Does Vitamin C Deficiency Cause Hair Loss? Causes, Evidence & Nutrition Guide

Vitamin C, also known as ‘ascorbic acid’, is one of many critical water-soluble vitamins that play various biological roles in the body, including hair growth and maintenance. 

This vitamin is collagen-supportive, antioxidant-rich, and blood flow-enhancing, all of which are essential for developing strong, healthy hair.

Collagen production & hair shaft integrity

The major structural protein found in skin and connective tissues is collagen. Without this prominent protein, structures within and around hair follicles become weakened. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen formation. It is also a robust antioxidant that neutralises free radicals induced by UV exposure, pollution, and cellular stress. 

Free radicals can destroy hair follicle stem cells, increase the rate of follicular ageing, and initiate premature shedding. Vitamin C aids in the health of the hair follicles by neutralising these radicals.

Impact on scalp microcirculation

When there is enough blood flow to the scalp, hair follicles are richly supplied in oxygen and nutrients. 

Vitamin C helps promote vasodilation and vascular health, which can enhance nutrient delivery to growing hair.

Can Vitamin C Deficiency Directly Lead to Hair Shedding?

Yes, vitamin C deficiency may indirectly lead to hair shedding by impairing collagen production and iron absorption, both of which are essential for healthy hair growth.

Iron in the diet can only be absorbed into the body when Vitamin C is available. As such, insufficient iron (resulting from a Vitamin C deficiency) can result in a deprivation of essential nutrients to hair follicles and create weakened strands and eventual hair loss.

Pathophysiology of scurvy-related hair loss

Scurvy, caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, leads to poor collagen production and fragile hair shafts. This results in brittle hair and increased shedding. 

Visible signs include corkscrew hairs, perifollicular haemorrhages, and sometimes “swan neck” hairs—kinked strands near the root.

Case reports & clinical observations

According to a case series (National Institutes of Health (NIH), 30% of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who experienced vitamin C deficiency reported dry, brittle hair or hair loss. 

Hair loss has been reversed in patients with scurvy through the restoration of vitamin C, as observed in clinical cases. Low levels of vitamin C have also been noted in non-scurvy patients with a diffuse pattern of hair thinning, highlighting the importance of vitamin C in maintaining healthy hair. 

Distinguishing from telogen effluvium

In contrast with stress-induced telogen effluvium, the hair loss caused by vitamin C is progressive. Vitamin C deficiency can be easily resolved by adjusting one’s diet and is typically more prevalent in individuals who are malnourished. 

What Other Nutritional Deficiencies Contribute to Thinning?

Various nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss and thinning.

These include vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, and biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency. 

These deficiencies may interfere with the hair growth cycle, weaken the hair follicles, and cause increased shedding. 

Iron Deficiency & Anaemia

A very common nutritional cause of hair loss is iron deficiency, particularly in menstruating women. The interaction of the two plays a crucial role because the presence of vitamin C stimulates the absorption of iron by the gastrointestinal tract.

Iron is vital in the production of haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying component). So when iron levels are low, there is decreased supply of oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues, including the hair follicles.

A lack of oxygen disrupts the hair growth cycle, resulting in thinner, weaker hair that is more prone to shedding and grows more slowly.

Fortunately, hair loss due to iron deficiency is reversible with proper treatment, including iron replacement therapy. 

B-Complex Vitamins & The Hair Cycle

B-complex vitamins are essential in the healthy hair cycle, including biotin (B7) and pantothenic acid (B5). These vitamins help stimulate hair growth and provide strength and nourishment to hair by aiding in the production of red blood cells, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the follicles.

Interplay with thyroid & metabolic health

The thyroid gland, a vital organ responsible for your metabolism, functions using micronutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin C. It plays a crucial role in hair growth, and an underactive or overactive thyroid gland can disrupt the hair growth cycle. 

Dietary & Supplement Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency can firstly be tackled with a high-nutrient profile diet that provides the body daily with the right amount.

Top food sources: Citrus, berries & peppers

Oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell pepper, broccoli, and guava are some of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Importantly, Vitamin C can easily be destroyed by heat, so it is best to eat raw veggies rather than processed ones. 

For a more in-depth guide on what to eat to support your hair, check out our Diet for Healthy Hair article.

Recommended daily intake for adults

The NHS recommends that adults consume 40mg of vitamin C per day. That being said, specialists recommend a target level of 75-120mg/day, particularly in individuals with excessive oxidative stress or iron deficiency.

