Preventing Hair Loss

Question: Can you give me any advice on preventing hair loss? D. G. - San Francisco, CA Answer: Hair loss is a complex issue involving everything from genes to hormones to deficiency and toxicity. Each case has to be looked at separately, so it is difficult to give universal advice. However, there is a 2006 study that is worthy to note. Some hair loss appears to result from iron deficiency, and the iron deficiency appears to result from a deficiency of folate and vitamin B12. I have heard stories of people being able to safely regrow hair by taking folate and B12 supplements. At the doses they are using, taking 3 or 4 B-12/Folate Formulas per day would be sufficient for those people who would be responsive to this approach. Another issue regarding hair loss is the toxicity of most commercial shampoos. Most shampoo contains sodium lauryl sulfate. This toxin will cause hair loss in some people. Also be aware that low thyroid function can cause hair loss. Have your thyroid levels checked.