Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a cofactor involved in essential body processes such as cellular metabolism, DNA replication and red blood cell formation. Inadequate dietary B12, or poor absorption of vitamin B12 can cause a deficiency with a range of signs, symptoms and disorders. While the most notable impact of a deficiency involves the blood, gastrointestinal or nervous system, a shortfall of this vitamin can cause hair changes, including hair loss. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a serious health condition, so consult your doctor if you suspect you have a deficiency. Deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, is the information within each cell that carries the instructions for growth, development and functioning of all body cells, tissues and organs. When the cell reproduces, it must first make a copy of -- or replicate its DNA. Hair growth is dependent on synthesis of DNA and adequate vitamin B12, among other nutrients. So a potential sign of vitamin B12 deficiency is hair loss.
B12 deficiency might not occur in isolation, however. If accompanied by severe protein or calorie malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia and other nutrient deficiencies, such as those caused by gastrointestinal disorders and poor digestion or absorption of nutrients, hair loss could occur as a result of a deficiency other than B12. Despite the essential role of vitamin B12 in DNA replication and hair growth, there is little research to link a deficiency of B12 to hair loss. For example, a January 2015 study published in “World Gastroenterology Journal” studied people with inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that may lead to B12 deficiency, and found no association between a deficit of this vitamin and hair loss. A report published in the July-September 2010 issue of “Indian Journal of Dermatology” addressed that hair changes, but not necessarily hair loss, are linked to vitamin B12 deficiency. Hypopigmentation of the hair, or loss of hair color, has been reported with a deficit of B12, according to a report published in the August 1986 issue of “Archives of Dermatology.”
Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by localized hair loss, or spot baldness. According to a July 2003 report in “American Family Physician,” certain conditions may accompany this form of alopecia, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions and pernicious anemia -- a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. In pernicious anemia, the intrinsic factor necessary for vitamin B12 absorption is lacking, often due to an autoimmune factor. However, the specific cause of alopecia areata is unknown, and it’s unclear how common this B12 link really is. While some case reports show a link, a study of 75 people with alopecia areata, published in the March 2013 “Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology,” found no link between vitamin B12 deficiency and this form of hair loss. While B12 deficiency can occur at any age, it’s estimated that 20 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 60 are deficient in this vitamin, according to a September 2014 report in “BMJ.” Particularly in the early stages, this deficiency can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so diverse.
Deficiency of vitamin B12 can affect a wide range of body functions, including anemia, nerve damage, depression, dementia, balance problems -- and skin and hair changes. If you think you have a B12 deficiency, see your doctor for evaluation and recommendations. Vitamin B12 deficiency can pose serious and life threatening risks to your health, so don’t delay in seeking treatment. Reviewed by: Kay Peck, MPH, RD Vitamin B-12 Deficiency & Vision Severe Vitamin B12 Symptoms and Involuntary Movements B-12 Deficiency & Burning Feet B Complex Vitamin Daily Requirements Ingredients of Vitamin B12 Injections Symptoms of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency What Happens to Your Body If You Have a Lot of Vitamin B? Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B6 & B12 Deficiency Symptoms of Low B12 B12 Under the Tongue List of Foods That Contain Vitamin B-2 Vitamin B-12 Deficiency & Paresthesia What Is the Difference Between an Injection of B12 and Taking It Under Your Tongue?
Chronic Gastritis & B-12 Deficiency Vitamin B12 Test Range Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Folate DeficiencyDo B Vitamins Help Stop Hair Loss? 2 The B Vitamins 3 The Basics of Vitamin B and Your Hair 4 Other Facts about B Vitamins for Hair Loss A water soluble compound, vitamin B consists of different variants that can be found in foods that are rich in proteins. Vitamin B can be found sin foods such as soy nuts, carrots, eggs and meat. Thus, most people can easily get vitamin B as it is found in foods in a regular diet. However, keep in mind, since the B vitamins are water-soluble, any excess of the vitamin is easily flushed out of the body. Eating food with vitamin B content will reduce hair loss and increase hair growth. Vitamin B refers to a group of eight vitamins which, although related, are clearly different. At one time the B vitamins were thought to be one. When it was discovered they were distinct, quite a number of compounds were once thought to belong to the family.
Such compounds include carnitine, once Vitamin B20; para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), once Vitamin B10; adenine, once Vitamin B4. The eight members of the B complex are B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin, B5 or pantothenic acid, B6 or pyridoxine, B7 or biotin, B9 or folic acid, and B12 or Cobalamin. These B vitamins are all water-soluble, therefore, they are extensively distributed in the body and easily eliminated in the urine. Because of the later reason, most of them are safe even in large doses. However, there are cases of toxicities for Vitamin B6 and B3. The B vitamins are essential to many biochemical processes in the body including regulation of hormones, minerals and general metabolism. They are important to the nervous system and enhance the immune system; they help maintain healthy muscle tone, skin, nails and hair; they are needed for cell division and are known to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers (for example, pancreatic cancer). It is possible to develop a deficiency for each of the B vitamins.
This happens when they are not adequately supplied in the diet or when their absorptions are hindered. A deficiency of Vitamin B1 results in beriberi; without Vitamin B2 a number of symptoms including dry skin, inflammation of mucosal membranes and dermatitis results; Vitamin B3 deficiency presents as pellagra, dermatitis and mental confusion. Vitamin B5 deficiency is uncommon but when it occurs, it results in acne, itching, tingling skin and loss of sensation in the fingers and toes; Vitamin B6 deficiency results in anemia, hypertension and dermatitis; Vitamin B7 deficiency is rarely seen in adults but in children it can impair growth and cause nerve damage. Both Vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies result in anemia and elevated homocysteine levels. They may also lead to neurological damages. Dietary sources of B vitamins include plants and animals. The only exception is Vitamin B12 which is only present in animal products. Meat including fish, meat products and animal liver are good sources of the B vitamins.
They can also be found in large quantities in molasses, yeast, beans, whole grains, chili pepper, bananas and potatoes. While there are supplements of B vitamins formulated singly, with other B vitamins as Vitamin B complex and with other vitamins as multivitamin preparations, unwarranted Vitamin B supplementation should be avoided. This is because after absorbing what it can use, the body simply eliminates any excess Vitamin B. Vitamin B supplements are especially recommended for the aged and those undergoing stressful activities. Vitamin B9 is a solid recommendation for pregnant women since a deficiency in the vitamin especially early in the embryo development can lead to birth defects. B vitamin supplements should be considered in the treatment of hair loss especially when the alopecia is due to vitamin deficiency. For balding people who smoke or drink considerably, this is most likely the cause of their hair loss. Still, other people experiencing thinning hair should consult their doctors to know if they are deficient in any of the B vitamins.
Considering the number of biochemical processes dependent on the B vitamins, it is clear that Vitamin B supplements can promote hair growth and stop hair loss. They especially nourish cells of the hair follicles. Some of the B vitamins known to help reverse hair loss include Vitamin B3, B5, B6 and B12. Similarly, deficiencies in Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 cause hair loss which can be stopped with adequate supplementation. In treating hair loss, the B vitamins deliver great results when they are paired with Zinc. Together, zinc and the B vitamins may inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is synthesized from testosterone and is regarded as the main cause of androgen-dependent alopecia. It causes the rapid decline of hair follicle cells both in number and activity. Therefore, immediate supplementation with B vitamins is needed to quickly reverse hair loss due to DHT. The fact of the matter is that, a healthy diet leads to better overall health and the better their eyes, skin, nails and hair will be.