Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is an essential nutrient. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair: it strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair growth, and helps prevent hair loss. A deficiency in calciferol can lead to split ends, loss of natural shine, and even hair loss. The good news is: there are ways to address this issue. How exactly? We'll explain in more detail below.
Can Vitamin D Deficiency Lead to Hair Loss?
Yes, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to hair loss – and this is scientifically proven. Vitamin D3 is metabolized in the skin by so-called keratinocytes. These cells are responsible for producing keratin – a protein that keeps the skin, hair, and nails healthy and strong.
Vitamin D is especially important for the hair follicles. These follicles have specific receptors for vitamin D (VDR), which play a central role during the active growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair. A lack of calcitriol (vitamin D3) can cause premature aging of the follicles – they lose their ability to initiate new hair growth cycles, which results in hair loss.
A study published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2016 by Indian researchers was the first to show a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and patchy hair loss (alopecia areata). The analysis revealed that patients with this form of alopecia had significantly lower blood levels of vitamin D compared to healthy control subjects. This suggests that a vitamin D deficiency can not only cause hair loss but may also worsen existing hair problems.
In cases of diffuse hair loss (telogen effluvium), several studies have also shown reduced levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood serum. This indicates the potential role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of such hair disorders.
Moreover, vitamin D is a crucial regulator of the immune system. A deficiency can trigger autoimmune responses – including alopecia areata, in which the body's own immune cells attack the hair follicles. This type of hair loss occurs frequently in both women and men and is characterized by round, bald patches on the scalp.
Another issue: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to overproduction of sebum on the scalp. This disrupts the hair growth cycle and can also contribute to a common form of hair loss – diffuse thinning. Affected hair often appears dull, dry, brittle, and prone to dandruff.
Vitamin D3 Against Hair Loss: Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Scientific studies have shown that vitamin D3 plays a key role in hair growth. It supports the hair follicles in various phases of the growth cycle:
- It actively promotes the anagen phase – the stage in which hair grows.
- It shortens the catagen phase – the transition period when hair prepares to shed.
- It protects hair follicles from external influences such as UV radiation or environmental stress.
- It improves the structure of the hair shaft, adding shine and smoothness to the hair.
An animal study on mice showed that the addition of vitamin D can significantly accelerate hair growth. Furthermore, several clinical studies published in the International Journal of Dermatology have indicated a clear connection between vitamin D3 deficiency and alopecia areata – an autoimmune condition that causes severe hair loss and leads to bald patches on the scalp and other areas of the body.
The findings clearly show: people with alopecia areata generally have significantly lower vitamin D levels than healthy individuals. This proves how important vitamin D is – not just for overall health, but also for the vitality of hair follicles.
If you are experiencing persistent hair loss, it may be helpful to check your vitamin D levels. Why? Vitamin D not only helps prevent hair loss – it can even help your hair grow back.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency – Hair Loss Also Possible
The human body produces most of its vitamin D through sun exposure, while only a small portion is absorbed through food. In adults, a vitamin D deficiency typically develops gradually over a longer period. The signs are often non-specific and may go unnoticed at first. Common symptoms include fatigue, low mood, and muscle weakness.
Typical symptoms of vitamin D deficiency that may also be linked to hair loss include:
- Persistent fatigue and lack of energy.
- Depressive mood and lack of motivation.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Muscle weakness.
- Generalized body aches.
- Muscle cramps.
- Unsteady gait or walking difficulties.
- Bone and joint pain.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Unexplained weight gain.
- Dry skin.
- Hair loss (especially diffuse hair loss).
- Frequent infections or colds.
- Slow wound healing.
A vitamin D deficiency not only negatively impacts the immune system and mood but can also weaken hair roots and lead to hair loss. That’s why it’s worth having your vitamin D levels checked if you experience several of these symptoms.
Is Hair Loss Due to Vitamin D Deficiency Reversible?
While the full impact of vitamin D on hair growth remains a subject of ongoing research, there is already no doubt that this micronutrient plays a central role in treating two common types of hair loss – telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Hair follicles function like any other organ in the body: they require nutrients to perform their role properly.
Numerous studies confirm that targeted supplementation with vitamin D or its topical application can be incorporated into the comprehensive treatment of non-scarring alopecia. This approach helps improve the course of the condition and can stop further hair loss. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in the body supports both hair growth and regeneration.
The effects of vitamin D3 on hair include:
- Promotes the maturation of hair follicles.
- Strengthens the hair and prevents hair loss.
- Maintains moisture balance of the scalp.
- Prevents the formation of dandruff.
- Regulates blood circulation necessary for new hair growth.
- Adds shine and smoothness to the hair.
If you notice a significant deterioration in your hair texture or increased hair loss, it is important to consult a doctor. A simple blood test can determine your vitamin D levels. In the case of a confirmed deficiency, the doctor may recommend appropriate vitamin D supplements to combat hair loss.
Hair loss caused by a vitamin D deficiency is often reversible, especially when the deficiency is detected and corrected early.
Vitamin D for Hair Loss: Experiences and Tips for Correcting Deficiency
Many people who have used dietary supplements and targeted nutrition report: Vitamin D stops hair loss. But how can a vitamin D deficiency be effectively corrected?
Most people meet their vitamin D needs through sun exposure. Just 20 minutes of sunlight per day is usually enough for the body to produce the necessary amount of calciferol. However, the exact duration depends on factors like weather, skin type, location, and time of day. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. That’s why a balanced diet rich in vitamin D is a key part of treating hair loss due to vitamin D deficiency.
Recommended foods for vitamin D deficiency:
- Milk and dairy products.
- Caviar, salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish.
- Fresh herbs like parsley.
- Eggs.
- Sunflower seeds.
Especially high levels of vitamin D are found in cod liver oil and animal fats. Just one tablespoon of cod liver oil can provide over 300% of the daily requirement. Vitamin D is also highly concentrated in fatty fish and liver. Additionally, there are many fortified products such as cereals, milk, and orange juice, as well as vitamin D supplements.
If a vitamin D deficiency is confirmed, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The doctor can determine the correct dosage and monitor your progress during treatment.
Fish oil: a valuable boost for your hair
Fish oil is a proven source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. In liquid form, it's recommended to take one tablespoon daily for about a month. Many users report visible improvements after a short time: hair becomes shinier, stronger, and more resilient. Fish oil is also available in capsules or chewable form – convenient and pleasant to take. After consulting a doctor, courses can be repeated several times a year.
Using vitamin D inside and out
A combined approach – supplementing from the inside and using external care – speeds up the treatment of hair loss due to vitamin D deficiency. Use specialized hair care products such as masks and conditioners enriched with vitamin D to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair structure.
Conclusion: More and more positive experiences show that vitamin D can stop hair loss, provided the causes are detected early and treated accordingly.