Vitamins for hair loss after bariatric surgery

Anyone who has had weight loss surgery will tell you that it is a journey. Not only is your body undergoing major changes, but bariatric patients are also faced with learning new healthy habits such as proper diet and exercise. At St. Louis Bariatrics we are dedicated to the success of our patients, and one of the best ways to succeed in achieving weight loss goals is learning how nutrition affects the body.

Much like being overweight, when you lose a lot of weight rapidly and have a restricted diet your body can undergo changes that, if not properly managed, can have adverse effects. One of the most important elements of this equation is the intake of adequate protein. Protein, especially lean protein, is essential for weight loss surgery patients as it helps aid muscle growth, recovery, and weight loss.

Of the essential amino acids your body needs to function at a healthy level only 13 are produced by your body; the other 9 have to come from your diet, and this is where protein supplements can be highly beneficial. If you aren’t able to get adequate protein through whole foods it will be critical to use supplements to assure that your body is receiving the protein it needs to recover.

Protein is not only essential for weight loss and muscle growth, but it can also be a key factor in avoiding other side effects of weight loss surgery especially post surgery hair loss otherwise known as Telogen Effluvium. Generally occurring one to six months after surgery, hair loss related to weight loss is not typically permanent, as it is a shedding of hair that is in the telogen or non-growth phase, which happens naturally. When your body is under increased stress, which happens after surgery, it can increase the number of hair follicles in the telogen phase, which means you may experience increased hair loss or shedding.

While it may sound terrifying to reach your weight loss goals only to lose your beautiful locks, unless you have a pre-existing condition that affects hair growth, your hair will grow back. There are also ways that you can help avoid hair loss, such as using key supplements that will help offset the stress that your body is undergoing.

If you are undergoing hair loss post weight loss surgery, or are looking to minimize the risk of potential hair loss, you can follow these simple steps to help avoid Telogen Effluvium:

1. Manage your protein intake. It’s essential to maintain a healthy nutrition plan to avoid hair loss and maximize your weight loss success. This especially important when it comes to adequate protein – if you are not getting enough protein through whole foods then it will be important to supplement with protein powders.
2. Attend follow up appointments and get your regular physical. Underlying medical issues such as thyroid disorder, vitamin deficiency, and other illness can impact hair loss. It is important to have a clear understanding of any issues that may contribute to hair loss.
3. Utilize Supplements. If you have vitamin deficiencies work with your doctor to use supplements that may help you avoid hair loss such as: zinc, iron, B12, Omega 3 fatty acids, and Biotin.
4. Don’t panic. This type of hair loss, while it can often be avoided, is natural and happens to many people that undergo stress. Even though it can be alarming the lost hair generally grows back within six months.

At St. Louis Bariatrics we work with all of our patients to find the right nutrition and supplement program and offer supplement packages through our practice. We are dedicated to helping you find success and health throughout your weight loss journey.

Another reason is nutrient deficiency. Smaller portions of food mean lower intake of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates). When the supply of nutrients is limited, nutrients are first distributed to vital organs in the body, leaving hair, which primarily serves a cosmetic function, deprived of nutrients.

Micronutrients associated with hair loss include iron, zinc, biotin, folate, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids. Micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) deficiencies are less common when hospital instructions for vitamin replacement therapy are followed.

In addition to the above, hair loss can also be caused by hypothyroidism and genetic factors. Hair loss rarely lasts longer than 6 months, and your hair will grow back within 3 to 6 months. In addition, you will never lose all of your hair. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about the hair loss. What is needed is just time and patience and to ensure a sufficient intake of nutrients.

The following suggestions can help reduce hair loss after bariatric surgery:

• Consume at least 60 grams of protein per day.
• Take vitamins daily according to our recommendations. Make sure your dietary supplements contain iron (50–100 mg per day) and zinc (15–40 mg per day).
•  Eat fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, or take an omega-3 supplement regularly.
•  Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair too hard, as this can intensify hair loss.

When should you worry about hair loss?

• If your hair loss has lasted for more than 1 year
• If your hair loss started later than 6 months after surgery
• If you are finding it difficult to eat sufficient quantities of varied food
• If you have not followed the recommendations for vitamin replacement therapy
• If your blood tests indicate an iron, zinc, or protein deficiency
• If you have lost weight significantly faster than expected
• If you have symptoms indicative of other possible deficiencies

Did you know?

To transport nutrients, the hair root uses sebum secreted by sebaceous glands. Sebum acts as a natural conditioner for hair. Nutrients from the bloodstream mix with the sebum, and the sebum delivers them to the hair papilla.  Thus, sebum is essential for supplying hair with nutrients, and it is not recommended to wash your hair daily.

What kind of nutrients does hair need?

Above all, our hair needs water, protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Water

Water is essential for all cells in the body, including hair follicles. Water makes up 10–15% of our hair. If our body is not getting enough water, the water that is available is first delivered to our vital organs, while our hair has to do without. This results in the hair becoming dry and causes hair breakage, which eventually leads to hair loss. The minimum amount of water you should be consuming at 1–2 weeks after surgery is 1 litre per day, rising to 1.2–1.5 litres per day from the third week onwards.

Protein

Protein is an essential building material for the body, including hair. Protein deficiency can lead to hair loss. The importance of adequate protein intake is stressed in all guidelines for weight-loss surgery patients. The minimum recommended protein intake is 60–80 g per day. If you have switched to a regular diet, you can calculate your personal required protein intake as follows: minimum of 0.8 grams per 1 kg of body weight. The recommended level is 1 g per 1 kg of body weight.

Fatty acids

The essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are vital for the health of the cell membranes of the hair roots. For example, one study reported reduced hair loss in women who took a dietary supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants had.

Vitamins and minerals

VITAMIN A is involved in the production of sebum, protects follicles, helps accelerate hair growth, and helps achieve thicker hair.

VITAMIN C is a potent antioxidant. It helps protect the hair follicles from free radicals. It is also involved in collagen production. Collagen strengthens and protects hair against breakage. It also boosts the absorption of iron – iron deficiency anaemia is a contributor to hair loss.

VITAMIN E is also an antioxidant. It neutralises free radicals, protects the skin (including the scalp) from oxidative stress, and promotes hair growth.

VITAMIN D Vitamin D3 deficiency is associated with hair loss. This vitamin can help produce new follicles. It plays a role in the functioning of the sebaceous glands and related nutrient deficiencies.

FOLIC ACID is responsible for the growth of new cells. It promotes the growth of new hair.

IRON transports haemoglobin to tissues. Iron deficiency anaemia results in hair loss.

ZINC plays a key role in the growth and repair of hair tissues, helping to keep the sebaceous glands that surround follicles functioning properly. Zinc deficiency causes hair to become dry and fall out. So too does too much zinc.

Our hair also needs CALCIUM and MAGNESIUM. As well as CARBOHYDRATES, which act as an adhesive in the hair, binding protein, which in turn binds water. Hair loss and damage can be caused by a deficiency of any nutrient. That is why it is important to eat a varied diet and follow the vitamin replacement therapy plan.

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