Some people see it as an inevitable part of life. Others see it as a complex psychological challenge. One thing is for sure: the person who discovers the ultimate solution for preventing hair loss will be hailed as a hero. For now, the best we can do is follow the unfolding scientific evidence and use the information to support local communities. Here’s what our researchers have learned.
How Common Is Hair Loss?
Male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) affects between 30% and 50% of UK men before the age of 50. Studies have traditionally considered this to be a hereditary condition. One of the reasons for this is that there is global variance. For instance, many studies state that Spain is the baldest country, so several researchers are exploring the role of ethnicity. We’re still not sure of the answer. However, the one thing that everyone does agree on is that hair loss can affect issues such as self-esteem, self-identity, and social interaction. For instance, many famous names such as Wayne Rooney have had high-profile hair transplants to overcome MAA.
What Exactly Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is formally known as calciferol. It is fat-soluble, and is present in some protein-rich foods. These include oily fish, egg yolk, and beef liver. However, we know from current research that it is mainly produced endogenously via UV exposure. When sunlight touches the skin, it triggers the synthesis of vitamin D. Once synthesised, vitamin D controls the absorption of calcium, which is essential for a wide variety of functions. While primarily associated with bone health, calcium is also linked to the overall cardiovascular system. It controls the electrical signals inside the heart. The two major organs involved in the hydroxylation activation are the liver and the kidneys. As such, many individuals are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, regardless of how much UV exposure they get.
Could Vitamin D Be Responsible For MAA?
The fact that sunshine-drenched countries such as Spain have statistically high levels of MAA, combined with the fact that we know that hydroxylation requires both kidney health and liver health, has caused scientists to question whether there might be a missing link. Some studies have suggested that MAA is an autoimmune response to liver inflammation, which fits very neatly with statistical research regarding, for example, diet. Equally, doctors have reported that patients with MAA tend to have lower than average vitamin D levels. These correlations are not fully understood, but the weight of clinical evidence is growing. For whatever reason, if someone is losing their hair, they are likely to be deficient in vitamin D.
How Can Pharmacists Help?
As Vitamin D is both challenging and expensive to find in foods, supplements are one of the best ways of ensuring that both men and women are getting enough calciferol. Pro-testing kits can help to establish whether or not their levels are low. However, given the known involvement of key organs such as the liver, it can also be helpful to offer a multi-vitamin that can help to reduce overall inflammation. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are all statistically proven to help. This can encourage synthesis and potentially help to control MAA.
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