Vitamin D and Hair Loss

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that is fundamental to our wellbeing. It stimulates immunity, maintains strong bones and healthy skin, stimulates cell growth and helps make new hair follicles.  Research demonstrates that an absence of vitamin D in your body can be associated with hair loss. One major role vitamin D plays is that it stimulates new and old hair follicles. When there isn't sufficient vitamin D in your system, it can delay new hair growth.

Foods with Vitamin D

Eating a healthy diet of foods naturally containing or fortified with vitamin D can increase your levels. Salmon, mackerel and other oily fish, fish liver oils and animal fats are good sources. In fact, a tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 340 percent of your daily vitamin D recommended dose. But you can also eat vitamin D fortified foods such as some cereals, dairy products, and even orange juice. Keep in mind vegan and vegetarian diets tend to be deficient in vitamin D, so supplements may be necessary if you follow this lifestyle.

Vitamin D Supplements

Multivitamins by and large only contain 400 IU vitamin D, which may not be enough if you have a vitamin D deficiency. Although you can get Vitamin D from sun exposure, many people in sunny climates still suffer from vitamin D deficiency. For this reason, doctors recommend vitamin D supplements instead of sun exposure if you are vitamin D deficient. Consider checking your vitamin D levels with your doctor. If your levels are very low, high doses of vitamin D may be recommended.  Make sure to take the supplement during a meal so that your body can absorb the fat-soluble vitamin appropriately.