We are what we eat. These words are attributed to Hippocrates, and scientists have confirmed their validity over time. And almost certainly every day we do not eat enough vitamin D - for hair, as noted by dermatologists, it can be very beneficial. Why and what does science say about it?
How vitamin D affects hair
As a "lucky" owner of thin and not thick hair I am always in search of some magic pill for thickness. So far I have not found anything better than a high-quality styler, but the search continues. But I have found some curious information about the "sunshine" vitamin.
- Мitamin D3 for hair is important as a follicle genetic program stimulator; it is thanks to it that the cells responsible for the formation of the hair shaft work properly;
- D3 supports skin homeostasis-the ability to maintain normal moisture and heat levels-and also promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes, meaning the vitamin is essential for skin cell division;
- Several studies confirm that vitamin deficiency is fixed in people with oily dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) and various types of alopecia;
- Vitamin D3 is involved in the regulation of scalp immunity - recall that local immunity reduces the likelihood of skin diseases and discomfort caused by adverse environmental factors.
This is interesting! In cosmetic care for already grown hair, the effect of vitamin D is unlikely to be pronounced. For thinning, brittle, dry or dehydrated strands, products with vitamins A, E and group B are more useful. For example, products from PEPTID + contain biotin and B6.
How to determine vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D regulates metabolism in bone tissue, which is its main role, so among the symptoms of deficiency is brittle bones. Decreased immunity, depression, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems can also indicate a deficiency condition.
If you are looking for the cause of increased hair loss or dandruff, remember the results of scientific studies: patients with these symptoms often have reduced levels of vitamin D.
In any case, it doesn't hurt to get a blood test for total 25-OH D (D) levels. This is the only way to confirm or refute your suspicions.
Does vitamin D help with hair loss
Scientists believe that it is too early to recommend it with a hundred percent certainty of an excellent result; their statements are very cautious. For example, here is a quote from the study mentioned above: "Vitamin D supplementation may be considered a therapeutic option for patients with focal alopecia, female pattern hair loss or telogenic alopecia. However, further research is needed.
One thing is clear: if the hair is falling out, there is reason to suspect vitamin D deficiency, but it is unlikely to stop the loss.
Where you can get vitamin D from
It is estimated that nearly a billion people worldwide are deficient. The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to vitamin D for hair growth, against hair loss or to keep the body healthy in general are supplements. But they have their own nuances, and besides, they are not the only way to get the vitamin.
- Nutrition
- Cosmetics
- Solar baths
- Dietary supplements
Vitamin D, when it comes to hair density, is somewhat of a mystery. It is quite clear that taking supplements or eating a kilogram of salmon every day at normal levels of the vitamin in the body is pointless. There will be no supereffect, it is impossible to jump above your genetic norm of density. Another thing is a strong thinning or slowing of new hair growth, which in itself is a reason to visit a doctor or a trichology expert and to reconsider your diet and usual care scheme. Perhaps vitamin D can play a significant role in restoring hair density.
