Vitamin D helps create new hair follicles and influences the hair growth cycle, and research shows that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to hair loss. However, it’s not clear whether getting more vitamin D will help manage hair loss.
The body makes vitamin D after sun exposure, and you can also get it through dietary supplements and certain foods. Chronic vitamin D deficiency may lead to symptoms like bone weakening, fatigue, and hair loss.
A doctor can help if you think low vitamin D levels may be contributing to your hair loss.
According to a 2021 research review, low vitamin D levels have been linked to hair loss. Vitamin D helps stimulate new and existing hair follicles, and if vitamin D levels are too low, new hair growth may be reduced.
Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a few specific types of hair loss, including:
- alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss)
- androgenetic alopecia (permanent hair loss that occurs in specific patterns)
- telogen effluvium (short-term hair loss that may be triggered by factors like stress)
It’s important to note that mild vitamin D deficiency
Some people may be at a
Though vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss, research
For example, a
Larger studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation could help with hair loss.
Recommended daily amount of vitamin D
The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends a daily intake of
These intakes are sufficient to maintain overall health in people who are otherwise healthy. Some people may need different amounts depending on their health status. A healthcare professional can help you determine an amount that’s right for you.
Taking vitamin D supplements
If your doctor recommends taking vitamin D supplements, consider taking them with a meal containing fat. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning dietary fat helps your body absorb the vitamin. Try taking your supplement with foods like fatty fish or avocado.
Supplements aren’t the only way to get your vitamin D. You can also get some sunshine, which the body uses to produce vitamin D. But remember to take precautions to avoid skin damage — reapply sunscreen every few hours and wear protective clothing.
You can also include more of certain foods in your diet, such as:
- fatty fish, like salmon or tuna
- egg yolks
- mushrooms
- fortified foods, including milk and cereal
Again, it’s not clear whether getting more vitamin D through sun exposure or dietary changes will address hair loss. But it’s best to manage nutritional deficiencies for overall health.
If you think low vitamin D levels may be contributing to your hair loss, you can get a simple blood test to measure your levels. You may need more than one blood test to measure your levels over time.
A primary care doctor can be a good person to start with. They can order blood testing, help you understand the results, and recommend next steps.
If you want to get more vitamin D through your diet, a registered dietitian can also help you understand which foods to include.
Keep in mind that vitamin D deficiency isn’t the only possible cause of hair loss. Depending on what your test results show, additional testing may be necessary to identify what’s contributing to your symptoms.
If your test results show low vitamin D levels, your doctor can help you figure out the best way to boost your levels.
In some cases, chronic or severe vitamin D deficiency may contribute to hair loss. Research hasn’t definitively shown whether vitamin D supplementation will reduce hair loss or encourage hair growth.
However, it’s best to monitor your vitamin levels to manage your overall health. If you think you may have a vitamin D deficiency, talk with your doctor about testing and next steps.