Malnutrition
Malnutrition is defined as receiving either little or too much of certain nutrients. It can cause major health problems, such as stunted growth, vision disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.
Malnutrition is a global problem that affects billions of people. Depending on their habitat, lifestyle, and resources, some people are at a higher risk of experiencing specific forms of malnutrition. Vitamin and mineral deficits are common in undernourished people, particularly iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine.
Causes of malnutrition
Malnutrition can be caused by a variety of factors triggering hair loss. A poor diet including crash diets, lack of protein and rigorous weight loss, eating disorders such as over or under eating, anemia due to iron or zinc deficiency, over intake of vitamin A, diseases related to thyroid function, lupus, diabetes, and various medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are all common causes of hair loss.
Hair loss due to Malnutrition
Hair loss is a problem that affects both men and women of all ages. Hair loss can be caused by crash dieting, unhealthy meals, and a nutritionally deficient diet. Eating a balanced diet is one of the best methods to maintain good hair. Hair loss affects both men and women, and it is not only a problem for the elderly. Hair loss is a sign of malnutrition, and both hair loss and malnutrition are typically signs of a major mental or physical health problem.
The growth of hair is influenced by hormone levels and nutrition levels. Malnutrition can cause chemical imbalances in numerous physiological systems. Too little protein (a crucial building block of hair) or too much vitamin A, or even too much stress, can disrupt the delicate balance that permits the hair-growth cycle to function smoothly.
Hair structure and hair growth can both be affected by nutritional deficiencies. Malnutrition causes thinning of hair due to the rapid and constant hair loss process. Malnutrition presents itself in a variety of ways, typically resulting in significant hair loss that may be restored in many cases if the underlying malnutrition is diagnosed and managed. Many people who suffer from hair loss wonder if nutritional supplements may help them regrow their hair or keep it from falling out. In fact, many people will start taking dietary supplements without consulting a doctor in the hopes that they would benefit. While hair follicles are among the most metabolically active in the body, and calorie and protein deprivation, as well as vitamin deficit, can affect hair development, the links are complicated.
Treatment
If the cause of malnutrition is unknown or not clinically apparent, blood testing should be performed to discover which nutrients are deficient. A dermatologist can also obtain a medical history and conduct tests and examinations to rule out other possible reasons for hair loss.
Once the causes have been identified, supplements or dietary changes can be implemented to treat the specific kind of malnourishment and balance out nutrient levels. This should counteract the consequences of malnutrition-induced hair loss. High-dose vitamins can also be provided to assist replenish the body’s supply of the lacking nutrients. If malnutrition and consequent hair loss are caused by an eating problem, behaviour change and counselling should be considered to ensure the individual’s long-term health.