Vitamins that are used to prevent hair loss can cause hair loss

Certain nutrients that are necessary for healthy hair growth can actually cause hair loss if taken in excess, proving that sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. Sometimes the exact supplements we are taking to prevent hair loss will have the opposite effect if we are not careful.

SELENIUM

Selenium is an essential trace element that acts as an antioxidant. Deficiency of this important nutrient can contribute to autoimmune disorders, thyroid imbalances, lower immune function, and other medical conditions. Supplementation is often recommended for a wide variety of health conditions.

Selenium helps keep skin and hair healthy, supple and elastic. Selenium is also well known as an effective anti-dandruff agent.

There is a fine line between too much and too little. High blood levels can cause toxicity known as selenosis. One of the main symptoms of selenosis is hair loss. With this condition, the detachment can become extensive, if intake is not reduced. People with selenosis also report dull strands that lose their waviness, curl, or bounce. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair can also fall out due to this condition. Other symptoms include white spots on the nails and nail deterioration, unexplained fatigue, and gastrointestinal difficulties.

The RDA for adults is 55 mcg. The tolerable upper level is 400 mcg. Deficiency is rare in the United States, as the main source of selenium comes from plant foods grown in selenium-rich soil. Other sources include Brazil nuts, shellfish, sardines and other fish, sunflower seeds, chicken, beef, eggs, and many other foods. Supplementation is not usually necessary unless there is deficiency or malabsorption.

VITAMIN A

This information applies to the retinol form of vitamin A, often referred to as preformed vitamin A. This is the kind found in animal sources, such as liver, egg yolks, whole milk, cod liver oil, butter, and cheese. Not to be confused with beta-carotene, also known as provitamin A, which is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and other fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin A is well known for its beneficial effects on vision and eye health and the immune system. It also has many other important functions, such as keeping your skin and hair healthy. It works to combat dryness, lubricating the skin and scalp to produce smooth skin and a shiny, shiny lock of hair, and is used to treat many skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, wrinkles, and sunburn.

Too much vitamin A can cause toxicity known as “hypervitaminosis A.” Hair loss and itchy skin are among the common symptoms of this condition. Toxicity is most often due to the use of synthetic vitamin A supplements or prescriptions, rather than food sources. Oral retinol medications used for acne or other skin conditions are known to cause hair loss and dry, brittle strands that are prone to breakage.

COPPER

Copper is necessary for iron metabolism, red blood cell formation, and many other functions. Its role in skin and hair includes pigmentation, follicle stimulation, collagen and elastin formation. Although copper is needed in small amounts, too much can have detrimental effects such as mental illness, nervous system disorders, Candida overgrowth, chronic infections, anxiety, depression, acne, and hair loss. Copper excess is more common than deficiency. Copper is present in many common foods. Although it is included in many nutritional supplements, it is easy to get enough (or more than enough) through diet alone.

Copper and zinc must be intricately balanced. Excess copper depletes zinc. A person can inadvertently cause a zinc deficiency by supplementing with copper and eating a large number of foods high in copper. Zinc is very important for proper hair growth, which is one reason excess copper can cause hair loss and unhealthy hair.

Vegetarians are at risk of high copper and low zinc intake. Women who use copper contraceptives or IUDs are also at risk, as are people who use copper cookware or drink water that is high in copper.

IODINE

Iodine deficiency can have serious effects. One of the most important functions of iodine is to help the thyroid gland produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. Too much iodine can have the opposite effect. In fact, it can hamper your thyroid’s ability to keep your hormones in proper balance. Too much iodine can trigger or worsen Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common form of hypothyroidism also known as autoimmune hypothyroidism. It can also contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism. Hair loss is a common symptom of these conditions. Excess iodine can cause hair loss, dry skin, and rashes. Supplementation should only be used when there is a deficiency, and in the precise amount needed to maintain a safe optimal level in the body.

Nutritional therapy through diet and supplementation can improve hair condition and overall health. To have a positive effect, the nutrients must be well balanced in adequate amounts. Unfortunately, many people tend to supplement at random. This can cause more harm than good. Nutritional therapy works best if the person knows their current levels of individual nutrients and manages them accordingly to avoid deficiencies or excesses in any particular nutrient.