Humans on average, lose 50 to 100 hairs per day from their scalp. Those who are losing more than that may have a vitamin and mineral deficiency. Malnourishment can cause hair to fall out. There are many factors that could cause a person to lack proper nutrients from either food or supplements. For those who have a medical condition causing the hair loss, seek treatment and hair growth may return.
Malnutrition
According to Medline Plus, a Service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, malnutrition can be a result of absorption or digestion problems, starvation with those who are anorexia, bulimia, underlying medical conditions and from having an unhealthy inadequate diet.
Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle has three phases; the anagen phase which lasts the longest and the hair is constantly growing, the second phase is the catagen phase in which the hair is preparing to shed, and the final stage is the telogen phase in which the hair sheds and a new one is replaced in the same follicle, according to Proctor&Gamble.
Telogen Effluvium
A condition that causes hair to enter the telogen phase prematurely is known as telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss typically results from physical or emotional stress on the body. According to Mayo Clinic, telogen effluvium can be brought on by extreme sudden weight loss, strict dieting, nutritional deficiencies and sickness. Hair growth normally returns once the cause has been identified and corrected.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins that promote healthy growing hair include vitamin A, C and E. The B-vitamins which include folate and biotin helps with scalp circulation and hair growth. Important minerals include zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Zinc plays a vital role in the structure of certain proteins, and it signals hormone action of cells, which is vital to the growth of hair. These vitamins and minerals can be found in foods such as fruit, meat, seafood, protein and vegetables; these also can be found in supplemental forms.
Considerations
Consult with your doctor before beginning any new diet programs and before starting any new supplements to your diet. Hair loss also occurs with aging; which makes it imperative to properly nourish yourself as you get older. Also, having too many minerals and vitamins can sometimes be harmful to the body; make sure to consume the recommended daily allowance.
Member Comments