Hair Loss and a Vegan Diet

  A lack of proper nutrition can lead to excessive hair loss  

 Low-protein consumption and rapid weight loss associated with a vegan diet could lead to hair loss. You can eat protein in abundance on a vegan diet, as long as you include nuts, seeds, legumes, beans and soy. Relying too much on soy products could be problematic for your hair. Soy can aggravate hypothyroidism in those predisposed to this condition or those with low iodine intake. A symptom of hypothyroidism is excessive hair loss. A deficiency in the amino acid L-lysine can also lead to hair loss. L-lysine is readily available in animal products, but the primary plant-based source is legumes. If your vegan diet doesn't include a lot of legumes, you may find yourself deficient.  

 Zinc tends to be underconsumed on a vegan diet, according to "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society," and a zinc deficiency could cause hair loss, as well as unruly and dull strands. You need 11 milligrams per day if you are an adult man and 8 milligrams per day if you are an adult women. Some of the most abundant source of zinc are oysters, beef, pork and chicken -- foods not included on a vegan diet. You can increase your vegan intake by consuming more beans, wheat bran, seeds and nuts as well as fortified cereals and grains.  

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