Vitamin A and Hair Loss- What’s The Connection?

Quick Summary- Vitamin A and Hair Loss

Role of Vitamin A in Hair Health: Vitamin A is essential for promoting sebum production by hair follicles, aiding in scalp and hair nourishment. It also enhances blood circulation to the scalp and acts as a protective barrier against environmental damage.

Sources and Intake: Vitamin A can be obtained from animal products like liver, cheese, and eggs, as well as vegetables like carrots and spinach. The recommended daily intake for adults is 700 micrograms for men and 600 micrograms for women. Achieving a balanced intake from these sources is crucial for optimal hair health.

Effects of Imbalance and Hair Loss: Both deficiency and excess of Vitamin A can lead to hair loss. Deficiency can result in dry, brittle hair prone to thinning, while excess intake can stimulate increased sebum production and disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning and inflammation. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and consult healthcare professionals if symptoms of imbalance arise.

Key Takeaway: While proper Vitamin A intake is vital for healthy hair, excessive amounts can be detrimental. Monitoring and adjusting intake, as well as seeking professional advice for supplementation, can help prevent hair loss and promote overall hair health.

The role of Vitamin A in hair 

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in promoting the production of sebum by hair follicles, a natural oil that nourishes the scalp and hair. Additionally, it enhances blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair roots. Beyond these benefits, Vitamin A acts as a protective shield for the hair, guarding against damage caused by UV rays, and environmental pollution¹.

Vitamin A Dietary Sources and Intake

Vitamin A can be found in animal products such as liver, cheese, butter and eggs, as well as vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach. Supplements are also available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, and gels. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin A for adults is 700 micrograms for men and 600 micrograms for women². Achieving a balanced intake from these sources is key to supporting optimal hair health.

Effects of Vitamin A Imbalance and Hair Loss

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy hair, but the key lies in achieving the right balance. Deficiency (often seen in restrictive diets and inflammatory bowel disorders) may result in dry, brittle hair prone to thinning. 

This nutrient deficiency impacts not just hair texture and growth but also vision, immune function, and skin health.

Conversely, an excess of vitamin A  typically from overconsumption of supplements or fortified foods, can create its own set of problems in both body and hair.

Hair can become thin due to increased sebum production stimulated by Vitamin A and disruption of the hair growth cycle as a result and create inflammation.

Other physical manifestations involve headaches and liver damage³.

To prevent hair loss related to Vitamin A, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and use hair products containing it. Consider consulting healthcare professionals if imbalance symptoms arise.

Conclusion

Proper Vitamin A intake is crucial for maintaining healthy hair, however it is important to note that excessive amounts may also be detrimental. Monitoring and adjusting your Vitamin A intake can help prevent hair loss and promote overall hair health.

For those considering supplements, it is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional to ensure correct dosages⁴. 

References

1.      VanBuren, C. A. and Everts, H. B. (2022) ‘Vitamin A in skin and hair: An update’, Nutrients, 14(14), pp. 2952. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9324272/

2.      Vitamins and minerals – Vitamin A – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

3.      Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P. and Tosti, A. (2019) ‘The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: A review’, Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), pp. 51-70. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/

4.      Guo, E. L. and Katta, R. (2017) ‘Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use’, Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(1), pp. 1-10. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/