New
Research Links Causes Of Hair Loss To Nutritional Deficiency
By Rebecca Prescott
Whilst it may be comforting to know that humans are not
alone in suffering hair loss (primates such as monkeys also
experience thinning on their head) - understanding the causes
of hair loss means we can take proactive action. Even though
genetics does play a part, new research has uncovered a
nutritional deficiency link in both men and women. And other
factors, such as stress, and poor hair care, are well within
our capacity to change.
The
genetic link in hair loss has been well studied. It is associated
with male and female pattern hair loss, or alopecia. In
these individuals there is an increased sensitivity to the
sex hormone, DHT. DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone, and
is a powerful metabolite of testosterone. It contributes
to men's unique gender characteristics, as well as facial
and body hair, and the deepening of men's voices at puberty.
DHT
causes the growth cycle of hair follicles to shorten, which
in turn reduces the size of the hair shaft. Increasingly
narrower hair is grown, sometimes as fine as fluff, and
in more extreme cases, there is complete hair loss in that
area.
In
women, estrogen usually counteracts the effects of testosterone.
But when women go through menopause, or suffer hormonal
imbalances, the reduction in estrogen can lead to female
pattern baldness. Fortunately, this is not as drastic in
its hair loss effects as male pattern baldness. Instead
the hair tends to thin, and the crown parting becomes wider.
But
a very interesting study by L'Oreal has linked an iron deficiency
to hair loss, in both men and women. This was a placebo
controlled, double blind study in which 13,000 healthy men
and women took a supplement, and had the ferritin (iron)
levels in their blood measured and cross referenced with
information on their hair loss.
The
results showed not only a link between hair loss and iron
deficiency, but they were able to estimate the risk of hair
loss in a certain level of iron deficiency. For example,
women whose blood ferritin levels dropped from a normal
70µg/l to 40µg/l, had a 28% higher chance of
severe hair loss. The post menopausal women in the study
who had severe hair loss all had much lower levels of iron
than the women who didn't have severe hair loss.
The
problem with iron supplementation, however, is that excess
iron builds up in the body's tissues and becomes toxic.
It has been associated with an increased risk of developing
chronic illnesses. Iron levels can be tested by a doctor,
so if hair loss is a concern, its best to get your iron
levels tested first before taking iron supplements.
Other
potential causes of hair loss - or at least, contributing
factors are stress and poor hair care practices. Not brushing
hair regularly, or washing it regularly, can affect the
normal hair growth cycle.
When
hair that is naturally at the end of its life cycle is removed
through brushing, it allows another hair to grow underneath
it. Regular brushing naturally removes dead hair that is
ready to fall out. Not removing that hair means new growth
cannot occur, as the old hair smothers the new growth. Dirt
and oil build up can have a similar effect, so its important
to wash hair regularly.
Stress
can affect the circulation of nutrients and oxygen to the
scalp, by causing the muscles in the scalp to tighten. If
this happens over a long period of time, premature hair
loss can occur. This cause of hair loss is distinct from
male pattern baldness (which is hormonal), but it can certainly
exacerbate the condition. And stress reduction techniques
are simple things that can be added to a daily routine,
to prevent hair loss, and improve the overall quality of
life.
References:
1. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=49692
2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_loss
Rebecca
Prescott is a health writer with articles on hair growth
products and hair loss here: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/sp-premature-hair-loss.html
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Presco
