Vitamin D and Hair Loss

Vitamin D….the skin…the bones…and hair quality

It’s complicated. Vitamin D (scientifically called cholecalciferol is an important fat-soluble substance commonly known as “the skin vitamin.” Research reveals that Vitamin D also plays a role also in the health of bones, teeth, and a host of other important biological functions. It may even factor in the prevention of some forms of cancer (e.g., prostate cancer in men). Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption in the intestines and enhances bone mineral content.

We produce Vitamin D when the sun’s ultraviolet rays act on the cholesterol located just under the skin. People of varying skin colors produce varying amounts depending on the season and distance from the equator. Darker people require more sun to produce Vitamin D, as the skin pigment melanin acts as filter to help prevent sunburn. In areas close to the equator where darker populations originate there is little Vitamin D deficiency. However, when people of darker complexions live in very northern or very southern latitudes (that is, away from the equator) there is less available sun and more of the body is covered, especially in the winter seasons.

Additional research has been done on Vitamin D and the skin and its deficiency in the form of rickets (weak bones—especially in children). There are very few natural dietary this vitamin, especially from plant foods. Contrary to popular lore, Vitamin D is not naturally a part of milk. For decades, it’s been added during milk processing as a way to get it into the American diet. Because many people of color are lactose intolerant, especially as adults, they do not consume dairy sources of Vitamin D. This is a particular problem in areas away from the equator such as in the United States, where many individuals actually need more Vitamin D. There was evidence of “insider” knowledge among people of color in the US whose grandmothers gave them cod liver oil (high in vitamins A & D) as children, which helped prevent rickets.

In large cities people of all race/ethnicity groups tend to need more Vitamin D in the winter because of the shadows cast by skyscrapers that dramatically lowers sun exposure on the very small amount of the body (mainly the face) exposed to the sun..

So…what does this have to do with hair? Current research has been showing that Vitamin D deficiency can, in fact, cause hair loss. It’s also been revealed in some cancer studies that applying Vitamin D ointments on the scalps of people who lost hair because of chemotherapy has shown some effectiveness in stimulating hair growth & recovery. The connection to hair quality is one of the newer areas of research on this vitamin and it appears that hair follicles can be stimulated to increase hair growth when Vitamin D levels are increased.

Depending on one’s age and sex, current recommendations for Vitamin D range from 5 micrograms (mcg) for children, and 10 – 20 mcg for adults. But some scientists believe that for disease prevention, as high as 2000 mg a day may be recommended. Too much Vitamin D can be toxic, however. It’s fat-soluble, which means it can be stored in the body, especially in the liver, in great concentrations. Because so few dietary sources are available, Vitamin D is one nutrient worth considering taking in supplement form for healthy hair and strong bones and teeth. Check with your physician (dermatologist) and/or nutritionist to find out if taking a Vitamin D supplement might be the right thing for you and at what dosage.

For further reading,

Science News

And if you can tolerate the scientific jargon:  Dermatology -This one is all about hair.

Vitamin D by:  Edward C. Jones