Celiac disease and hair loss

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body reacts to gluten and damages the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and can cause hair loss. Many people with celiac disease find that their hair becomes thinner, more brittle, and falls off faster. But why is this happening, and what can be done about it? Here we review the relationship between coeliac disease and hair loss, as well as effective treatments.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a disease in which the body's immune system reacts to gluten -- a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, the lining of the small intestine is damaged, which impairs nutrient absorption and can lead to a range of health problems. Common symptoms include stomach upset, fatigue, vitamin deficiency, and in some cases even hair loss.

How does celiac disease affect hair loss?

Celiac disease can lead to hair loss for a number of reasons, the most prominent of which are nutritional deficiency, inflammation and autoimmune reactions. People with celiac disease often have damage to the lining of the small intestine, which impairs the body's ability to absorb important nutrients. Iron deficiency can lead to thinner and weaker hairs, while a lack of zinc can disrupt the growth cycle of hair follicles and adversely affect hair growth. Even a lack of B vitamins, especially biotin and B12, can impair hair quality and increase the risk of hair loss. In addition, iron vitamin D plays an important role in hair health, and a deficiency can affect the ability of hair follicles to produce new hair, which can result in diffuse hair loss and thinning hair. Here you can read more about vitamins for hair.

Autoimmune disease and stress

Celiac disease is an autoimmune hair disease, which means the immune system can start attacking the body's own tissues -- including the hair follicles. This can cause alopecia areata, a disease that produces spotty hair loss. The chronic inflammation and physical stress that celiac disease can cause can trigger telogenic effluvium -- a form of temporary hair loss that occurs during bodily stress.

Is there treatment?

When a person with celiac disease starts eating a strict gluten-free diet, nutrient absorption may improve and hair loss may decrease naturally in some cases. However, if the hair follicles have been weakened or if the hair loss has been going on for a long time, medical treatments may be needed to stimulate new hair growth. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a non-surgical method where we use the patient's own blood to stimulate the hair follicles. It is an excellent solution for people with diffuse hair loss and those who experience thinning hair due to nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune reactions.If you suffer from hair loss due to celiac disease, we at Nordic Hair Clinic can help you regain fuller hair with our individually tailored treatments. We always offer free consultations.