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Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a variety of issues, including hair loss. This Vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss can be addressed with appropriate treatment that restores your vitamin levels to normal, thereby regrowing lost hair. Vitamin B12 is also responsible for helping the body produce red blood cells, which supply oxygen to your hair follicles. So when you develop a vitamin B12 deficiency, your hair can prematurely shift from the growth stage to the shedding stage, leading to thinning and weak hair.
A simple blood test will help you diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss. Usually, the treatment will involve dietary changes and supplement intake. But before we move on to understanding vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss treatment in depth, let’s learn more about what vitamin B12 does for your hair and the vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms on hair.
Why does your body need vitamin B12?
To understand why vitamin B12 deficiency for hair occurs, it is important to know exactly what it is. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that your body doesn’t produce. You receive it from the foods you intake, primarily non-vegetarian foods like meat, fish, eggs and dairy. You can also get your share of vitamin B12 through supplements.
There are key roles your vitamin B12 aims to serve -
- Formation of red blood cells
- DNA synthesis, and
- Nerve health
As it is water-soluble, vitamin B12 is expelled from your body when it is not used. Notably, your liver can store vitamin B12 for nearly five years. And this is why, at times, vitamin B12 deficiency gradually creeps up, developing slowly and going unnoticed.
Vitamin B12 facilitates several functions in your body -
- It helps produce red blood cells.
- It supports the health of your nervous system.
- Vitamin B12 can also boost your mood. Research indicates that when you develop a vitamin B12 deficiency, you are likely to go through mood shifts, persistent fatigue and memory difficulties.
- It also plays a role in the health of your skin, nails, and, more relevantly, your hair.
Why does vitamin B12 matter specifically for hair?
The fastest-dividing cells in your body are hair follicles. To sustain that growth, you need to consistently supply oxygen and the necessary nutrients to your hair follicles, all of which are delivered through your blood.
When your vitamin B12 levels are good, the production of your red blood cells runs smoothly. These cells deliver oxygen to your scalp and hair follicles. But even more importantly, keep them in the growth phase. However, when there is a drop in your vitamin B12 levels, your system begins to break down.
To make it easier, vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss takes place in this manner:
- First, there is a drop in red blood cell production
- Second, there is a decline in the delivery of oxygen to the scalp
- Third, hair follicles begin to prematurely move to the resting phase
- Fourth, hair is shedding at a much faster rate.
As the loss of hair is diffuse rather than a predictable or recognisable pattern, it takes a while before you realise there is something to worry about.
Vitamin B12 also plays a part in producing keratin, which is a protein that helps to structure and strengthen your hair. When there is a dip in vitamin B12 levels, your hair also becomes brittle, dry and prone to breakage. You may even find a change in texture. There is a possibility of premature greying, while your scalp may dry out.
Do keep in mind that vitamin B12 is rarely the sole cause of hair loss. In fact, in most cases, the reasons for hair loss are multifactorial. A B12 deficiency is often known to overlap with other conditions, like:
- Iron deficiency
- Thyroid disorders
- Chronic stress
- Poor gut health
For women, during their reproductive age, a heavy menstrual blood loss could also exacerbate the condition. A dangerous blend of low iron and vitamin B12 only makes hair shedding more visible.
However, there is some encouraging news. Hair fall due to a lack of B12 is usually reversible. But it all depends on the timing. The longer it is untreated, the harder it gets to reverse the damage.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms of hair
Here are some symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that show up in your hair and body:
|
Hair signals for vitamin B12 hair loss |
Body signals for vitamin B12 hair loss |
|
|
Now, these symptoms aren’t exclusive to vitamin B12 deficiency. But when you begin noticing several of them along with hair loss, it is a sign to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Plus, it is relatively simple to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency. All it requires is a blood test to determine if your vitamin B12 levels are low.
Who is at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Certain people are more susceptible to developing a vitamin B12 deficiency than others. And it isn’t always a dietary issue. At times, it could even be biological, tied to your medication or your health. So, let’s understand who is at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vegetarians and vegans
Vegetarians and vegans are at greater risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. And without any supplementation, there is a high probability of developing the deficiency over time.
Older adults
There is an elevated risk for older adults, too. As you age, there is a natural decrease in your production of stomach acids. Even if your dietary intake is appropriate, your vitamin B12 absorption may be weak.
People with digestive conditions
Individuals suffering from gastritis, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease will likely develop a vitamin B12 deficiency even when they consume animal products. Furthermore, long-term use of acid-suppressing drugs can deplete vitamin B12 reserves by interfering with the stomach's ability to release the vitamin for absorption. It is also important to note that those who have undergone bariatric (weight loss) surgery are at a significantly higher risk due to structural changes in the digestive tract.
