Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a vitamin that the body produces naturally when exposed to direct sunlight and can also be obtained from certain foods.

Vitamin D has various essential functions, including facilitating the absorption and regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the body, maintaining bone structure, and supporting the immune system.

In the context of alopecia, vitamin D is moderately popular and can be found in the ingredients of some shampoos and nearly all hair supplements.

Can it effectively combat hair loss?

At present, we have limited information regarding the possible connection between vitamin D and hair loss.

Based on my research, here’s how vitamin D may influence hair loss:

Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss

Today, there is a consensus that deficiencies can lead to various health issues, including hair loss. Vitamin D is no exception, as its deficiency has been linked to conditions such as depression and bone fragility (osteoporosis).

According to a study by Mahnaz Banihashemi and her colleagues, it was observed that a majority of women with androgenetic alopecia were deficient in vitamin D.

For example, there is a case of a woman in Saudi Arabia who developed alopecia areata due to limited sun exposure.

In another study from 2020 by Sarita Sanke and her colleagues, the serum vitamin D levels of 50 men with androgenetic alopecia were compared to those of 50 men without alopecia.

The results were remarkable, with 86% of the androgenetic alopecia group having a deficiency, and 14% having low vitamin D levels.

In the case of patients with alopecia areata, research indicates that low vitamin D levels disrupt the hair follicle growth cycle (source) (source).

These studies confirm a strong link between androgenetic alopecia and vitamin D. However, the precise reason for vitamin D deficiency in individuals with alopecia remains uncertain.

Is it alopecia that somehow depletes vitamin D? Is there a genetic mutation in some people that affects vitamin D metabolism? Or is vitamin D just one more factor unrelated to the primary cause of alopecia?

As of today, answering these questions remains challenging. What is evident is that vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss, and efforts should be made to prevent such deficiencies.

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties

A closer look at vitamin D reveals its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

As you probably know, inflammation is the immune system’s natural response when the body faces an attack, such as infection, irritation, muscle strain, or injury.

Interestingly, nearly all forms of alopecia are associated with chronic scalp inflammation, and reducing this inflammation has proven effective in curbing hair loss (source).

Immunomodulators, on the other hand, are compounds that can either boost or temporarily suppress immune system functions. They come into play when there is a need to strengthen or temporarily dampen the immune response.

As mentioned earlier, individuals with alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia often exhibit low levels of vitamin D. It’s reasonable to assume that a deficiency in vitamin D is like a shortage of anti-inflammatories, allowing inflammation to persist (source).

Calcipotriol also possesses anti-inflammatory properties

Calcipotriol is a derivative of vitamin D3 commonly used in cases of seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia areata, both of which are characterized by chronic inflammation.

Several studies have demonstrated that topical calcipotriol is notably effective in treating alopecia areata and its variants, such as alopecia totalis (source) (source) (source).

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression

Depression is a form of mental stress that some individuals may experience due to a lack of vitamin D. This connection is supported not only by scientific studies but also by numerous personal accounts of people who have alleviated their depression by regularly taking vitamin D3 (source) (source).

For instance, when summer arrives, and we enjoy the sunshine, our bodies produce an abundance of vitamin D, which boosts our mood and overall well-being. Conversely, during the winter, many people are more prone to feeling low without an apparent cause. While there can be multiple factors contributing to this, the deficiency of vitamin D is certainly a significant one.

Regarding the link between depression and hair loss, it’s relatively straightforward: depression induces constant mental stress, which, in turn, leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle tension. These factors collectively contribute to hair loss.

Closing thoughts and verdict

It appears that vitamin D plays a crucial role in hair health, and its deficiency can lead to hair loss.

Currently, a majority of people are deficient in vitamin D. This is primarily because our diets lack sufficient vitamin D, and our modern lifestyle often confines us indoors. As a general recommendation, I advise everyone to consider taking vitamin D supplements, specifically in the form of vitamin D3.

Of course, this advice may not apply to individuals who have ample sun exposure and are not at risk of deficiency.

As for topical vitamin D, it could prove beneficial in reducing androgenetic, areata, and cicatricial alopecia due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Precautions & side effects

• Possibility of allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Excessive vitamin D intake can cause physical weakness, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
• Taking vitamin D for extended periods at doses exceeding 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day may be dangerous and result in very high blood calcium levels.
• Caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children; do not exceed recommended maximum doses.
• Vitamin D supplementation could worsen the condition of individuals with high blood calcium levels.
• Vitamin D may increase calcium levels in individuals with sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, arteriosclerosis, severe kidney disease, lymphoma, hyperparathyroidism, and histoplasmosis.
• Vitamin D can interact with certain medications. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are taking medications.