Supplements That May Cause Hair Loss

Most people shed between 50 and 100 hairs each day, but that amount should not be noticeable with over 100,000 hairs on the scalp. Gradual thinning of the hair is a normal part of aging. While poor nutrition can lead to hair loss, some supplements can also be a cause.

Diets

• A diet that lacks protein or one that is low in iron can cause hair loss. Crash diets, fad diets, and eating disorders can also lead to hair loss.

Causes

• Individuals react to certain medicines differently and some have adverse effects. Birth control pills, high blood pressure medicines, and some drugs used for the treatment of gout, arthritis, heart disease, and depression may result in hair loss.

Warning

• Hair loss can be attributed to excessive amounts of vitamin A. This condition is called hypervitaminosis. The recommended amount of vitamin A is 5,000 IU per day. Amounts of 25,000 IU or more may be toxic and cause temporary hair loss.

Misconceptions

• Frequent shampooing, wearing hats and/or wigs, permanents, standing on one's head, and dandruff do not cause hair loss.

Fact

• Hormonal changes, stress, poor eating habits, and certain illness can cause hair loss. Anemia and thyroid disorders can also lead to excessive shedding. Even after a person is treated and recovering from a condition, new hair growth can take up to three months.

Prevention/Solution

• Proper nutrition and a diet rich in protein and iron can help guard against hair loss. Avoiding excessive amounts of vitamin A and stress also prevents hair loss. For some men and women hair loss may be inevitable, but women especially can keep what they have with proper diet and supplements and even encourage more hair growth.