How Can Nutrient Deficiency Lead To Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a condition when the hair falls more than normal. Losing 100 strands per day is absolutely normal. However, a count of more than 100 should be taken into consideration. There are various causes related to hair loss, which are: heredity, hormonal change, medical condition, medications (blood thinners and antidepressants) and most common of all nutritional deficiency.

Like other parts of the body, our hair follicles also need nourishment to grow healthy hair strands. For this, we need to take care of our diet and ensure the nutrients necessary for our hair are also consumed.

How Can Nutrient Deficiency Lead to Hair Loss?

How Can Nutrient Deficiency Lead to Hair Loss?

A balanced diet contains all the nutrients that are necessary for healthy living, which also includes healthy hair. If our diet is rich in all the vitamins, minerals and such nutrients, we would never have to worry about suffering from any illness which might have a cause as a nutritional deficiency.

Here’s how nutrient deficiency leads to hair loss in the following manners:

A Cut Down On Calorie Intake

When trying to lose weight, you cut down on the calories. It is not just the weight you lose, you also lose a good number of hair strands due to the nutrient deficiency resulting from extreme dieting. The basic need of the body depends on the calorie intake we do every day. When there is a drop in the number of calories taken, the body first supports the life-sustaining organ. This leads to reduction of the nutrients to the scalp leading to hair loss. All of this might lead to a change in hair quality and increased shedding. If you want to lose weight, consult a good nutritionist who can create a balanced eating plan which doesn’t harm the body in any way.

Less Protein Intake

Proteins are the building blocks of the body. The amino acids present in protein are necessary for healthy and strong body tissue. A diet rich in protein is very good for healthy and nourished hair. Our hair is made of a protein known as keratin, eating food rich in protein, such as eggs, soya, meats, poultry, and seafood help provide balance to the hair and improve their strength. Deficiency of protein in the diet leads to hair loss.

Nutrient Deficiency in the Form of Low Iron Levels

The role of iron in the blood is to carry oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Low iron leads to low oxygen levels, which can affect hair growth and increase shedding of hair. A body does not produce iron on its own therefore the requirement is met through our diet. Hence a diet lacking in iron, which is an important nutrient leads to hair loss.

Lack of Biotin Leading to Hair Loss

Deficiency of biotin can lead to hair thinning and hair loss. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and is a part of the vitamin B family. Biotin can be easily obtained from the diet. Biotin intake can improve the hair quality including thickness and shine. Biotin actually helps in hair loss where hereditary conditions are responsible.

Vitamin Deficient Diet Causing Hair Loss

Vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E are very necessary to scalp and hair health. Vitamin C helps in iron absorption, which is also very essential for hair growth. Vitamin C and vitamin E are the antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from damaging hair follicles. Vitamin D is also associated with hair loss. Lack of vitamin D affects calcium absorption, which is another mineral necessary for hair growth. Vitamin deficiency is a common cause for hair loss.

Zinc Deficiency Leading to Hair Loss

Zinc controls the functioning of the cells and also help the body synthesize proteins. Deficiency of zinc can lead to telogen effluvium (falling out of healthy hair long with the damaged ones). If you are facing excessive hair loss, consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Get examined for any deficiency if present. Any nutritional deficiency can easily be corrected either by taking supplements or by improving the diet. Improving the nutrient deficiency in your diet, definitely will correct the hair loss and improve your hair’s health.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:May 12, 2020

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