2023-05-04 06:58:11
Anyone who notices thinning head growth and at the same time uses nutritional supplements could have an unwanted problem. One of the many Hair Loss Causes According to studies and experts, this is the excessive intake of vitamin A and the mineral selenium over a long period of time.
Hair loss cause: too many vitamins and minerals are not always healthy
It sounds absurd in theory, because vitamins and minerals are actually associated with health. But here too, as is so often the case, too large a quantity is not always better, but can even have a disadvantageous effect. In this particular case, that means hair loss.
How does vitamin A work?
Vitamin A important for our health. It helps build up the skin, strengthens eyesight and protects your cells from oxidation. The fact that it can also be the cause of hair loss at the same time is surprising when you consider the following:
“Vitamin A is used in the treatment of hair loss to stimulate hair growth, repair broken hair and keep the scalp moisturized.”
Michael May, Medical Director and Surgeon (Wimpole Clinic, London)
In fact, vitamin A is particularly helpful for those with patchy hair loss (alopecia areata, or AA) in the form of beta-carotene. It lies sea May at the anti-inflammatory properties. But: Too much vitamin A in the form of retinol can, in turn, become a cause of hair loss, according to the doctor.
The “good”: The risk of harmful overdose only affects people who take the vitamin as a supplement to their normal diet. According to May, the levels contained in food are “too low to cause serious harm”.
If you take more than the daily recommended amount – May refers to 10,000 international units instead of 4,300 international units – this can result in vitamin A toxicity, i.e. an excess.
This is what happens to your hair with too much vitamin A (retinol)
one Study from 2018, various studies have shown that too much vitamin A can contribute to hair loss. Even if the researchers add that more analyzes are needed to comprehensively determine the exact connection.
According to the study, the immune system attacks the hair follicles. “Taking too many retinol-type supplements over a long period of time causes the hair follicles to become over-stimulated,” May explains. “This means your hair will end up growing much faster and begin to fall out.” The body can If you don’t grow enough hair, you’ll end up with bald patches.
Other typical signs of vitamin A toxicity are as follows:
- Headache
- redness
- drowsiness
- irritability
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- skin peels
Researchers recommend discontinuing vitamin A in the event of an overdose. As a rule, this should also mean that the cause of hair loss disappears and the hair grows back. Experts say you get a healthy amount of vitamin A from foods like red, yellow, orange, and dark green vegetables, as well as eggs, liver, fortified milk, and cheese.
This is how selenium works
Another nutrient that can cause hair loss is selenium. “Selenium is an essential mineral that supports thyroid function and immune system health, and excess levels can lead to hair loss,” says Anastasios Moulios, founder of Beardlong, a platform for beard fans.
“Excessive selenium intake can lead to hair loss because it damages hair follicles and decreases the expression of hair growth genes.”
High levels of selenium can lead to brittle hair and nails, and in extreme cases, hair loss, adds Khamis Maiouf, CEO of Book of Barbering.
similar confirmed also Prof. Helmut Schatz from the German Society for Endocrinology (DGE). Accordingly, people who take too much selenium can get hair loss and nail changes. But serious consequences such as gastrointestinal problems and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes are also possible.
Adhering to daily maximums is advised. For male adolescents from the age of 15 and for adults, for example, the reference value for the intake of selenium is 70 micrograms per day. Female adolescents and adults should not take more than 60 micrograms daily.
An additional supply is also not necessary for healthy people. You usually get enough from foods like meat, seafood, fish, dairy, and grain products.
Quellen: Dermatology and Therapy: „The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review“, BestLifeOnline, Shefinds, Focus Online
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