Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss Treatment in Indore

Dr. Bansal's Hair Clinic, Indore

About Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss

Hair needs proteins, vitamins, and minerals to grow. When any of these essential nutrients is lacking, one may experience diffuse hair thinning, breakage, or shedding.

Common forms of nutritional deficiency hair loss:

Telogen effluvium: diffuse shedding due to stress or nutritional deficiency

Thin, brittle hair due to a deficiency in protein or biotin

Patchy hair loss - less common; may involve autoimmune triggers along with malnutrition

⚠️ Causes / Deficient Nutrients

Nutrient: Source: Role in Hair

Protein Eggs, fish, lentils, dairy, build keratin (hair structural protein)

Iron\tRed meat, spinach, beans\tPrevents anemia-related shedding

Zinc Nuts, seeds, meat, seafood Follicle health and repair

Vitamin DしSunlight, fortified milkしHair follicle cycling

Biotin - Vitamin B7 Eggs, nuts, avocado Hair growth & strength

Vitamin B12: Meat, fish, dairy. Prevents hair fragility & anemia

Folate (B9) Leafy vegetables, beans Cell division & hair follicle growth

Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potato, spinach. Maintenance of hair follicles

Essential Fatty Acids: Fish oil, flaxseed. Reduces inflammation, improves scalp health

Risk factors:

Vegetarian or vegan diet without supplementation

Crash diets / rapid weight loss

Pregnancy or postpartum nutrient depletion

Chronic malabsorption conditions-celiac and IBD

Treatment
1. Address Nutrient Deficiencies

Blood tests: iron (ferritin), zinc, vitamin D, B12, thyroid

Supplements-if deficient, prescribed by doctor:

Iron (ferrous sulfate)

Vitamin D3

Biotin (5–10 mg/day)

Multivitamin containing B-complex, zinc, selenium

Correcting deficiencies gradually restores hair growth over 3–6 months.

2. Dietary Improvements

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of:

Protein: eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, beans

Iron & Zinc: red meat, spinach, pumpkin seeds

Omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds

Foods rich in vitamins include: citrus fruits, C; leafy greens, folate; carrots/sweet potato, A; and dairy, B12.

Tips:

Include protein in every meal

Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C to enhance absorption

Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol because they impair nutrient uptake.

3. Topical & Supportive Care

Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoo

Avoid heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles

Massage scalp with coconut, castor, or almond oil for improved circulation.

Minoxidil (topical) can be a good option after nutritional deficiencies are corrected.

What Not to Do

Supplements should not be taken when there is no tested deficiency.

Avoid crash diets or skipping meals.

❌ Don't overuse rough chemical hair products

❌ Don't panic, hair growth is slow; it takes months to recover

✅ Prevention Tips

Maintain balanced, nutritious diets

Avoid restrictive diets without supplementation

Check blood nutrient levels if you have chronic hair loss. Take prenatal or postnatal vitamins if pregnant or breastfeeding. Manage stress, get enough sleep