Can Vitamin B12 deficiency lead to Hair Loss?

20 December, 2018 | Hair Loss | Author : Shveta Virmani

The right amount of different vitamins are essential to ensure thick, shiny and healthy hair. One of those essential vitamins is vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalamin, and plays a vital role in cell division, metabolism, and red blood cell production.

Without the presence of vitamin B12 in the body, the cells throughout the body struggle to replicate, stunning the hair growth process. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may also experience a specific type of anemia. Lack of red blood cells means less oxygen is delivered to the scalp. Poor oxygen levels can cause hair follicles to become weak and die. This is the reason why B12 deficiency impacts your hair quality. To produce new hair cells Vitamin B12 is required. Vitamin B12 also helps to promote hair growth.

Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The majority of people receive the right amount of vitamin B12 through their diet, except vegans, elderly and lacto-ovo vegetarians. The problem lies not in the consumption but in its absorption. The conditions which can restrict your body from absorbing Vitamin B12 include:

Alcoholism
Menopause
Parasitic infection
Digestive disorders
Pernicious anemia
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Surgeries which involve removal of certain parts of your stomach or small intestine
Prolonged use of antacids and other heartburn medications

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

The common signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are:

Weakness
Diarrhea
Pale skin
Loss of appetite
Bleeding gums
Weight loss
Constipation

Prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can cause:

Confusion
Depression
Dementia
Tingling and numbness in body areas such as the hands and feet
Memory loss
Loss of balance

Prevention and Treatment

If you suspect vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s important to seek the help of a doctor and begin treatment immediately. Furthermore, if you’re suffering hair loss as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency, you can visit the best hair transplant clinic in India for effective treatment. Besides, you can also follow certain preventive measures to regrow your hair:

You can perform various scalp massages and exercises which will help increase the blood flow to the scalp, resulting in hair thickness.
Change your diet; introduce B12 rich foods in your diet such as fish, meat, dairy, poultry, and eggs. You can increase the intake of healthy fats and colorful vegetables, and also try to remove allergens from your diet.
Vegans may struggle to get their daily requirement of vitamin B12, therefore a supplement is highly recommended. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

There are many factors which contributes to hair loss. The above-mentioned tips can help you improve the overall health of your hair. However, you can undergo hair restoration surgery if your hair loss problem still persists.