Vitamin deficiencies and hair loss
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss
Multiple studies show a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and various types of hair loss, including female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, and diffuse hair fall. High rates of vitamin D deficiency have been found in patients with hair loss, with some studies reporting deficiency in up to 89% of female patients and 79% of individuals with diffuse hair fall Siddiqua2024Jalil2024Siddiqui2021. Research also highlights that vitamin D deficiency is common in both men and women experiencing hair loss, and that low vitamin D levels may play a significant role in the development and progression of these conditions Keene2022Salecha2024Almohanna2018+4 MORE.
Other Vitamin Deficiencies: Vitamin B12 and Ferritin
In addition to vitamin D, deficiencies in vitamin B12 and ferritin (a marker of iron stores) are also frequently observed in individuals with hair loss. Studies have found that people with hair loss, especially women, often have significantly lower levels of vitamin B12 and ferritin compared to those without hair loss Salecha2024Almohanna2018Akbaş2021+2 MORE. These deficiencies are particularly linked to telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss, suggesting that checking and correcting these levels may help in managing hair loss Salecha2024Akbaş2021Siddiqua2024+1 MORE.
Public Awareness and Supplementation Practices
Awareness of the link between vitamin deficiencies and hair loss is growing, but actual practices such as sun exposure and supplement use remain low. Surveys show that while most people have heard about the connection between vitamin D and hair loss, only about a third regularly take supplements or get enough sun exposure Albadawi2021Alotaibi2021Assiri2023. Health education is needed to encourage better practices that could help prevent or reduce hair loss related to vitamin deficiencies Albadawi2021Alotaibi2021Assiri2023.
The Role of Other Micronutrients
Besides vitamin D, B12, and ferritin, other vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium are also important for healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in these micronutrients may contribute to hair loss, although the evidence is less clear and more research is needed to determine their exact roles Almohanna2018Assiri2023.
Clinical Recommendations
Given the high prevalence of vitamin D, B12, and ferritin deficiencies in people with hair loss, it is recommended that clinicians check these levels in patients presenting with hair loss. Addressing these deficiencies may improve hair growth and overall treatment outcomes, especially in cases where no other clear cause of hair loss is found Salecha2024Almohanna2018Akbaş2021+2 MORE.
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to various forms of hair loss, and deficiencies in vitamin B12 and ferritin are also common among those affected. Improving awareness, sun exposure, and supplement use may help reduce the risk of hair loss related to these deficiencies. Clinicians should consider evaluating and correcting these vitamin and mineral levels as part of a comprehensive approach to managing hair loss.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic