As a general rule, consuming too much or over-supplementing vitamin A can cause hair loss [15, 16].
Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Deficiencies of the vitamins and minerals biotin, iron and zinc are associated with hair loss. Additionally, decreased protein intake is also linked to hair loss.
Over-supplementation of certain nutrients, including selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, has actually been linked to hair loss [4,8–11].
Yes, overdoing vitamins and nutritional supplements can cause hair loss.
Vitamin D can indeed cause hair loss, but it's rare. Although the precise role of vitamin D in hair growth isn't well understood, research shows that vitamin D receptors play an important role in the anagen phase of the hair follicle cycle — the phase in which new hairs grow from the follicle to their full length.
As a result, when vitamin B12 levels are low, your hair follicles may not be able to grow new hair efficiently. This will result in hair loss. B12 deficiency can also lead to symptoms of anemia, which is linked with low iron levels, hair thinning, and hair loss.
Most studies show an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and non-scarring alopecias such as telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with scarring alopecia.
Just as too little zinc may impair the immune system, too much zinc may do the same thing. And while too little zinc may negatively impact hair growth, some research also suggests that consuming excess zinc can lead to hair shedding or hair loss.
Vitamin C Benefits for Hair
Vitamin C benefits for your hair are from a necessary property within the vitamin that creates the protein, known by the more popular term, collagen. Vitamin C promotes hair health, reduces hair loss, and improves hair growth.
Regulates Calcium Levels: Magnesium helps to regulate calcium levels in the body, which is important for healthy hair growth. Calcium buildup in the hair follicles can lead to hair breakage and hair loss, and magnesium helps to prevent this by ensuring that calcium is properly regulated.
Significantly exceeding this dose, however, can cause illness. In general, the symptoms of vitamin toxicity include nausea, gastrointestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea, hair loss, rashes, and nerve damage.
Regular intake of excessive quantities of certain nutrients can cause hair loss in some cases due to a temporary condition known as Telogen Effluvium. However, the effects of too much vitamin B7 - also known as biotin toxicity - remain unconfirmed.
Zinc is also an essential nutrient for hair growth, and a severe zinc deficiency could lead to hair loss.
A Fine Line to Walk
This includes hair, and it can cause hair loss. Too much zinc can lead to health issues, as well as not enough zinc. One of these issues is a deficiency in other minerals our bodies need, including copper, magnesium and iron, which can lead to hair loss.
Adults should avoid taking more than 40 mg of zinc each day. If you accidentally take more than this, it's more likely to cause stomach symptoms than any serious health problems. Check with your healthcare provider if you are considering taking zinc supplements.
Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.
Eggs are power-packed with proteins, minerals, and B-complex vitamins (2). These nutrients, especially biotin and other B-complex vitamins, can help curb hair loss by strengthening the roots of your hair (3). The nutrients also help stimulate new hair growth, adding volume and thickening your hair.
Iron and Hair Health. If you are not getting enough iron through your diet, you may experience excessive hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium). You may also find that your hair will not grow past a certain length.