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lovelybrown
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Topic: Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss Posted: Jan 18 2013 at 1:42pm |
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Over Christmas I saw a cousin who told me that after being tired and weak she was advised to ask for a vitamin D deficiency screen. Her levels were 26/150 and she was put on an emergency dose and then given supplements. She saw the samesymtoms in her mum, and made her go and ask for the same test. It was the same diagnosis.
I had this at the back of my mind as I have been feeling tired. Anyway, I went to my GP and asked for the test (I couldn't see my usual doctor and I had a snotty woman who did not like being asked/told what to test for- but in the end she did). I kind of forgot about it, but recieved a letter from my GP to call them.
I spoke with my usual (lovely) doctor on the phone and he told me to come in because there were irregularities. My vitamin D level is ZERO!!!!! Weirdly, I was really happy to hear this. I am sooo tired all time, but I carry on regardless. My hair comes out loads. I love my doctor for not telling me it was stress, and taking me seriously.
After this appointment I googled vitamin D deficiency, there were blogs where people listed their symtoms, lots of women had hair shedding and even bald patches as a result. The positive thing is that the hair returned when they took D.
I am not suggesting self diagnosis. Please see a GP if you think you feel tired, joints are sore and achy. They should know how to prescribe the correct dosage. But it impacts so many things. I have literally called all my peeps to let them know.
Vitamin D deficiency is not routinely screened for, and it is very common in black people (more so in women). There has not been enough research as to why. It impacts health (weight, other diseases, mental health) and hair.
Edited by lovelybrown - Jan 18 2013 at 1:43pm
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missyo67
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Posted: Jan 18 2013 at 1:48pm |
Good catch!!!  I too suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies. I take 10000 iu daily in the winter (over the counter/liquid). My levels were 26 last year but my target is to be in the top percentile. Vitamin D can make you prone to all types of diseases.
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tmrockville
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Posted: Jan 18 2013 at 2:56pm |
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Interesting I was also just diagnosed with vitamin d deficiency and had a horrible setback not too long ago with breakage. I'm taking supplements now and hopefully this will make a difference in addition to staying on target with my hair care routine.
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RedSoxtober
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 1:25am |
I have reason to believe that the many hormonal changes a woman's body goes through could have impact on Vitamin D levels and birth control medictaion could also be a culprit as well. When I was taking birth control my OB/GYN recommened that I take Calcium with Vitamin D since it kind of mimics the hormones that are present during menopause. Vitamin D helps the body absorb Calcium. As for people of color with this defiency, I can only think of the higher levels of melanin in the skin (which is like a natural sunblock). The more melalin (pigment) skin contains, the less chance of sunlight and Vitamin D getting absorbed.
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902sexxi
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 1:39am |
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I take about 5000iu of a liquid suppliment daily. I haven't noticed any dramatic changes but I know that it's so important for black people, especially women. Keep spreading the word on the importance of vitamin D3.
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lovelybrown
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 4:42am |
Thank you ladies for your contributions
My dad laughs at me because if it something could affect healthy hair growth, I get serious about it!
But vitamin D deficiency is serious. It is a building block to health.
It is linked to polycystic ovaries- some even argue it may be the cause.
This is another condition that thins hair and promotes facial hair
growth. It has been linked to so much.
http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Vitamin-D-deficiency-and-how-to-avoid-it-4196666.php
http://marathonsweetheart.com/2011/08/01/faq-hair-loss-vitamin-d-deficiency-update/
http://www.chicagodefender.com/index.php/health/15758-are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d
http://pcosinfo.wordpress.com/treatments/natural/vitamin-d/
http://www.vitamind.hk/womens-benefits/pcos-and-vitamin-d
http://www.soulcysters.net/showthread.php/333981-Vitamin-D-success-story
Health, education and research is the key to our beauty!! XX
Edited by lovelybrown - Jan 19 2013 at 4:53am
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femmemuscleisback
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 1:50pm |
maybe this also has something to do with why black women are using Black strap molasses to stop breakage and hair loss? Vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and other minerals are in this old natural remedy.. http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/molasses-conditioning-treatment-stopped-b_topic29053.html one of our forum members started this thread in the breakage section. it's usually used on the hair in deep conditioners, but also is ingested as a tea for painful periods, excessive hair shedding, fibroids, anemia etc. it's also supplemented in pill form as well. hope this helps, OP.
Edited by femmemuscleisback - Jan 19 2013 at 1:55pm
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902sexxi
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 5:27pm |
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Femme, thanks for the info. Makes perfect sense that molasses would work. I'm filing it to my mental Rolodex to use during that time of month.
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RedSoxtober
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 7:35pm |
femmemuscleisback wrote:
maybe this also has something to do with why black women are using Black strap molasses to stop breakage and hair loss? Vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and other minerals are in this old natural remedy..
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/molasses-conditioning-treatment-stopped-b_topic29053.html
one of our forum members started this thread in the breakage section. it's usually used on the hair in deep conditioners, but also is ingested as a tea for painful periods, excessive hair shedding, fibroids, anemia etc. it's also supplemented in pill form as well.
hope this helps, OP.

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That thread is a good read. Thanks, Femme!
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femmemuscleisback
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Posted: Jan 19 2013 at 8:32pm |
you're welcome ladies.
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