Hair loss can be a distressing experience, affecting both self-esteem and overall well-being. While various factors contribute to thinning hair, one of the most overlooked causes is vitamin deficiencies. And for months now, I watched my hair thin, only after a seemingly regular session with my hairdresser turned into a reality check. I unaware that my fatigue and brittle strands were signs of vitamin deficiencies and a simple blood test revealed the truth and am I on the road to restoring balance back my original hair health.

Essential nutrients play a critical role in maintaining the health of hair follicles, and when the body lacks key vitamins, the hair growth cycle is disrupted, leading to excessive shedding and weak strands.

A poor diet, hormonal fluctuations, and underlying health conditions can all contribute to nutritional deficiencies that impact hair health. Understanding the connection between vitamins and hair loss is crucial to addressing the root cause and restoring balance. Dr. Neha Khuraana, MD, dermatologist sheds light on the key vitamins responsible for healthy hair and offers expert guidance on restoring nutrient balance for optimal hair growth.

Hair follicles undergo a continuous cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. For this cycle to function optimally, the body requires an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies in certain nutrients can weaken hair strands, delay regrowth, and even lead to conditions such as alopecia.

Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

Vitamins deficiencies in certain vitamins can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning, breakage, and excessive shedding. Among the most significant culprits, two stand out:

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is essential for hair follicle health and growth regulation. Research indicates that inadequate levels of this vitamin may contribute to hair loss by disrupting the natural hair cycle. When the body lacks sufficient vitamin D, hair strands become weaker and more prone to shedding.

Biotin (Vitamin B7) Deficiency

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a key player in strengthening hair follicles and promoting new growth. When biotin levels drop, hair may become brittle, dull, and prone to breakage.

Iron Deficiency

Another key nutrient is iron, which ensures proper oxygen transport to hair follicles. When the body lacks iron, hair strands become weak, resulting in increased shedding. Vitamin B12 is also integral to red blood cell production, which helps nourish the scalp and promote strong, healthy hair growth.

Zinc Deficiency

Lastly, zinc is a vital mineral involved in the repair and maintenance of hair follicles. Deficiency in zinc can lead to excessive shedding and slower hair regrowth.

How to Identify If You Have Vitamin-Related Hair Loss?

Certain individuals are more prone to experiencing hair loss due to vitamin deficiencies. People with curly hair often struggle with dryness and breakage, which can be worsened by a lack of essential nutrients. Additionally, those with genetic hair loss conditions, such as androgenic alopecia, may notice faster hair thinning when their diets are poor in vitamins and minerals.

Hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), pregnancy, and postpartum stages, can also contribute to nutrient depletion, leading to hair loss. Another overlooked factor is chronic stress, which has been linked to low levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, ferritin, zinc, and vitamin D. Stress can trigger hair shedding, making it essential to maintain a balanced diet and manage stress levels effectively.

How Blood Tests Can Help Detect Deficiencies

For those experiencing persistent hair loss, a blood test can provide valuable insights into vitamin deficiencies. Doctors often recommend tests for vitamin D, serum ferritin (iron storage), vitamin B12, zinc, and biotin levels to determine whether nutritional gaps are affecting hair health. Additionally, a thyroid function test can help identify hormonal imbalances that may contribute to excessive shedding.

Expert-Recommended Ways to Restore Hair Growth

According to Dr. Neha Khuraana, addressing vitamin deficiencies is key to reversing hair loss and restoring hair strength. She shares five expert-backed strategies to improve hair health naturally:

1. Prioritize a Nutrient-Rich Diet

“The first and most important step to preventing vitamin deficiency-related hair loss is consuming a wholesome diet,” says Dr. Khuraana. She emphasizes the importance of whole grains, leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, and lean meat to provide essential vitamins and minerals that support hair growth.

2. Consider Supplements When Necessary

“If your diet lacks certain nutrients, supplements can help bridge the gap,” she explains. However, supplementation should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure the correct dosage and prevent excess intake, which can have adverse effects.

3. Use Targeted Hair Serums

For those struggling with hair thinning, Dr. Khuraana recommends serums enriched with peptides and essential oils. “These serums provide added benefits by strengthening the hair shaft and nourishing the scalp,” she adds. Regular application can improve hair texture and promote regrowth.

4. Retest Every 3-6 Months

If a deficiency is detected through blood tests, Dr. Khuraana advises regular retesting every 3-6 months to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly. “Tracking your nutrient levels can help you make necessary dietary changes and ensure long-term hair health,” she notes.

5. Maintain Overall Scalp Health

Beyond diet and supplementation, she emphasizes the importance of scalp care. “A healthy scalp is the foundation of strong hair,” she says. This includes gentle cleansing, avoiding harsh chemicals, and using nourishing hair masks to maintain hydration and prevent breakage.

Hair loss caused by vitamin deficiencies is both preventable and treatable with the right approach. A balanced diet, targeted supplementation, and proper scalp care can help restore lost nutrients and improve hair health. For individuals experiencing persistent hair thinning, consulting a healthcare professional and undergoing necessary blood tests can provide personalized solutions for regrowth.

