2 Dietary Mistakes That Are Making Hair Loss And Fallout So Much Worse: ‘Causes Nutritional Deficiencies’
April 6, 2025 by Mariam Qayum
Hair loss can be a frustrating and emotional experience, and while genetics, stress, and hormones often play a role, dietary deficiencies are also a common but overlooked cause. Your hair relies on a steady supply of essential nutrients to grow strong and healthy, and when your body lacks key vitamins and minerals—like iron, zinc, biotin, or protein—it can lead to thinning, shedding, and even noticeable hair fallout.
Dr. David Jockers, DC, DNM, and MS, revealed some of the lesser-known deficiencies behind hair loss that revolve around your diet. According to him, a low-calorie diet and B vitamin deficiency are the ones to watch out for. Read on to learn more.
Low-calorie diet
While low-calorie diets are often used for quick weight loss, they can come with unintended side effects—including hair loss. When your body isn’t getting enough calories, it may also miss out on essential nutrients like protein, iron, and key vitamins that support healthy hair growth. In response, your body can go into “survival mode,” redirecting energy away from non-essential functions like hair production. Over time, this can lead to increased shedding, thinning, and weaker strands.
Dr. Jockers adds that “frequent extreme dieting can cause nutritional deficiencies and low thyroid function, which can lead to hair loss."
B vitamin deficiency
B vitamin deficiency—especially deficiencies in biotin (B7), B12, and folate (B9)—can be closely linked to hair loss and thinning. These vitamins play a crucial role in supporting healthy cell growth, oxygen delivery to hair follicles, and keratin production, which is the protein that makes up your hair.
“B vitamins and biotin are key for healthy blood flow and proper hair follicle function," he notes.
The bottom line
If you’re experiencing unexpected hair loss, it might be time to look beyond the usual suspects and examine your diet. Nutrient deficiencies—especially from low-calorie eating habits or a lack of essential B vitamins—can quietly disrupt the hair growth cycle and weaken follicles. Supporting your body with a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet could be the key to restoring stronger, healthier hair from the inside out.