The complex roles of nutritional deficiencies in thinning hair aren’t yet clear, however.

Nutritional deficiency is only one of many possible causes of hair thinning, which often overlap.

Supplementation isn’t likely to help with alopecia unless it’s due to a specific vitamin deficiency.

Man looking at balding pattern in mirror

Boyloso / Getty Images

Vitamin D

Vitamin Dis best known for keeping your bones strong.

For people with a vitamin D deficiency, supplementing might help with hair loss.

Takingvitamin D supplementsuntil youre no longer deficient can help with outcomes and treatments for alopecia.

Zinc deficiency is rare, but its associated with alopecia.

Theres little data on vitamin E and hair loss.

Daily recommended allowances of vitamin E are based on age:

Vitamin E deficiency is uncommon.

People with alcohol use disorder and people who use certain medications are more likely to develop a magnesium deficiency.

People with alcohol use disorder are also more likely to develop a biotin deficiency.

Most people with pellagra live in poverty or eat diets very low in niacin and protein.

Can Taking Too Many Vitamins Cause Hair Loss?

Sometimes, hair loss can be because of getting too much of a certain vitamin or mineral.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Hair loss can be a normal part of aging.

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.

Summary

Vitamin deficiencies dont typically cause hair loss.

However, not getting enough iron and developing anemia can cause hair loss.

Thinning hair can also be brought on by having too much vitamin A.

However, hair loss has many causes, including hormonal changes, stress, and infection.

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