Vitamin D for Scalp Health
Low vitamin D is associated with scalp and hair complaints, but supplementation trials are thin.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 1000-2000 IU/day if deficient
- Expected timeframe
- 12 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with food for general adequacy; topical calcipotriol is a separate prescription medicine
- duration
- Topical psoriasis treatment is assessed over 4-8 weeks
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient for oral vitamin D. The vitamin D receptor is expressed in keratinocytes and hair follicles, and topical vitamin D analogues - calcipotriol and calcitriol - are genuinely effective prescription treatments for plaque and scalp psoriasis, where they normalise keratinocyte proliferation. That is a pharmacological topical effect, not evidence for oral supplementation. Observational studies link low 25(OH)D with seborrhoeic dermatitis and alopecia areata, but no randomised trial has shown oral vitamin D improves scalp condition, dandruff or scalp inflammation.
- titration
- Not applicable for oral use in this indication; 4,000 IU/day is the tolerable upper intake level
- starting dose
- Not established for oral use. Prescription topical calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue, is used for scalp psoriasis, often combined with betamethasone
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Vitamin D and Scalp Health.
Safety
Caveats
Correct deficiency rather than supplementing blindly.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.