The Power of Vitamin D
Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin D is not a vitamin, but rather, a hormone that activates a huge number of human genes – up to 2,000 different genes – and, as vitamin D expert, Dr. Michael Holick, estimates, up to 8 percent of our entire genome. Vitamin D’s effects are only now being discovered, according to 2017 research by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Now, studies show that Vitamin D may play a role in hair loss. Vitamin D receptors maintain calcium, skin homeostasis as well as regulating the cutaneous and adaptive immune system. It also stimulates the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphates, and acts as a co-enzyme to help cellular activity polypeptide synthesis, thus strengthening the hair fiber and assisting with hair growth.
Vitamin D exerts its action through the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) – a gene which instructs the body in responding to Vitamin D. This effects the hair follicle (epidermal keratinocytes and mesodermal dermal papilla cells). A deficiency in either of the keratinocyte or the dermal papilla cell can cause abnormal hair follicles, dermal cysts and irregular structure in the lower part of the hair follicle. It’s been proven that VDR is critical for initiating the anagen (hair growth) cycle, and VDR deficiencies will inhibit keratinocyte differentiation, and disturb the normal hair follicle cycle.
Vitamin D Linked to Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) characterized by diffuse hair shedding with a maintained frontal hairline, is one of the most common types of alopecia in women,. Recent data includes genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors at cause in FPHL, and results suggest a potential involvement of vitamin D in pathogenesis of FPHL.
Vitamin D Linked to Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium (TE) is a non-scarring, diffuse hair loss that usually occurs three months after exposure to triggers, such as: stress, high fevers, drugs, endocrine abnormalities, and nutritional deficiencies.
Some studies have indicated that vitamin D is involved in TE. One study, which compared the Vitamin D levels in female patients with chronic TE, FPHL, and healthy women, those with the significantly lower serum D levels experienced the most severe hair loss. It’s been suggested that screening for vitamin D might be beneficial in the management of TE.
Nutritional Deficiencies Linked to Hair Loss
Since nutritional disturbances are one of the triggering factors in hair loss, and hair is a non-essential tissue, any vitamin deficiencies will be received by the hair follicle last – as the hair is the first thing that the body cuts back on when there is a deficiency.
Due to the limited studies and differing methodologies, it can be difficult to compare results, but one thing is certain: the role of vitamin D when it comes to hair loss should be studied further. If you’re struggling with thinning hair or hair loss, and would like to learn about non-invasive options, consider Cellustrious® Hair Follicle Rejuvenation. Find out more by reaching out and scheduling a free consultation!
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751255/The Role of Vitamin D in Non-Scarring Alopecia *Correspondence: lp.pw@zciwokrega, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29774652.