Vitamin B12 and Hair Loss - What's the Connection?
Losing your hair can be a very distressing event whether you're a man or women. There are a complex variety of reasons that it may occur. And for years, indeed centuries, people have produced hair tonics, and herbal remedies to try and reverse this natural process. Recently there has been a renewed interest in the role of nutrition and hair loss. Does the diet that you eat affect whether you are likely to lose your hair?
For men there are usually other factors that are more important in causing male pattern baldness such as the byproduct caused by the breakdown of testosterone. But in women diet is much more likely to play a role. Various vitamins have been researched to see if there is a link with the condition. This is not always easy because there are so many confounding factors. But certain things have emerged from this work. One of these is that there is a definite link between vitamin B12 and hair loss.
Vitamin B12 is essential to the running of the brain and nervous system. It is also important in the formation of red blood cells. It cannot be synthesized by plants or animals and therefore has to be eaten in the diet. The only creatures capable of synthesizing it are certain types of bacteria.
Although this vitamin is only required in trace amounts, there can be significant health issues when it is not eaten in sufficient quantities. These include hair loss, memory problems, fatigue and depression.
Foods that contain vitamin B12 include animal products, with liver and shellfish being particularly good sources. Milk also provides a source of B12. Plant material does not contain the vitamin so vegans have to take care to ensure that it is included in their diet. This can either be through using supplements or eating vitamin B12 fortified foods such breakfast cereals.
To prevent hair loss it is generally recommended to maintain good all round nutrition as well maintaining your levels of vitamin B12. Other members of the B group of vitamins particularly B5 and B6 also are important. These can be taken in a vitamin B complex supplement. Vitamins A and vitamin E are also important in hair loss prevention. A diet that is generally good for your body will also be good for your hair. So try to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and cut down on junk food.