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Overview
Hair loss can be attributed to many factors, including genetics, stress, trauma, alopecia (an autoimmune condition) and vitamin deficiencies and anemia (lack of iron). However, it does not appear that Vitamin D causes hair loss. In fact, the right amount of Vitamin D is beneficial to hair growth.
Excesses
An excess of Vitamin D can cause problems. However, there doesn't seem to be any indication that one of the side effects is hair loss. According to National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D is important in the maturation of the hair follicle.
Risks
If an individual has too much Vitamin D in his system this can raise the levels of calcium, which can cause mental confusion. Other side effects of excessive Vitamin D include constipation, weight loss, weakness, nausea and vomiting, according to Healthlink. If a person is suffering from Vitamin D toxicity, calcinosis occurs, which is when calcium and phosphate are deposited in the kidney and other soft tissues, which can cause serious health problems. A person can consume too much Vitamin D is if he eats large amounts of cod liver oil. However, if a person is taking vast quantities of Vitamin D supplements this can lead to toxic levels. Other side effects of a Vitamin D overdose include loss of appetite, stomach cramps, dry mouth, increased thirst, increased urination, muscle or bone pain, headache and dizziness, according to Medicine Net. Ask your physician what the appropriate dosage is and if you need it at all.
Why Vitamin D Is Essential
Vitamin D promotes bone growth. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and helps regulate minerals, phosphorus and calcium. Vitamin D is used to treat and prevent muscle cramps and rickets, which occurs when an individual is Vitamin D deficient, according to Medicine Net. For housebound people, there is a good possibility that they have a Vitamin D deficiency because of their lack of exposure to the sun. Foods that contain Vitamin D include some dairy products, cereals and salmon.
Outcomes
According to Alastair Hall of The Alternative Health Log, the lack of Vitamin D, as well as a deficiency of essential fatty acids, may contribute to hair loss. Hall notes that essential fatty acids not only remove excess cholesterol from our bodies but are also instrumental in the production of cholesterol, the good kind, which is needed for the manufacturing of Vitamin D. When mice were deprived of Vitamin D, they lost their hair.
Precautions
It is never a good idea to start taking supplements without first consulting with a medical expert. Vitamin D supplements can be contraindicated if you have thyroid disease or kidney problems. Vitamin D can have an adverse effect when taken in combination with barbiturates, phenytoin, verapamil and digoxin, as well as mineral oil and antacids that contain magnesium, according to Medicine Net.