Women of reproductive age
Women in their reproductive age who face heavy periods and have a low dietary intake increase their chances of a vitamin B12 deficiency. And when iron deficiency is present, it only gets worse.
Can a vegetarian diet provide sufficient B12 for healthy hair?
Yes, but it requires a strategic approach. Since Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal tissues, vegetarians have fewer natural food sources available. Without careful planning, a deficiency can develop over time, leading to noticeable hair thinning and reduced hair density as follicle health declines.
Fortified food like plant-based milks, breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast in your diet can help to increase your vitamin B12 levels.
Another recommended viable option can come from supplements. Because your body cannot store vitamin B12, it needs to be replenished regularly. So, if you feel fatigued or notice more hair strands than usual, maybe it is time to check your vitamin B12 levels for hair.
How do you diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss?
To get an accurate diagnosis for vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss, the process is actually quite straightforward.
Typically, a vitamin B12 blood test measures your circulating levels. If it is:
|
Level |
Range |
What it translates to |
|
Deficient |
Below 200 pg/ml |
Your body lacks the necessary vitamin B12 |
|
Borderline |
Between 200 and 300 pg/ml |
Your body has low vitamin B12, but it is not critical |
|
Sufficient |
Above 300 pg/ml |
You have enough vitamin B12 for hair growth |
You can also do a complete blood count test to check the health of your red blood cells. For those who are borderline, additional clarity came through a methylmalonic acid test. Your doctor could also ask for a thyroid and iron level check-up to exclude overlapping cases.
Your symptoms cannot confirm whether you are vitamin B12 deficient. And that is why you need to do the tests to confirm your diagnosis.
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss
When treating hair loss due to vitamin B12 deficiency, the goal is to restore and stabilise your B12 levels. How you achieve this depends on the severity of the condition and what is causing it.
In cases of severe deficiency, the most effective way is through vitamin B12 injections. Here, the medication bypasses the digestive system. This proves to be vital for anyone with absorption issues. Those with a mild or moderate deficiency can use oral supplements to replenish their B12 levels.
Your diet also matters. Animal products are the richest source of vitamin B12, so you may want to re-examine your diet. But when levels are genuinely low, supplementation is essential.
Hair regrowth is entirely possible with vitamin B12 correction, but it is slow. You may begin to notice a reduction in shedding within a few months, though visible regrowth will take a little longer. All you can do is be patient, because that is just part of the process.
How to maintain an optimal vitamin B12 level?
Consistency is the key to preventing vitamin B12 hair loss. Here’s how -
- Regularly have B12-rich foods in your diet
- Annually check your B12 levels
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress and exercise regularly
Remember, hair loss is not a cosmetic concern; it is a signal to a deeper issue.
For a well-rounded approach to hair health, you can try Traya’s Ultimate Hair Supplements Combo that combines 20+ herbs and essential nutrients, informed by Ayurveda, Allopathy and Nutrition to support hair health.
Vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss is quite common and usually goes undiagnosed. It is often overlooked as a reason for hair fall. But treatment is possible. And with the right treatment and patience, you will see improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions -
1. Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause hair loss?
Yes, when your vitamin B12 is low, it can indeed cause hair loss. Vitamin B12 deficiency disrupts the production of your red blood cells and reduces the cell division process. Both of these are essential for healthy hair growth.
2. Should I take B12 supplements for hair growth when I have a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, you can take it. When you experience hair loss due to a vitamin B12 deficiency, taking any corrective measures, like B12 supplements, is a step in the right direction.
3. How long does it take to see improvement after treating B12 deficiency?
You are likely to see signs of recovery within two to three months of treatment as shedding reduces. Of course, visible regrowth takes a bit longer, taking up nearly six months or more.
4. Does having a vitamin B12 deficiency mean I lose my hair permanently?
No, it does not. However, you need to identify and treat it quickly, before prolonged damage can take place.
5. Who is most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?
People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Older adults and people with chronic digestive disorders are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Even women who undergo heavy menstrual cycles and blood loss are likely to develop this condition.
6. Can I get enough vitamin B12 from a diet alone?
Yes, you definitely can. Animal products are the richest source of vitamin B12. If you follow a plant-based diet, consume fortified food like plant-based milks, breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast to maintain your B12 levels.
References:
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/vitamin-b12-deficiency-what-to-know.h00-159853767.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22831-vitamin-b12-deficiency
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441923/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/symptoms/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35337631/#:~:text=Abstract,Copyright%20%C2%A9%202022%20Elsevier%20Inc
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1113996
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