Micronutrients For Hair Loss

Micronutrient deficiencies can significantly impact hair growth, as hair follicles require a steady supply of vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy function. For example, iron deficiency, one of the most common causes of hair loss, can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase. Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, which helps deliver oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting growth and strength. Without sufficient iron, hair follicles may not receive the oxygen they need, resulting in weak or thinning hair.

Similarly, deficiencies in other key micronutrients like zinc, biotin, and vitamins D and B12 can also disrupt the hair growth cycle. Zinc plays a role in DNA and RNA production, which is essential for normal hair follicle development and function. Biotin, a B vitamin, is often associated with hair health, as it supports keratin production, the primary protein in hair. Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles also contribute to the hair growth cycle, and a deficiency can lead to hair thinning or loss. Ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients through diet or supplementation is vital for maintaining healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Micronutrient Deficiencies for Hair Loss

You are probably more familiar with the term, macronutrients, which refers to fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Micronutrients refer to the vitamins and minerals your body needs to produce enzymes, hormones, and other essential substances that are needed for healthy hair growth.

Four Categories of Micronutrients:

Each of these sub-groups contains important nutrients that we must obtain through our diet or supplements.

water-soluble vitamins

vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)

vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

fat-soluble vitamins

vitamin A, D, E, K

microminerals

calcium

phosphorus

magnesium

sodium

chloride

potassium

trace minerals

iron

copper

zinc

selenium

iodine

One test that can be beneficial on your hair growth journey is called a micronutrient test, which is a blood test looking at specific micronutrients on a cellular level. A micronutrient test will tell you if you have functional and/or a borderline deficiency with any of these nutrients. It’s impossible to obtain the proper amount of nutrients from one’s diet alone. In addition, many people land somewhere on the spectrum of having gut health issues, such as intestinal impermeability, prohibiting the proper breakdown and absorption of these nutrients. Poor gut health is caused by many factors, including Celiac Disease, SIBO, IBS, IBD, other gastrointestinal issues, poor gut microbes, thyroid disease, poor eating habits, gluten-containing foods, sugar, yeast overgrowth, poor glutathione production, cancer, toxins from our food, air, and environment in which we may live in, drugs, alcohol, and more. When our cellular functioning is compromised, you may experience hair loss. You may be eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet, but if your gut health is compromised, your cells will not get what they need. Your hair growth may also be affected if you’re eating a poor diet, not enough protein, and too many processed food items. Results from a micronutrient test pave the way for a more personalized approach to supplements and nutrition to support healthy hair growth. For menopausal women, it’s been shown that gut health is adversely affected starting in perimenopause, which is a time when many midlife women experience hair thinning.

Stacking Hair Growth Protocols:

Micronutrient testing is a tool to use right out of the gate when starting your hair growth journey. You can spend a lot of money buying supplements online because you read somewhere that it supports hair growth. And for some, that may work. For most, it’s the opposite. Learn more about other hair loss protocols in another blog post about hair loss. Or, listen to an informative podcast about hair loss with even more alternative therapies. Most women will require a stacked protocol, beginning with a healthy lifestyle, specific testing, and certain supplements, medications, and/or other regenerative therapies. I cover these options in this podcast.

Learn more about the JFW Hair Loss Health Coach Package and Menopause Health Coach Package, which include a micronutrient testing option.

This blog is not to be used as medical advice or for making any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.