Recent studies have proved the connection between your diet and hair loss.

Hair loss, also called alopecia, is a common condition affecting about 50 percent of men and women at the age of 50. Alopecia may happen in patches (alopecia areata) or on the entire scalp (alopecia totalis).

Causes of hair loss 

The main causes of hair loss are genetics, hormones, chronic diseases, diets, vitamin deficiency, lack of protein, and telogen effluvium, a form of temporary hair loss caused by stress or trauma.

A 2017 study recommended that people suffering from hair loss should be screened for nutrients deficiency. Hair growth and hair structure may be impacted by calorie and protein malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency.

Iron deficiency

Anemia by iron deficiency is a well-known cause of hair loss. Premenopausal women are at higher risk due to menstrual blood loss.

Vegetarians and vegans have a high risk to develop iron deficiency. The kind of iron found in plants has a lower bioavailability than heme iron from meat and fish, making it more difficult to be processed by the body.

Minerals

Vegetarians are also at risk for zinc deficiency as zinc bioavailability is lower in vegetables than meat. A medical study with 312 patients revealed that all of them had lower zinc concentrations compared to healthy controls.

Selenium is essential to protect the hair follicle from oxidative damage. Risk factors for deficiency include living in areas with low selenium soil content and some chronic diseases. 

Vitamins

Vitamin D is an important micronutrient for hair structure and its deficiency may result from inadequate sun exposure and obesity. A 2017 study showed that vitamin D levels were significantly lower than in controls.

High levels of vitamin A have been linked to hair loss. In a mouse with alopecia, a reduction of vitamin A in the diet helped to control the hair loss. Niacin deficiency may cause diffuse alopecia for lack of vitamin B3.

Over-supplementation of selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E has been linked to hair loss. However, a balanced diet with fruits, proteins, and vegetables can give you a healthy hair.

At New-U, we provide all of our clients and patients with the very latest in men’s hair restoration and women’s hair restoration and hair loss treatment solutions, including hair transplantation, non-surgical hair replacement and hair loss prevention and treatment programs. To schedule a free consultation contact New-U Hair Replacement Specialists today!