There have been several studies alluding to a role that Vitamin D3 may play in the treatment of Androgenetic and other forms of hair loss. Vitamin D3 deficiency is now an accepted and established Western societal epidemic. It is highly likely that this deficiency impacts hair growth in a negative way via several pathways. Hemoglobin status, specifically low ferritin (Iron) levels are a well-established correlate with hair loss, specifically women’s hair loss.
In humans, iron is an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport. It is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, decreased immunity and diminished hair growth. Conversely, excess amounts of iron can result in toxicity and even death.
Low hemoglobin, particularly Vitamin D deficiency, are almost always over-looked by doctors treating women’s (and men’s) hair loss in the US, who typically have nothing more to offer to women than Rogaine, and in rare cases, Spironolactone, (which is a diuretic with anti-androgenic properties, that also increases the risk for breast cancer.)
This study, presented at the 2013 conference of the World Hair Restoration Society in Edinburgh points to the incredibly inexpensive possibility that Androgenetic Alopecia, in a high percentage women, may be resolved by simply normalizing Vitamin D3, Iron, and B12 levels. This can be easily and cheaply resolved via supplementation. Practically everyone, except those who surf every day in a tropical climate, would do well to supplement with 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3. This combination will likely benefit men with hair loss, to some degree, as well.
Evaluation of diffuse hair loss in premenopausal women in the Indian scenario
S Mutalik1 and S Pandit1,2 1Planet Skin, Pune, India and 2Pandit Clinic, Pune, India
Methodical evaluation of 50 women in the premenopausal age group from the Indian scenario suffering from diffuse hair loss was done considering the following hematological criteria: (1) hemoglobin concentration; (2) RBC indices; (3) transferrin saturation; (4) serum vitaminB12 level; and (5) serum vitaminD3 level. The diagnosis of alopecia was confirmed by clinical tests. In a few patients, where indicated, thyroid function tests and pelvic ultrasonography were done. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Most patients were in the age group 26–40. We found that there was a significant percentage of patients having deficiency of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12. Hemoglobin levels were low in a significant number of patients. The patients were treated for the underlying deficiencies and the patients were then followed up from 3 to 6 months. The treatments included hematinics, B12 injectables, or Vit D3 supplements, as per the need. We could follow up with 40 patients, and subjective and clinical evaluation of improvement in hair fall was noted. There were a significant number of patients showing moderate to dramatic improvement in the hair fall.
Vitamin D3 is available everywhere at a nominal cost. Iron and Vitamin B12 are cheaply available anywhere and everywhere as well.
By far the best absorbed and more importantly, non-toxic form of Iron is Iron Protein Succinylate.
Supplementation with Iron Protein Succinylate has been shown to:
* Promote healthy red blood cell formation.
* Support healthy oxygen-carrying capacity of blood (hemoglobin).
Iron Protein Succinylate is a highly absorbable form of iron and is easier on the stomach than other forms of iron. Unlike the most often supplemented form of iron, ferrous fumarate, Iron Protein Succinylate is a non-toxic iron compound.
Iron Protein Plus is an advanced non-toxic iron supplement that uses Iron Protein Succinylate.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 capsule
Servings Per Container 100
Amount Per Serving
Iron [from IronAid Iron Protein Succinylate (300 mg)] 15 mg
Other ingredients: rice flour, vegetable cellulose (capsule), ascorbyl palmitate.
Contains milk.
IronAid is a registered trademark of Chemi Nutra, U.S. Trademark Reg. No. 2680178.
Dosage and Use
Take one capsule daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Caution
Do not take this product unless you are truly deficient in iron. Excess iron may cause increased oxidation leading to inflammation.
Warnings
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE
Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.
When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.
For those wishing to replicate the intervention used in this study we recommend using a combination of 1-2 capsules a day of Iron Protein plus, in addition to 5000 IU of Vitamin D3, and 5 mg of Methylcobalamin lozenges, an inexpensive and higher potency, more bioactive form of B12 that is better absorbed than the more commonly used cyanocobalamin, providing a convenient alternative to injections. If you can’t find Methylcobalamin locally, click here or call 1-888-577-4247. As mentioned, Vitamin D3 in a dose of at least 5,000 IU is available at any drugstore.