During the fall, hair loss can be exacerbated in both men and women. In temperate countries, it can occur in response to hormonal changes induced by changes in the photoperiod length (daylight hours).
Hair growth is cyclical, going through three phases: growth (anagen phase), rest (catagen phase), and loss (telogen phase), as detailed in the post “How to prevent hair loss in spring.” Imperceptibly, the loss of between 80-100 hairs/day occurs, which lasts from 3 to 4 months. In the preferred post, you can find guidelines on how it manifests itself, why it can fall, and some recommendations to avoid it.
Alopecia defines the decrease or loss of hair, localized or generalized, temporary or permanent, of any type or origin. The most frequent causes of alopecia are: androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, effluvium, traumatic alopecia, Brocq’s pseudopelade and scalp tinea.
Fall hair fall
Various studies have identified healthy Caucasian men between the ages of 18-39, a single annual cycle with 90% of the hair in the anagen phase in spring, falling to 80% in autumn. Likewise, there was an increase of more than double in hair loss in the autumn season in women and men. This confirms that hair loss is more pronounced after the summer season.
In another retrospective study that included a larger number of patients and over a longer period (healthy women who consulted for hair loss, who underwent biochemical blood tests to exclude other causes, and follow-up trigrams for 6 years), the existence of a seasonal periodicity in the growth and hair loss was observed. A maximum proportion of telogen hairs was manifested in summer, corresponding to hair loss in autumn.
Vitamin supplements to help against hair loss
Hair is a very active organ, so its sensitivity to any nutritional deficit is remarkable. Thus, there are cases in which hair does not grow properly because a sufficient amount of nutrients is not ingested if a varied and balanced diet is not consumed.
There are products for hair improvement made up of vitamins, minerals, and local circulation activators, among others, that can be used as a supplement for the prevention, care, and treatment of hair.
a) Vitamins
Vitamins are important for hair development. Its lack produces a degeneration of the same, and its presence is necessary for the hair to grow properly. The B vitamin complex plays an important role in the cellular metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and in cellular oxidation-reduction processes.
Some water-soluble vitamins:
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): acts as an antioxidant.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): participates in energy metabolism and is important in DNA repair, producing cutaneous vasodilation by stimulating the release of prostaglandins D and E. In a clinical study (double-blind comparison), it was treated topically with derivatives of niacin (negotiates) to women with female pattern alopecia for 6 months, demonstrating better capillary coverage (photographic) compared to placebo.
- Vitamin B8 (biotin): is a cofactor of carboxylase enzymes. Its deficiency has been related to scalp dermatitis and alopecia.
- Regarding these two vitamins, a small randomized clinical trial was carried out, which reported a significant improvement compared to placebo, in hair loss in the included men (with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia) after 18-24 weeks of treatment. An oral supplement (twice a day) containing biotin (vitamin B8) and niacin (vitamin B3), and also β-sitosterol and saw palmetto (60% improvement, in 6 of 10 patients, in the treatment group active, versus an 11% improvement, in 1 of 9 patients, in the placebo treatment group).
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is synthesized from glucose and must be acquired in the diet. It acts in the synthesis of proteins and the hydroxylation of the amino acids lysine and proline; it is also a powerful cellular antioxidant.
Of the fat-soluble vitamins:
Vitamin E: important in lipid peroxidation. It stimulates hair growth, protects from oxidative stress, and stabilizes the cell membrane. It must be taken into account that a high intake of vitamins can hurt hair, so the key is a balanced diet and using these food supplements with the appropriate advice and advice of a health professional.
b) Minerals:
Hair also contains small amounts of trace elements such as iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, etc.; it also needs minerals to grow properly. Some of them are:
Iron: iron deficiency is traditionally considered a cause of pathological hair loss. However, studies have not clarified the relationship between plasma iron levels and hair pathologies, such as female alopecia.
Zinc: it is an important mineral in cell proliferation and the absorption of vitamins, among others. Its deficit can be multifactorial and manifest as a thin and brittle hair fiber. On the other hand, excessive intake can cause hair loss, altering the absorption of other essential minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, etc.
Copper: activates many enzymes, important for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, thus maintaining healthy hair with natural color. The presence of copper in the hair fiber can generate free radicals (especially if associated with ultraviolet radiation), causing damage to hair proteins. It must be taken into account that zinc and copper are antagonists, so an excess of copper in the diet can cancel out zinc and cause hair loss.
Selenium: acts protecting against UVB radiation. Studies in mice have shown that its deficiency produces a lower rate of hair growth, making it shorter and thinner and thinning it.
c) Vegetable extracts:
In addition, it is postulated that one of the causes of hair loss is poor blood circulation, which is why natural products are also used that help increase blood flow in this area by providing a greater amount of nutrients, such as essential oils and extracts of floors.
Currently, products aimed at hair growth and care can be found in pharmacies, which must be indicated and used under the criteria of a health professional. These biotin 5000 mg supplements, made up of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, naturally contribute to the optimal maintenance of the hair and its care. They are a good adjuvant and preventive therapy for hair loss and help for a healthy state of the hair.