Having healthy hair often reflects a healthy body. When your body lacks essential nutrients, it can show up first in your hair’s condition in the form of hair thinning and hair loss. This happens because your body prioritizes supplying nutrients to vital organs over your hair, thinking it can survive without it. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough nutrition, including vitamins, protein, and minerals, to keep both your body and hair healthy.
One such vitamin that has a major contribution is Vitamin B12 for Hair. It’s not just good for your hair, but also helps in brain functioning, energy metabolism, and red blood cell production. Plus, it keeps your nerve cells healthy and can even help prevent certain health problems like anemia.
In this article we will talk about the importance of Vitamin B12 for Hair. Stay tuned till the end to uncover the essential benefits of Vitamin B12 for your hair!
Significance of Vitamin B12
B12 is a part of the Vitamin B complex. It is important for the functioning of nerve cells, production of RBC and manufacturing of the genetic material DNA in our body. There are many problems that can arise with the deficiency of vitamin B12.
If we look at Vitamin B12, it is majorly found in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Not getting enough of it can lead to problems like low red blood cell count (anemia) or not enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. Without this vitamin, you might also develop certain types of dysmorphic or megaloblastic anemia. If you don’t get enough Vitamin B12 for a long time, it can be detrimental for your health.
The deficiency of Vitamin B12 comes with several physical, neurological and psychological problems that you might not know.
Note: Your body cannot make vitamin B12 on its own. It can only be derived from food sources.
Vitamin B12 for Hair
Your hair can be the first sign that your body lacks enough Vitamin B12. This is because good blood flow provides oxygen to your cells, including those in your scalp where your hair grows. When your body has sufficient blood circulation, your hair roots get the oxygen they need to stay healthy.
But, in case you have deficiency of blood, less blood supply to hair roots or dysmorphic/megaloblastic anemia, then enough oxygen and essential nutrients will not reach hair roots. This can make your existing hair weaker and stop new hair from growing.
Sometimes, the deficiency of Vitamin B12 is also coupled with a decrease in Iron levels. This condition causes a disturbance in the hair growth cycle, followed by hair thinning and hair fall.
A survey revealed findings among a thousand patients experiencing symptoms caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. These symptoms included hair loss, mouth ulcers, and blurred vision.
Two main reasons that cause the deficiency of Vitamin B12?
- If you’re not eating enough foods like meat, dairy, or fortified foods that contain Vitamin B12, your body might not get all the Vitamin B12 it needs.
- If your intestines can’t absorb Vitamin B12 from the food you eat or if you have certain intestinal conditions, your body might not be able to take in enough Vitamin B12 even if you’re eating foods rich in it.
Consequences of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Hair Health:
- Hair Thinning and Hair Fall: Insufficient Vitamin B12 can lead to weakened hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning and increased hair fall.
- Premature Hair Graying: Vitamin B12 deficiency may accelerate the graying of hair, even in younger individuals.
- Loss of Hair Pigmentation: Inadequate Vitamin B12 levels can cause a loss of pigmentation in the hair, leading to faded or white strands.
- Hindered Hair Growth: Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in promoting healthy hair growth. Its deficiency may impede the growth of new hair, resulting in slower regrowth.”
Other symptoms
- Early Exhaustion
- Dizziness
- At times, headache(Cues of migraine)
- Brittle nails
- Chances of Infections
- Difficulty in Breathing
- Hoarseness in Voice
- Muscle weakness/pain
Impacts of B12 Deficiency on Brain Health
- Cognitive Decline
- Memory weakness
- Concentration problems
- Disorientation
- Depression and Mood Swings
Note: Prolonged deficiency of Vitamin B12 increases the risk of more severe neurological conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Food sources for VItamin B12
- Meat: Including Beef, Chicken, and Pork.
- Fish: Sardines, Tuna, Trout, and Salmon.
- Animal Liver: Liver of chickens is a concentrated source of Vitamin B12.
- Eggs: Both the yolk and white parts of eggs contain Vitamin B12.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of Vitamin B12.
- Fortified Cereals: Cereals, like cornflakes and oats, are fortified with Vitamin B12 to enhance their nutritional value.
End notes
In conclusion, maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin B12 is crucial for overall health, including hair health. Its deficiency can lead to various physical, neurological, and psychological issues, with hair thinning, premature graying, and hindered growth being common indicators.
But still, if the deficiency is severe, it is better to consult doctors. They will advise you to intake Vitamin B12 in the form of tablet/capsules or injections. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 can have adverse effects like megaloblastic anemia or nerve damages and non-specific symptoms. Therefore, early awareness and appropriate actions are important for maintaining overall well-being.