Learn more about the connection between low B12 levels and hair loss, including tips to thicken your hair once you correct the deficiency.
Could a vitamin B12 deficiency be causing your hair loss? Maybe.
Deficiency in this essential vitamin has been linked to hair loss.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in DNA synthesis, neurological function, and red blood cell formation. It is also among some of the most important vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth.
If you’re wondering if your hair loss is connected to vitamin B12 and are looking for ways to correct this hair loss -- read on.
Vitamin B12 affects hair growth by affecting the health of the hair follicles. In order for hair to be strong and healthy, each strand of hair needs good access to blood and nutrient supply via a hair follicle.
B12 is responsible for creating and delivering oxygen-rich red blood cells to hair follicles, which keeps hair happy and healthy.
When your B12 levels are too low, and hair loss begins, it’s possible that your hair follicles aren’t receiving adequate amounts of oxygen-rich blood, hindering their strength and their growth cycle.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may also be linked to premature greying.
Hair loss or hair thinning is certainly not the only sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are running low on the vital vitamin, you might experience the following symptoms:
A vitamin B12 deficiency is not hugely common in the US as many people eat adequate amounts of dairy and animal products that are high in B vitamins.
However, there are specific populations that are at a higher risk for B12 deficiency.
These are some high-risk groups for B12 deficiency:
Hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons -- it could be due to a genetic factor, hormone fluctuations, or it could be stress-related. To figure out if your hair loss is B12-related, ask your doctor for a blood test to check your B12 levels.
If your B12 levels are lower than normal you can either start eating food that is rich in B12 or supplementing (or both).
Foods rich in B12:
You can also supplement B12 with a 1,000-2,000 mcg daily sublingual.
Many studies have shown that a regular scalp massage can lead to thicker hair and help improve hair loss. Participants in a 2019 study found that scalp massages helped slow down their hair loss and increase hair growth by massaging the scalp between 11-20 minutes per day for 6 months.
Read more: Can Scalp Massages Really Stimulate Hair Growth?
Minoxidil is a long-standing hair loss solution that has been around for decades. It’s thought to help hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.
Read more: How Long Does It Take for Topical Minoxidil To Work?
Here at Strut Health, we have a solution for your hair loss.
If you want to try our topical hair loss formulas or oral tablets, simply complete a questionnaire-based online doctor's consultation to see if our treatments are right for you.
If our doctors find a treatment that’s a good fit for you, we’ll ship your prescription hair loss treatment to your doorstep so you can get back to loving your locks.
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