Signs Of An Unbalanced Diet: How Vitamins Cause Hair Loss

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on March 25, 2022

Did you know that you can lose about 50–100 hairs in a day?

Normally, new ones will grow back to replace them. But when you lose more hair than you replace, it may result in a condition known as alopecia. It affects nearly 50% of men and is marked by a receding front hairline and hair loss at the top of the head.

Vitamins may be one of the causes of your hair loss. Wondering how vitamins cause hair loss? Below is a comprehensive guide that highlights how vitamin deficiencies and overdose lead to alopecia.

In this article, we talk about the following:

1. Can taking too many vitamins cause hair loss?
2. Vitamins that cause hair loss due to overdoses
3. Vitamins that cause hair loss due to deficiencies
4. Ways to prevent hair loss in men
5. Key takeaways

Can Taking Too Many Vitamins Cause Hair Loss?

Taking vitamin supplements can help you fill nutritional gaps in your diet in case you have a deficiency. However, you may face potential problems with taking too many vitamins that your body may not need.

It can cause toxic buildup over time, leading to hair loss issues. The toxic buildup is more common for fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A than water-soluble vitamins.

Did you know that you may face potential problems with taking too many vitamins that your body may not need?

Vitamins That Cause Hair Loss Due to Overdoses

So, too much of what vitamin causes hair loss? Below are vitamins that can trigger Telogen Effluvium.

Vitamin A

All cells require vitamin A for growth, including hair. It also helps your skin glands make an oily substance called sebum that moisturizes your scalp and keeps hair healthy. While it's important to have enough vitamin A, there is a connection between too much vitamin A and hair loss.

Since it's a fat-soluble vitamin, the body will take what it needs and store the rest for later use. Over time, the toxic buildup can contribute to hair loss. Vitamin A is not only present in food and drinks but is also in acne medications.

Vitamin E

Does Vitamin E cause hair loss? Vitamin E helps prevent the buildup of oxidative stress and increases hair growth. It can also increase the shine in your hair.

Great dietary sources of vitamin E include spinach, sunflower seeds, and avocados. But exceeding the amount of vitamin E you take per day can lead to unpleasant potential side effects like hair loss.

Vitamin B5

Also known as pantothenic acid, Vitamin B5 is an essential part of healthy hair. While deficiency can weaken the hair follicles and lead to hair loss, too much of it can cause Vitamin B overdose hair loss.

Too much Vitamin B5 causes hair loss since this substance is involved in the production of testosterone. Having so much testosterone means you are more prone to the DHT variant that causes male pattern baldness.

Vitamins That Cause Hair Loss Due to Deficiencies

Lack of specific vitamins may lead to a range of health issues. You may lose hair if you're deficient in the following vitamins:

B Vitamins

Among the best-known vitamins for hair growth are the B vitamins like biotin, B1, B3, B5, and B6. These vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, improving hair growth.

They're also vital for the metabolism of fatty acids that are essential for the health and flexibility of the cell membranes, keeping your hair strong and moisturized.

Having a deficiency in the B vitamins can lead to the undernourishment of your hair follicle cells. This can eventually lead to hair loss.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Can vitamin B12 cause hair loss?

Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells that carry oxygen to the hair follicles. When you have low levels of vitamin B12, your hair follicles may not be able to grow new hair efficiently. This results in hair loss.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to symptoms of anemia, which is associated with hair loss and hair thinning. If you're a young man and you notice your hair turning grey, it may also be due to Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your hair from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. It also leads to the creation of collagen that helps stop graying and strengthens your hair structure.

Lacking vitamin C can make you have dry, brittle hair. This type of hair is usually susceptible to shedding and eventually loss.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an essential role in stimulating the growth of new hair follicles. When you don't have enough vitamin D in your system, new hair growth can be stunted, leading to alopecia.

You may have low levels of vitamin D levels if you spend more time indoors, fail to eat foods packed with the vitamin, and also wear a lot of sunscreens.

Ways to Prevent Hair Loss in Men

You'll find many solutions for preventing hair loss. However, some of the best ways include:

Eating a Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet ensures your hair is in good shape. Eat food packed with essential vitamins and nutrients needed for hair growth. These foods include:

1. Whole grains
2. A variety of vegetables and fruits
3. Unsaturated fats
4. Lean proteins

Also, drink a lot of water. You can also include vitamin supplements in your diet but ensure not to overdose.

Medications

There are excellent hair loss medications that can help treat male pattern baldness. You may need to take medication for a while to see results. Some are over the counter, and some need a prescription. Either way, it is the best idea to consult with your family doctor first, to know which one to try.

Lifestyle Changes

Leading a stressful lifestyle can cause you to lose your beautiful hair. You can reduce stress by:

1. Exercising
2. Practicing yoga
3. Meditating
4. Getting enough sleep

Smoking causes not only negative effects on your lungs but also on your hair. You're more likely to experience hair loss if you're a smoker. To stop hair loss, it may be a good idea to quit smoking.

Key Takeaways

The deficiencies of vitamins B, B12, C, and D and the excesses of vitamins A, E, and B5 can cause hair loss. Thankfully, there are ways that you can treat this hair loss, including eating a balanced diet, using medications, and lifestyle changes such as exercising and sleeping well.