Nutrient Deficiencies & Hair Loss: What Your Hair Is Telling You, Dr. Kendall Egan MD, Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

Hair Loss Dermatologist in Las Vegas | Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

If you’re experiencing hair thinning or excessive shedding, nutritional deficiencies may be part of the picture. Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body — when nutrients are low, hair growth is often one of the first systems affected.

At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, we routinely evaluate for nutrient-related contributors to hair loss as part of a comprehensive, medical approach. Correcting deficiencies can be a powerful step in stabilizing shedding and supporting regrowth.

How Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss

Hair follicles require a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and protein to stay in the growth (anagen) phase. When nutrients are insufficient, follicles may:

• Enter the shedding phase prematurely (telogen effluvium)

• Produce thinner, weaker hair shafts

• Recover more slowly from stress or illness

Nutrient-related hair loss is often diffuse and may overlap with other conditions such as female pattern hair loss or stress-related shedding.

👉 For a full overview of hair loss causes and treatment options, visit our Hair Loss Treatment in Las Vegas page.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies Linked to Hair Loss

Iron & Ferritin Deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most overlooked causes of hair loss in women.

• Low ferritin (iron storage) can cause shedding even when hemoglobin is normal.

• Common in menstruating women, postpartum patients, and restrictive diets.

• Often associated with fatigue, cold intolerance, or brain fog.

Dermatologists often aim for higher ferritin levels for hair growth than what is considered “normal” on standard lab ranges.

Vitamin D Deficiency

• Vitamin D plays a role in hair follicle cycling and immune regulation.

• Low vitamin D has been linked to telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.

• Deficiency is common, even in sunny climates.

• May worsen inflammatory scalp conditions.

Zinc Deficiency

• Zinc is essential for protein synthesis and follicle recovery.

• Low zinc can contribute to shedding and slow regrowth.

• Deficiency may occur with GI disorders, malabsorption, or restrictive diets.

Protein Deficiency

• Hair is made of keratin — a protein.

• Inadequate protein intake can trigger diffuse shedding.

• Common with crash dieting, vegan or vegetarian diets without adequate planning, and appetite loss.

Other Nutrients That Matter

• Vitamin B12

• Folate

• Essential fatty acids

These deficiencies are less common but may contribute to hair loss in select patients.

Nutrient Deficiencies vs Supplements

• More is not always better.

• Excess supplementation can worsen hair shedding.

• Some supplements interfere with absorption of others.

• Biotin rarely treats true hair loss and can interfere with lab testing.

• A dermatologist-guided approach ensures supplementation is necessary, safe, and targeted.

  
  

How a Dermatologist Evaluates Nutrient-Related Hair Loss

Evaluation may include:

✔ Detailed dietary history

✔ Review of supplements

✔ Targeted lab testing (iron, ferritin, vitamin D, B12, zinc, thyroid when appropriate)

✔ Assessment for overlapping hair loss conditions

Correcting deficiencies without addressing coexisting hair loss patterns may lead to incomplete results.

👉 Learn more about Female Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium (Stress Hair Loss) in our related blogs.

Treatment: Correcting Deficiencies to Support Hair Growth

Treatment is individualized and may include:

• Dietary optimization

• Prescription-strength supplementation when needed

• Addressing absorption issues

• Treating underlying hair loss diagnoses

• Supporting scalp health

👉 Explore why scalp inflammation matters in our Scalp Health & Hair Growth blog.

When to Suspect a Nutrient-Related Cause

Consider evaluation if you have:

• Diffuse shedding

• Fatigue or low energy

• History of heavy periods or recent pregnancy

• Restrictive dieting or appetite changes

• GI symptoms or malabsorption issues

Early diagnosis improves recovery.

Why Choose Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

✔ Board-certified dermatologist

✔ Expertise in female and stress-related hair loss

✔ Integrative, evidence-based care

✔ Private, unrushed appointments

✔ Transparent pricing

We treat hair loss by listening to the whole story — not just the lab value.

Schedule a Hair Loss Evaluation in Las Vegas

If you’re concerned that nutrition may be affecting your hair, expert care is available.

📍 Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

8660 W Spring Mountain Rd Ste 101 Las Vegas, NV 89117

Call 702-930-6441 or schedule online 🌐 www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com

Serving Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas & surrounding communities.

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Medical Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person medical evaluation. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.