Unlocking the Power of Vitamin B12: Why It’s Essential for Healthy Hair and How to Spot Deficiency Signs That Impact Hair Growth

Why Vitamin B12 Is Essential for Healthy Hair

• It is also known as cobalamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin that supports various bodily functions.
• It’s vital role is producing red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. For healthy hair, it delivers the oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which are the foundation of hair growth. 

Vitamin B12 benefits for hair growth:

Supports Red Blood Cell Production:

• Vitamin B12 promotes red blood cells that are essential for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body, including the scalp and hair follicles. A rich supply of oxygen promotes healthy hair follicles, which boosts hair strength and growth.

Helps in DNA Production:

• Vitamin B12 is necessary in DNA synthesis, a method that contributes to the formation and repair of hair cells. It is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of the hair shaft, minimising breakage and improving growth of hair.

Regulates Energy and Mood:

• Low levels of Vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and mood swings. B12 helps you maintain the energy needed for a healthy metabolism and improved hair condition. 

Promotes Scalp Health:

• A healthy scalp is the foundation to healthy hair and vitamin b12 helps in hair growth and keeps the scalp well-nourished. A lack of this vitamin may lead to dryness, flakiness, and overall poor scalp health, which can weaken the hair roots.

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency effects on hair growth:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency can have widespread effects on hair baldness and causes hair loss 
• Low Vitamin B12 intake is linked to hair loss, as it leads to reduced red blood cell production. This results in poor circulation to the hair follicles, causing hair loss and dullness.

Specific symptoms of Hair loss:

Increased Hair Shedding:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to hair thinning and excessive hair loss. When the hair follicles don’t receive enough amount of oxygen, they enter a dormant phase, leading to premature hair fall.

Brittle and Dull Hair

• Vitamin B12 deficiency causes hair fall, makes hair brittle and prone to breakage. This shortage  of vitality comes because the hair cells aren’t getting the nutrients to grow strong healthy hair. 

Scalp Issues:

• With a dry, itchy, or flaky scalp could be an early onset of Vitamin b12 deficiency. Since B12 is linked to cell production, a deficiency of it can cause the scalp to dry out, making it harder for hair to grow in the right direction.

Unexplained Fatigue and Weakness:

• A droplet in vitamin b12 can leave you feeling unusually tired, even if you’re getting enough rest. This fatigue influences bodily processes and can disrupt the hair growth cycle, ultimately to hair baldness.

 Memory and Concentration Issues:

• Vitamin B12 is necessary for brain function and leads to brain fog which could signal a feeling of lack of clarity. Cognitive sluggishness is a common side effect and can also contribute to stress, indirectly affecting hair health.

Sources of Vitamin B12 for Optimal Hair Health:

• Vitamin B12 is present in animal products. The people who are fond of vegetarian or vegan diets often face problems maintaining adequate levels. Following are the resources to consider:

Animal Products:

• Non vegetarian foods, such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy are rich resources of Vitamin B12. By adopting Vitamin B12, your diet will help in your overall well being. 

 Fortified Foods:

• People who eat vegetarian foods should consume B12-fortified foods such as cereals, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast. This acts as a better alternative and works well. 

 Supplements

• If your diet doesn’t provide enough B12, supplements can help fill the gap and promote hair growth. There are various forms of B12 supplements, including capsules, gummies, and injections, which are recommended under medical supervision.

 Intramuscular Injections

• In severe deficiency cases which cannot be treated with supplements, some healthcare vitamin B12 injections for quicker hair growth and absorption. This procedure ensures the body receives the nutrient without relying on the digestive system.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy B12 Levels:

• Follow regular check-ups for maintaining healthy best Vitamin B12 levels for hair loss.

•  Always aim for a balanced diet that includes foods rich in B12, or consider fortified options if you're plant-based.

• Always ensure to take a multivitamin that includes B12 can help maintain adequate levels and fill any nutritional gaps.

• Maintaining a clean, well-moisturised scalp helps B12 work effectively to strengthen hair from the root.

Therefore, consuming vitamin b12 treats alopecia Areata,  particularly for strong, healthy hair. With DermaQ, you can easily check your Vitamin B12 levels test from the comfort of your home and easily connect with our experienced doctors through online consultation. The tests are conducted in partnership with Tata 1 mg labs.

Take charge of your hair health, book a Vitamin B12 test today to prevent hair loss with  DermaQ and consult a dermatologist to know what’s causing your hair fall.