Published on: 5/15/2025
Can a Deficiency in Certain Vitamins Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, a lack of certain vitamins can lead to hair loss. Vitamins like D and minerals like iron are important for keeping hair healthy.
Explanation
Hair loss can sometimes be caused by not having enough of certain vitamins and minerals in the body.
- Vitamin D and Iron: According to research, low levels of vitamin D and iron (measured as serum ferritin) can be linked to hair loss, especially in women.
- Other Vitamins: Other vitamins and minerals like zinc, biotin, and vitamin A may also play a role in keeping hair healthy, but more studies are needed to know for sure.
If you think you might be losing hair because of a vitamin deficiency, it could be helpful to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help find out if a vitamin deficiency is the cause and suggest ways to improve your diet or take supplements if needed.
(References)
- Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, & Tosti A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 30547302.
- Rushton DH. (2002). Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clinical and experimental dermatology, 12190640.
- Rasheed H, Mahgoub D, Hegazy R, El-Komy M, Abdel Hay R, Hamid MA, & Hamdy E. (2013). Serum ferritin and vitamin d in female hair loss. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 23428658.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.