Emerging Evidence Connects Nutritional Deficiency to Hair Loss

 Emerging Evidence Connects Nutritional Deficiency to Hair Loss

While it's reassuring to know that other animals, like monkeys, also deal with hair thinning, it's even more important to know what causes hair loss so that we may take steps to prevent it. Recent studies have shown a connection between dietary deficiencies in both sexes, suggesting that heredity does have a role. Additionally, we have complete control over the variables that contribute to hair loss, including stress and inadequate hair care.




Much research has focused on the hereditary component of hair thinning. This condition is linked to alopecia, which is a loss of hair in both men and women. The sex hormone DHT has an enhanced effect on these people. A potent testosterone metabolite, DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone. It helps bring about the distinctive male features, including facial and body hair, and the development of a deeper voice throughout adolescence.



The growth cycle of hair follicles is shortened by DHT, leading to a smaller hair shaft. Eventually, the hair in that area will get noticeably thinner, to the point that it becomes as fine as fluff, and in the worst instances, it will totally disappear.

It is common for estrogen to mitigate testosterone's effects in females. However, female pattern baldness can occur due to a decrease in estrogen when a woman goes through menopause or experiences hormonal abnormalities. Thankfully, the effects of this kind of hair loss are not as severe as those of male pattern baldness. Rather, hair becomes thinner and the part between the crown and sides widens.




However, a fascinating study conducted by L'Oréal has established a connection between a lack of iron and thinning hair in both sexes. Taken together, data on hair loss and ferritin (iron) levels in the blood were cross-referenced in this placebo-controlled, double-blind research of 13,000 healthy men and women who took a supplement.




In addition to establishing a correlation between the two, the results also allowed for the estimation of the risk of hair loss at a specific degree of iron deficiency. An instance of this is the 28% increased likelihood of significant hair loss in women whose blood ferritin levels fell from the typical 70µg/l to 40µg/l. Iron levels were significantly lower in the postmenopausal women with severe hair loss compared to those without the condition.




However, taking iron supplements can lead to harmful accumulation in the body's tissues. There is evidence that it raises the likelihood of getting chronic diseases. Before taking iron supplements, it is recommended to have your iron levels checked by a doctor if you are worried about hair loss.




Stress and improper hair care are two other possible reasons for hair loss, or variables that contribute to it. The typical cycle of hair development can be disrupted if you don't wash or brush your hair often enough.

As one hair follicle dies off, another might sprout in its place by gently removing it with a brush. Dead hair that is about to fall out can be naturally removed by combing your hair regularly. Because the old hair smothers the new growth, fresh growth cannot occur unless that hair is removed. Washing your hair frequently will prevent buildup of dirt and oil, both of which can cause comparable problems.




When you're stressed out, your scalp muscles tense, which reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to your hair. The risk of premature hair loss increases if this continues for an extended length of time. There is a difference between this and the hormonal male pattern baldness, however this can make the latter worse. And stress reduction tactics are easy, everyday habits to include into one's life to stop hair loss in its tracks and enhance one's quality of life in general.




Works Cited:


1. Substitute products


2. The Health Articles on Wikipedia

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