Does Too Much Vitamin A Cause Hair Loss?

By:   Jean Carper

I often get that question from readers who are losing their hair. It's possible but rare. Very high doses of vitamin A in supplements and certain retinoid (vitamin-A-derived) drugs can cause hair loss, says Jane Higdon of the Linus Pauling Institute, author of the excellent book An Evidence-Based Approach to Vitamins and Minerals. The lowest dose known to cause hair loss: 25,000 IU vitamin A per day for nine months. Current government-scientific guidelines advise limiting vitamin A (retinol) to 10,000 IU daily, unless prescribed. Hair loss usually is related to hormonal changes.

Copyright 2004 Jean Carper. Printed first in USA Weekend. All rights reserved

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