Folic Acid and Hair Loss

Quick Summary

• What is Folic Acid? Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. It supports overall health, including hair growth.
• How Does Folic Acid Affect Hair Growth? Folic acid helps produce healthy red blood cells, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Deficiency can impair cell division, slow hair growth, and lead to hair thinning or loss. 
• Can Folic Acid Treat Hair Loss? While folic acid supports hair health, research is limited on its effectiveness as a standalone treatment for hair loss. It works best alongside other nutrients to promote overall hair health.
• What are the Sources of Folic Acid? Folic acid is found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, legumes, fortified cereals, and supplements. A balanced diet or supplementation can help maintain adequate levels.

Hair loss is a widespread concern that affects millions of people globally. While genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors play significant roles in hair health, nutrition is also a critical component. One nutrient that has gained attention for its potential role in combating hair loss is folic acid. In this blog, we’ll explore what folic acid is, how it impacts hair health, and whether it can truly help with hair loss.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 or folate, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for numerous bodily functions. It plays a key role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. Folic acid is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, but it also contributes to the health of your skin, nails, and hair¹.

While folic acid is available in supplement form, it is naturally found in foods like leafy greens (spinach, kale), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. The natural chemical form of this vitamin is generally called folate, while supplements are called folic acid. A deficiency in folate can lead to a range of health issues, including anemia, fatigue, and potentially, hair loss. Ensuring adequate intake of this vitamin is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Function of Folic Acid in the Body

Folic acid is a vital nutrient that supports several critical functions in the body:

• DNA synthesis and repair: Folic acid is essential for the creation and repair of DNA, the genetic material in all cells². This is particularly important for rapidly dividing cells, such as those in hair follicles.
• Red blood cell production: Folic acid helps in the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body³. 
• Amino acid metabolism: Folic acid plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. 
• Methylation Processes: Folic acid is involved in methylation, a biochemical process important for cell function². 

Folic Acid and Hair Growth

Folic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair growth, and its deficiency can potentially lead to hair-related issues.

• The effects of folic acid deficiency are similar to those of iron deficiency and low ferritin levels. When folate levels are low, the structure of red blood cells is altered, impairing their ability to transport adequate oxygen and nutrients throughout the body⁴. This can result in anaemia, which is a deficiency in healthy red blood cells that can go on to cause hair loss. 

• Low levels of folic acid can also slow down critical cellular processes, such as cell division, which hinders the growth of new cells. This means that new hair strands cannot be produced quickly enough to replace those that have fallen out or broken. Over time, chronic folic acid deficiency can lead to the death of hair cells, exacerbating hair loss. 

• Additionally, other important cells in the scalp, such as oil-secreting cells and papilla cells, are affected by folic acid deficiency. These cells play a vital role in maintaining scalp health, regulating the hair growth cycle, and supporting the production of new hairs⁵.

Despite the potential connections between folic acid and hair health, research establishing it as a direct treatment for hair growth remains limited. A 2017 study involving 52 adults with premature greying identified deficiencies in folic acid, vitamin B7 (biotin), and vitamin B12, suggesting a possible role for these nutrients in maintaining hair health⁶. 

However, the study did not conclusively demonstrate that folic acid alone can promote hair growth. While folic acid plays a role in supporting healthy hair, it is not a standalone solution for hair loss or growth. Instead, it works together with other nutrients to contribute to overall hair health. Additional controlled studies are needed to determine the specific effects of folic acid supplementation and whether it can be effectively used as part of a broader nutritional approach to address hair-related concerns.

Folate deficiency

Folate deficiency, also known as Vitamin B9 deficiency, can lead to a range of symptoms that affect both physical and mental health. Recognising these signs is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms to look for include⁴: 

• Extreme tiredness and lack of energy
• Pins and needles (tingling sensations)
• A sore and red tongue
• Mouth ulcers
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Psychological issues
• Cognitive impairments

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is very important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Folate deficiency can often be addressed through dietary changes or supplementation, but early detection is key to preventing complications.

Sources of Folic Acid

Ensuring adequate intake of folic acid is essential for maintaining healthy hair and overall well-being. 

Natural Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid is naturally found in a variety of foods, including:

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in folic acid.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits provide a good amount of this vitamin.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of folic acid.
• Fortified Foods: Many cereals, breads, and pasta products are fortified with folic acid.
• Other Sources: Avocados, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts also contain significant amounts of folic acid.

Including these foods in your diet can help you meet your daily folic acid requirements naturally.

Folic Acid Supplements

For individuals who struggle to get enough folic acid from their diet, supplements can be an effective alternative. Folic acid supplements are widely available and can help address deficiencies that may contribute to hair loss. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, as excessive intake can lead to side effects and may mask symptoms of other deficiencies, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency⁷.

Recommended Folic Acid Supplement Dose

The NHS recommended intake of folic acid for adults is 200 micrograms (mcg) per day⁸. Pregnant women or individuals with specific health conditions may require higher doses, but this should always be determined by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

While folic acid plays a significant role in supporting overall health, including hair growth, it is not a standalone solution for hair loss. Its importance lies in its ability to work synergistically with other nutrients to maintain healthy hair and scalp function. 

Research on folic acid as a direct treatment for hair growth remains limited, and its benefits are best coupled with a balanced diet or comprehensive nutritional approach. If you’re experiencing hair loss or suspect a folic acid deficiency, consult certified healthcare professionals like those at The Treatment Rooms London for personalised advice and treatment options. Prioritising a nutrient-rich diet and addressing underlying deficiencies can help promote overall wellbeing, as well as help you on your journey towards lusher and healthier hair. 

References

1. Stover PJ. Folic acid. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:358-68. Available at: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Modern-nutrition-in-health-and-disease%3A-Eleventh-Ross-Caballero/3a76b1322f3a1ee8787aadb7fa1b9dadf8982f2e
2. Nazki FH, Sameer AS, Ganaie BA. Folate: metabolism, genes, polymorphisms and the associated diseases. Gene. 2014 Jan 1;533(1):11-20. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24091066/#:~:text=This%20paper%20reviews%20the%20current%20knowledge%20of%20the,diseases%20in%20humans%2C%20like%20vascular%20diseases%2C%20Down%27s%20
3. Koury MJ, Ponka P. New insights into erythropoiesis: the roles of folate, vitamin B12, and iron. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004;24:105-31. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15189115/
4. NHS (no date) Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/
5. Matsuzaki T, Yoshizato K. Role of hair papilla cells on induction and regeneration processes of hair follicles. Wound Repair Regen. 1998 Nov-Dec;6(6):524-30. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9893172/
6. Daulatabad D, Singal A, Grover C, Chhillar N. Prospective Analytical Controlled Study Evaluating Serum Biotin, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid in Patients with Premature Canities. Int J Trichology. 2017 Jan-Mar;9(1):19-24. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5514791/
7. Miller JW, Smith A, Troen AM, Mason JB, Jacques PF, Selhub J. Excess Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Clinical Implications? Food Nutr Bull. 2024 Jun;45(1_suppl):S67-S72. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38987872/
8. NHS (No date) Vitamin B. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/