Hair loss is a major problem all over the world. It may occur due to many factors, such as the following:
- stress
- hormonal diseases
- alopecia areata
- wrong hair-care routine
If you are taking very good care of your hair—never using straighteners or curling irons—and you don’t have a highly stressful life, but still, you notice balding spots on your scalp, it is time for you to consider what you have been eating lately.
It may be surprising. However, your diet affects your hair health as much as other things. Strict diets may cause hair loss due to lack of nutrients. Vitamins such as B12, biotin, and vitamin A are vital for your health.
When it comes to vitamin B12, your body cannot produce it by itself. Also, your body is unable to store the vitamin. That is why you need to get enough B12 daily.
What Is Vitamin B12?
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which you can get from various food. Water-soluble vitamins can dissolve in water and travel through your bloodstream. If there is more than enough B12 in your blood, your body excretes it through urine.
Your brain needs B12 to synthesize red blood cells, fatty acids, and energy. Also, it is crucial for the nervous system. So every cell in your body depends on this vitamin. It is critical for the people over age fourteen to take 2.4 micrograms of B12 every day.
In the case of B12 deficiency, you will probably experience some problems such as gastritis, anaemia, immune system disorders, or the worst-case scenario, Alzheimer’s.
Where to Find Vitamin B12
You can get B12 from dairies, such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Also, meat products as fish and chicken contain vitamin B12. If you are following a vegan diet, you may take this vitamin through some medications since it does not typically occur in plants.
The Relation between Hair Loss and Vitamin B12
The hair is made up of a protein called keratin. The keratin part of your hair is dead. However, the follicles are alive. The bottom part of the follicle, the bulb, has the fastest-growing cells in your body.
Your hair growth depends on healthy follicles. The blood vessels under your scalp feed the follicles and make the cells grow. In the end, vitamin B12 helps the blood cells and makes this process healthier. Due to B12 deficiency, your body tries to handle too many problems at once. This causes high-stress levels, and yes, stress causes hair loss too.
Whatever the reason is, if you start to notice bald spots on your hair out of nowhere, it is best to consult a doctor right away. After a detailed consultation, your doctor may give you prescription medications or may offer changes in your diet. In case of permanent hair loss, you may consider other solutions such as a hair transplant procedure.