Rapid Hair Loss: A Result of Malnutrition?



If you are suffering from rapid hair loss, it could be that you are lacking a few essential nutrients. Some of the most important nutrients in maintaining a healthy scalp and having healthy hair are as follows:

Vitamin A – a nutrient imperative in the cell and tissue growth throughout the whole body, including hair cells. If you do not receive enough Vitamin A, it could result in rapid hair loss. Adult men should be getting at least 900 RAE of Vitamin A per day and women should get at least 700 RAE. You should also note that an excess intake of Vitamin A can also result in hair loss, caused by body toxicity. The best sources are always from food, as opposed to nutritional supplements, although supplements are an option. Here is a list of the best sources of Vitamin A: liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, butter, and leafy greens such as spinach and collard greens.

Vitamin B – B vitamins play an important role in the breakdown of fats and proteins, and are important in the health of the nervous system, hair, skin, eyes and liver. They also help with the production of red blood cells in your body and lead to a better functioning of your body´s liver. B Vitamins also you to deal with stress. A deficiency in vitamin B is a serious problem, and can cause hair loss. Adults (male and female) should get 2.4 mg/day of Vitamin B12, and the best sources are animal food sources such as eggs, milk, meat, poultry, and fish. Fortified breakfast cereals are also a decent source, and vitamin supplements are an option for those who have a hard time receiving enough.

Iron – iron is an important mineral that ensures your body has enough oxygen in its blood, and it is the most abundant mineral in your body. Getting enough iron is crucial to good health, and a serious deficiency can lead to sudden hair loss. Women and vegetarians are especially prone to a iron deficiencies, so must be extra careful to get enough of it in their diet. The best sources of iron include organ meats, red meat, poultry, fish, and shell fish. It can also be found in smaller quantities in beans, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.

Zinc – Zinc is another essential mineral, the second most abundant in the human body behind iron. It plays an important role in your body´s immune system, and also contributes to the regulation of appetite and stress. Among other problems, a diet that does not include enough zinc can result in rapid hair loss. Recommended daily amounts of zinc are about 11mg per day for Men and 8 mg per day for women. The best sources for zinc include oysters, red meats, cheeses, and shellfish. Some plant based sources, although not as rich in zinc, are beans, nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, cooked greens, and whole grains.

What is the treatment for hair loss caused by malnutrition?

The answer is simple: change your diet to include the missing nutrients. Unfortunately, the solution is not always quite as easy. First, it is important to figure out which nutrient you are missing, and why. Next, you need to find a way to get more of that nutrient, either by implementing it into your diet or by taking supplements. The ideal way would be incorporating it into your diet, but if you are unable to do that, supplements are usually a good second option. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to check with your doctor before taking supplements.

Once the missing nutrients are incorporated into your diet, your sudden hair loss should stop, and you your body will start to grow new hair. If this does not happen, your hair loss could be caused by something else. Special hair loss vitamins are not required, and you can find everything you need at your local pharmacist.

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One Response to “Rapid Hair Loss: A Result of Malnutrition?”

  1. Do HCG drops cause rapid hair shedding? Or is it due to lack of vitamins and nutrients on the diet? Please advise.

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