B12

VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY AND HAIR LOSS

Every cell in the body uses vitamin B12. It contributes to the maintenance of healthy nervous system function and is crucial for DNA synthesis. Red blood cells must be formed as well. It aids in the metabolism of amino acids, which is vital for the health of your hair (the building blocks of hair). Additionally, it supports the health of your red blood cells, enabling them to adequately oxygenate all of your tissues, including your hair follicles.

When your body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 from your diet due to the condition known as pernicious anaemia, you may experience vitamin B12 insufficiency. It may also occur if your diet is deficient in foods high in vitamin B12 or if you are using drugs that prevent the absorption of this vitamin. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include; extreme tiredness, lack of energy, muscle weakness, disturbed vision, low mood, hair loss and premature greying of hair.

B12 & Your Hair

Hair is made of a protein called keratin. This substance is dead, which is why it doesn’t hurt when you get your hair cut. But, your hair follicles, located just under the surface of your skin, are very much alive. The bulb, which is the bottom part of the follicle, is made up of the fastest growing cells in the human body, dividing every 23 to 72 hours.

At the base of the bulb is the papilla, which contains blood vessels. Its main job is to connect your follicles to your body’s blood supply to deliver the oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth. Since B12 helps produce red blood cells, having enough of this vitamin is essential to the hair growth process. When hair loss and/or hair thinning is an issue, you will require periodic B12 injections encouraging regrowth.