<p>Vitamin D is not a vitamin; it’s a hormone intimately involved in 10% of our genes. If you don’t have enough vitamin D, it can interfere with the genes responsible for hair growth. There is also a very high concentration of vitamin D receptors in the hair follicle. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Without enough vitamin D, your immune system is at risk of autoimmune conditions, including alopecia. Vitamin D supports the T cells that help combat autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis, dandruff, and dermatitis are also related to low vitamin D. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Magnesium is the most potent regulator of calcium and is involved with enzymes important for hair health. It’s also essential for the proper function of vitamin D. </p> <p><br></p> <p>There are 2 systems of vitamin D: one that controls calcium and one that has several functions, including hair growth and hair restoration. This form of vitamin D has a 24-hour half-life, so you need daily sun or supplements to prevent a hair loss problem. </p> <p><br></p> <p>There is a worldwide vitamin D deficiency epidemic! Several factors contribute to this massive vitamin D deficiency problem, including genetics, skin color, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, and air pollution.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Your blood vitamin D levels should be at least 70 to 100 ng/mL. You need at least 20,000 IU of vitamin D daily and 50 mg of magnesium to support hair growth. Zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for hair restoration.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Key genes involved in hair growth:</p> <p>1. Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene</p> <p>2. WNT genes</p> <p>3. BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) genes</p> <p>4. FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) genes</p> <p>5. TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta) genes</p> <p>6. LEF1 (Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1)</p> <p>7. PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)</p> <p>8. Dkk (Dickkopf WNT Signaling Pathway Inhibitor) genes</p> <p>9. CTNNB1 (Beta-Catenin)</p>