Hair loss can be a frustrating and confusing experience, especially when the cause is not immediately clear. While many people associate hair thinning with stress, hormones or age, nutritional deficiencies are also a significant factor. One of the lesser-known but important contributors to hair loss is a deficiency in vitamin B12. This vital nutrient plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair growth, and a lack of it can impact how your hair looks and feels.

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What is Vitamin B12 and Why Does it Matter for Hair?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that supports the nervous system, red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. It helps the body carry oxygen through the bloodstream, which is crucial for all growing tissues, including the hair follicles. Without enough oxygen and nutrients reaching the scalp, the hair growth cycle can become disrupted, leading to slower growth or excessive shedding.

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and for the body to produce healthy keratin, it needs a steady supply of nutrients like B12. If the supply becomes limited, hair follicles may shift into a resting phase more quickly, which can result in increased shedding and thinner-looking hair over time.

How Common is B12 Deficiency in the UK?

In the UK, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, particularly among older adults, vegans, vegetarians and people with digestive conditions such as pernicious anaemia or Crohn’s disease. Because B12 is found mainly in animal products, those who do not consume meat, fish, eggs or dairy may need to obtain it through fortified foods or supplements. Some people may also struggle to absorb B12 efficiently, even if their diet includes enough of it.

Signs of deficiency can range from tiredness, weakness and pale skin to tingling sensations in the hands and feet, poor concentration and mood changes. Hair loss is not always the first symptom, but it is a recognised consequence of low B12 levels, especially if the deficiency becomes prolonged.

How Does B12 Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

The connection between B12 and hair loss lies in the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in phases, and anything that interrupts the anagen (growth) phase can result in more strands entering the telogen (resting) phase, eventually falling out. When B12 levels drop, the body prioritises vital organs and functions over non-essential processes like hair growth. This can trigger diffuse thinning across the scalp, making hair appear less dense or full.

It is important to understand that B12-related hair loss is usually not permanent. Once the deficiency is identified and addressed, hair growth can return to its normal pattern, although it may take several months for visible improvements to appear.

Diagnosing and Treating B12-Related Hair Loss

If you suspect that your hair loss might be linked to a vitamin B12 deficiency, a simple blood test can usually confirm your levels. This test may also assess other nutritional markers such as folate and iron, which also influence hair health. If your B12 levels are found to be low, your GP might recommend dietary changes, oral supplements or, in more serious cases, B12 injections.

Treating the deficiency can gradually restore healthy hair growth. However, because hair grows slowly, it may take between three to six months to see noticeable changes. In the meantime, maintaining a balanced diet and supporting your body with the right nutrients can give your hair the best chance of recovery.

Supporting Healthy Hair While Rebuilding B12 Levels

While correcting the root cause is the first step, you can also support your hair with lifestyle and nutritional strategies. Eating a varied diet that includes sources of B vitamins, protein and iron can help promote healthier regrowth. If you are plant-based, consider fortified cereals, nutritional yeast and B12 supplements to keep levels topped up.

Collagen supplements may also support hair strength and texture by providing the amino acids needed to form keratin. Collagen works alongside other nutrients like B12 to promote the condition of both your scalp and your strands, especially when used as part of a consistent self-care routine. Although it is not a treatment for B12 deficiency, it can be a helpful addition to your wider beauty and wellness plan.

When to Seek Further Support

Hair loss can have many causes, and it is often the result of more than one factor. If you are unsure why your hair is thinning or falling out more than usual, speaking to your GP or a registered nutritionist can help uncover the root cause. B12 deficiency is a manageable condition, and early detection is key to avoiding longer-term complications.

If your blood tests reveal normal B12 levels, but hair thinning continues, there may be other issues at play, such as hormonal imbalances, iron deficiency or chronic stress. Whatever the cause, addressing it holistically and gently is usually the most effective path forward.

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