Ideal levels:

• Women – 75mg per day
• Men – 90mg per day
• Pregnant women – 85mg per day
• Breastfeeding women – 120mg per day 

According to the NHS, the upper limit of vitamin C consumption is 1,000 mg per day for adults. When overconsumed, side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhoea and kidney stones can occur.

When to Seek Medical Testing for Deficiency?

When hair loss is persistent or accompanied by other signs of malnutrition, vitamin C level tests and a comprehensive nutritional assessment should be conducted. Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to a condition commonly known as ‘scurvy’. 

• How to recognise scurvy: Symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, swollen or bleeding gums, easy bruising, dry skin, and slow wound healing. Hair loss, follicular bleeding and ‘corkscrew’ shaped hair are all signs that can be seen on the scalp. 
• Testing for vitamin D deficiency: Blood tests looking at plasma levels of Vitamin D can indicate how deficient you are in this critical molecule. Blood tests may also include looking for other deficiencies, such as iron, B12, folate and thyroid. 

Differential Diagnosis in Hair Loss Workup

While a Vitamin C deficiency can significantly contribute to hair loss, a comprehensive assessment is necessary to rule out other potential causes, such as autoimmune alopecia, hormonal imbalances, or drug-induced shedding.

Please find out about other illnesses that can cause hair loss and how they’re diagnosed.

Once the root cause is identified, whether nutritional or medical, a range of hair loss treatments can help restore hair health and prevent further thinning.

Prevention & Management Strategies

One of the safest, most cost-effective, and potentially potent ways to promote hair health and reduce nutrient-derived hair loss is by maintaining sufficient vitamin C levels.

Balanced Diet & Supplementation Plan

Focus on whole foods with high vitamin C content, as listed above, and consider taking a daily supplement if needed. Individuals with malabsorption, smokers, or older adults may require higher intakes of vitamin D.

Antioxidant-Rich Lifestyle Habits

Supplement vitamin C with other antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium, polyphenols) and minimise oxidative damage with regular exercise, quality sleep, no smoking, and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals.

For broader tips on reducing the risk of shedding and maintaining strong, healthy hair, explore our guide to hair loss prevention.

FAQs

1. Can a lack of Vitamin C cause permanent hair loss?

Not typically. Hair loss caused by a deficiency of vitamin C can often be reversed by keeping your vitamin levels in a healthy range. 

2. What are the early signs of scurvy-related hair issues?

Dry, brittle hair; corkscrew hairs; perifollicular haemorrhages; and increased shedding.

3. How much Vitamin C do I need for hair health?

Take 75-120 mg/day, especially when experiencing hair thinning.

4. Can topical Vitamin C support regrowth?

There is very little evidence of the effectiveness of topical use. Systemic intake has the most benefits.

5. How long until hair regrows after correcting the deficiency?

Regrowth can begin in a few weeks, but noticeable improvement is seen around 3-6 months.

6. Are supplements better than diet?

Natural sources found in food are always preferred to artificial supplementation. However,  supplements should still be used when there is inadequate dietary intake.

Conclusion 

Although vitamin C is not the only cause of hair loss, it significantly influences the state and functioning of the scalp, collagen production, and follicles. If you notice any changes related to your hair, a good solution might be to test for nutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin C.

References 

1. Cleveland Clinic (2023) Telogen effluvium. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24486-telogen-effluvium (Accessed: 29 June 2025).
2. Dunleavy, K.A., Ungaro, R.C., Manning, L., Gold, S., Novak, J. & Colombel, J.-F. (2021) ‘Vitamin C deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease: the forgotten micronutrient’, Crohn’s & Colitis 360, 3(1), article otab009. doi: 10.1093/crocol/otab009. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8248877/ (Accessed: 29 June 2025).
3. Hims Editorial Team (2021). Is your vitamin B complex helping your hair? Hims. Updated 17 May 2021. Available at: https://www.forhims.co.uk/blog/is-your-vitamin-b-complex-helping-your-hair (Accessed: 29 June 2025).
4. Maxfield, L., Daley, S.F. and Crane, J.S. (2023). Vitamin C deficiency. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/ (Accessed: 29 June 2025).
5. Migala, J. (2024). Which vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss? Everyday Health. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/vitamins/which-vitamin-deficiency-causes-hair-loss/ (Accessed: 29 June 2025).
6. NHS (2020) Vitamins and minerals – Vitamin C. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/ (Accessed: 29 June 2025).