Hair loss is one of those more embarrassing side effects of aging. About 35 million men have male pattern baldness. For some, it starts as early as their 20s.
And though rarely talked about, more than 40% of females also suffer from hair loss. An estimated 30 million. And since hair loss is mostly inherited, there’s not much we can do to prevent it.1
But new studies show it may be easier than we think. There’s one simple vitamin that could put these other “solutions” out of business…
Splitting Hairs
Hair transplants cost between $4,000 and $15,000. Insurance rarely covers it.2 Plus there are risks involved, including bleeding and scars, grafts not taking, and infection.3
Then there are prescription drugs…
They can cause depression and sexual side effects. “Men taking medication for hair loss may suffer from prolonged and possibly irreversible sexual dysfunction,” warns Dr. Michael S. Irwig. He’s Assistant Professor of Medicine at George Washington University.4
Talk about ridiculous. Most men want to regrow their hair to feel better about themselves and look more attractive to others… yet the drugs can completely rob their manhood!
It isn’t any better for women. The American Hair Loss Association reports,“While many drugs may work to some degree for some women, doctors are reluctant to prescribe them.” But, “drug companies aren’t exactly falling over themselves to test existing or new drugs…”5
But natural health researchers are. And new studies suggest one vitamin may play a role in sprouting new hair follicles.
I’m talking about vitamin D. One of the most popular supplements on the market. One you can get for a few dollars at the store or online.
Recently, researchers found that giving vitamin D to lab mice helped stem cells grow new hair follicles. They published their findings in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.6
Microscopic receptors that bind to vitamin D in the skin have become the main focus for many research teams.
Vitamin D won’t bring back hair that’s already gone.7 But a lack of the vitamin in the body could speed up the hair loss process.1
The Mayo Clinic reminds us that as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure may be enough to prevent deficiencies.8
There is concern, however, that we don’t get enough vitamin D through either sun exposure or diet.9 Especially if you live in an area of the country without much sun… Take a supplement.
You can also get plenty of the nutrient from natural foods. Fatty fish and fish oils are an excellent source. Milk is fortified with vitamin D. Of course raw is always your best bet. Some brands of orange juice are too. Plus cheese, yogurts and egg yolks.
We knew vitamin D is essential for strong, healthy bones. We also knew it’s vital for healthy skin and lustrous hair. And now the latest studies offer exciting news about vitamin D and hair loss.
So get outside… and make sure you’re getting enough.
References:
1http://www.ishrs.org/hair-restoration-faq.htm
2http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-transplants
3http://www.massgeneral.org/conditions/condition.aspx?id=52
4http://gwtoday.gwu.edu/drug%27s-unintended-consequences
5http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/treatment.asp
6http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v132/n4/full/jid2011430a.html
7http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443921504577643442954317340.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
8http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind
9http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120531102338.htm