA. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 could cause neurological and psychological symptoms.
It is important to be able to recognise some of the symptoms as B12 deficiency is the most common deficiency and it becomes more frequent in vegans/vegetarians (due to inadequate intake), people over 60 (due to reduced absorption) and pregnant women (due to higher demand). Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Anaemia (low amount of red blood cells)
- Muscular weakness
- Poor memory
- Poor mood / tendency for depression
- Cognitive decline
If you are deficient in Vitamin B12 (this can easily be checked by your family doctor) then you will need extra supplementation of B12 as indicated by your family doctor. Taking Vitamin B complex occasionally (especially if you are over 60 or vegetarian/vegan) - perhaps supplement yourself for one month every 3-4 months - can help you to boost the levels of this vital nutrient in your body, and help your enzymes work at their best.
Biotin
Selenium
Zinc deficiency
Zinc plays an important role within many enzymatic reactions of the body. It is a helped molecule (called a Co-Factor) for the chain reactions required to produce energy. If you are deficient on Zinc, then the metabolism suffers and slows down leading to tiredness, fatigue, reduced energy levels and often mental tiredness. Ensuring on the other hand that zinc in your body is sufficient could support you in boosting your energy levels naturally.
Iron
The body requires sufficient amount of iron in order to create red blood cells, which will eventually transfer oxygen from the lung to all the tissues of the body. Lack of iron will cause reduced AMOUNT of red blood cells as well as reduced QUALITY of the red blood cells. Put it simply, without iron the body will have less Red blood cells (our oxygen carriers) and the existing red blood cells can transfer less oxygen due to diminished quality.
Without enough oxygen in the tissues, the cells metabolic activities decline and as a result we have an array of symptoms (which are all due to the diminished oxygen supply to the tissues:
- Hair fall - This will be one of the initial signs of iron deficiency due to lack of oxygen to the hair follicle, which will eventually cause the hair to fall
- Tiredness & Exhaustion
- Pale skin due to anaemia
- Poor memory
- Low mood
- Weak muscles
- Fast heart rate or noticeable heartbeat
Women are more prone to have low iron due to the monthly menstrual period and it is a good idea to get iron supplements especially during the menstruation to replenish the lost iron. Other people at risk include vegas and vegetarians, prolonged fasting during Christmas and Easter period, pregnant women and people with malabsorption issues.
It is easy to measure your iron (the best way to do this is measure your Ferritin level) and treatment should be tailored according to your levels. In severe cases intravenous iron infusion might be required, but in most cases oral supplementation is enough.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D appears to play an important role in almost every cell of our body. The most well known function of Vitamin D is keeping healthy bones and maintaining normal calcium levels. However Vitamin D benefits numerous other important functions like immune system and muscle function. By supporting the immune system, we are able to fight better any inflammation caused by either toxins, bacteria or viruses. Thus by preventing common cold for example and maintaining healthy muscles, you are preventing fatigue and you are lifting your energy levels.
Vitamin E
Folic Acid