Vitamin B12 and Hair Loss

This vitamin can be compared to a human, why? Because as they say, no man is an island, we need other humans to coexist. The same goes with Vitamin B12, it needs another substance to survive, a good bacterium that is.

And just like humans, it can get so complicated too. Actually, it is the most complicated vitamin of all the vitamins in the world.

Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin is one of the eight water-soluble vitamins which cannot be found in fruits and vegetables, only in fish, poultry, meat, animal liver, shellfish, milk and egg. It contains cobalt, a biochemically rare substance and can only be synthesized by a bacteria of these species – aerobacter, agrobacterium, azatobacter, bacillus, flavobacterium, mycobacterium, propionibacterium and so on.

Although synthetic vitamins are available in pharmaceutical counters, it is not advised for people with skin sensitivity as it may cause allergies or for people with pre-existing blood disorders.

It may also induce diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems for some people with low tolerance to synthetic drugs.

This vitamin is actively involved in every of our cell’s metabolism, especially if it involves DNA synthesis, fatty acid synthesis and formation of red blood cells. It is highly essential for our brain and nervous system to function normally. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, weakness, loss of balance, memory loss and other cognitive deficits up to the extent of Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin B12 nurtures the scalp and repairs any damaged follicles. Because B12 helps the blood to carry oxygen to the different parts of the body, an insufficient supply cannot sustain a healthy hair thus shedding occurs leading to hair loss.

To avoid hair loss due to B12 deficiency, we should ensure that this vitamin is a regular part of our diet. We may also ask recommendation from our nutritionist/dietician on what specific brand of vitamin B12 supplement would be best to take that has no or minimal side-effects.

While we give importance to the value of this vitamin, we also shouldn’t forget the other vitamins needed to completely nourish ourselves.

For all of the vitamins and minerals have different roles to fulfill in taking care of all our human body system.

Because a healthy hair is a reflection on how much you care for your health and your whole being. Besides, glossy and bouncy hair never fails to attract the opposite sex.

Disclaimer: This article is not be taken as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor.