What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss in females
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Vitamin Deficiency and Hair Loss in Females
Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss
Prevalence and Awareness of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue that has been linked to various health problems, including hair loss. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that a significant portion of the female population is aware of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. Specifically, 62.1% of the participants correctly identified this link, although the overall knowledge score was average, indicating a need for increased education and supplementation practices 13.
Clinical Evidence Linking Vitamin D to Hair Loss
Multiple studies have demonstrated a strong association between low levels of vitamin D and hair loss in females. For instance, research involving females with chronic telogen effluvium (TE) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) showed significantly lower serum vitamin D2 levels in affected individuals compared to controls . Another study highlighted that 73% of patients with FPHL were vitamin D deficient, further supporting the role of vitamin D in hair health .
Post-COVID-19 Hair Loss and Vitamin D
The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought attention to the role of vitamin D in hair loss. A study focusing on women who experienced hair loss after recovering from COVID-19 found significantly lower levels of vitamin D3 in these patients compared to controls. This suggests that vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate hair loss following viral infections .
Other Nutrient Deficiencies and Hair Loss
Ferritin and Hair Loss
Ferritin, a blood protein that contains iron, is another critical factor in hair health. Studies have shown that females with TE and FPHL often have significantly lower serum ferritin levels compared to healthy controls . This deficiency is particularly notable in pregnant women, where low ferritin levels have been linked to severe hair loss during the last two trimesters .
Zinc and Hair Loss
Zinc deficiency has also been implicated in hair loss. Research indicates that a significant portion of women with hair loss have low zinc levels, which can affect hair growth and quality 79. This is especially relevant during pregnancy, where zinc levels can drop significantly, contributing to diffuse hair loss .
Combined Deficiencies
A comprehensive study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, assessed the knowledge and practices related to deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin. The findings revealed that a majority of participants recognized the association between these deficiencies and hair loss, although actual practices like sun exposure and supplement use were less common .
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency is a significant factor contributing to hair loss in females, with substantial evidence supporting its role in conditions like TE and FPHL. Other nutrient deficiencies, such as ferritin and zinc, also play crucial roles in hair health. Increasing awareness and improving supplementation practices could potentially mitigate hair loss associated with these deficiencies. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing hair loss and to extend these findings to different demographic groups.
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