As Dr. Khuraana highlights, "Hair health is a reflection of overall well-being. Nourishing your body from within is the key to maintaining strong, healthy hair."

Dr. Neha Khuraana MD, is a Board-certified Dermatologist and founder of House of Aesthetics, Delhi in India

Historically, people have been slathering its goat milk goodness on their skin thanks to its rich fats and skin-loving nutrients. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in goat milk. It works by breaking the “glue” between dead skin cells, letting them slide off more easily to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.

Dead skin cells can more easily slide off to reveal the smoother, lighter skin underneath when lactic acid breaks down the bonds holding them together. In higher concentrations (like the 5–12% found in targeted skincare products), lactic acid boosts radiance, hydrates, and softens fine lines. In goat milk, however, the concentration is lower, which means it’s milder but slower to deliver visible results.

The Gentle but Patient Approach

“As goat milk contains less lactic acid than pure lactic acid, it is weaker but still works,” says Dr. Sooriya. “This reduces the possibility of irritation brought on by higher AHAs, making it good for people with dry skin.”

This gentleness is exactly why it’s a safe choice for sensitive skin.

Dr. Katheeja Nasika points out that the fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive proteins in goat milk help maintain the skin barrier and suppress inflammation, a bonus you don’t always get from stronger chemical exfoliants.

Manage Your Expectations

Here’s where the bubble bursts for anyone hoping for overnight miracles. Goat milk won’t banish deep wrinkles, stubborn pigmentation, or cystic acne. It’s not meant to.

“You should not rely solely on goat milk to remove large pimples, wrinkles, or dark spots,” advises Dr. Sooriya. “Add active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide, in moderation, to help in the process.”

Similarly, Dr. Nasika emphasises that while goat milk can enhance hydration and texture, the lactic acid content is low and variable, making results subtle and unpredictable. In other words, it’s more of a maintenance player than a star striker in your skincare squad.

Where Goat Milk Shines

If your skincare goals are about gentle exfoliation, daily nourishment, and barrier support, goat milk ticks the boxes. Used in soaps, cleansers, and lotions, it:

• Softly removes minor discolourations
• Hydrates the skin with its blend of vitamins A and D
• Supports cell turnover without triggering redness
• Adds a touch of radiance over time
• Goat milk is also especially handy for those who can’t tolerate stronger AHAs but still want some exfoliation in their routine.

Gentle, Yes. Overhyped? Not Exactly.

Calling goat milk “overhyped” depends on what hype you have been sold. If you have been promised a miracle in a bar of soap, that’s overselling it. But if you understand it as a slow, steady, and skin-friendly option, it’s a quiet achiever.

“It might not work miracles, but it’s a good way to clean your skin without harming it and gain extra nutrients at the same time,” says Dr. Sooriya.

Dr. Nasika agrees, noting that it’s particularly suited for sensitive skin as a maintenance therapy, just don’t expect it to replace higher-strength exfoliants when dealing with pigmentation or fine lines.

• Good for: Sensitive skin, dry skin, gentle daily exfoliation, hydration
• Not so good for: Deep pigmentation, pronounced wrinkles, active acne
• Best used as: A daily cleanser or lotion, paired with other active ingredients (used carefully) for bigger skincare goals

Waking up during the middle of the night to pee occasionally is okay but when it is a nightly routine, it makes you wonder if it is just age, too much tea at night… or something more severe like prostate cancer.

You’re not alone in asking this question. For many men, frequent nighttime urination especially as they get older raises concerns about prostate health. The truth is, while it can be a symptom of prostate cancer, it’s far more often linked to other, non-cancerous conditions. The challenge is figuring out which is which, and when it’s worth getting checked.

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ sitting below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to make fluid that feeds and protects sperm. As men get older, it's common for the prostate to swell a condition referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although BPH isn't cancer, it may produce urinary symptoms by compressing on the urethra and making it more difficult to completely empty the bladder.

Dr. Amit, Senior Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon, says, "The prostate is a tiny gland that makes a big difference in urinary function. Because it changes with age, symptoms such as nocturia bedtime trips to the bathroom—may develop, but they don't necessarily imply cancer."

What Counts as “Frequent” Nighttime Urination?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for how often a night it is "normal" to have to urinate, as it is different for each individual. The majority of men urinate as many as two times during the night without it being a medical issue. During their 60s and 70s, men may need to urinate more often.

If you’re waking up every hour or two, and it’s not related to drinking more fluids, medications like diuretics, or lifestyle habits, it’s worth discussing with a doctor—especially if the change has been sudden or persistent.

When Frequent Urination Might Signal Something More

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in males globally. It typically grows in silence, with minimal or no symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular screening becomes essential. In others, urinary alterations might be the initial perceptible sign—particularly when the cancer is more developed. These signs can range from:

• Struggling to begin urination
• Weak or interrupted stream of urine
• Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• New pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

The above symptoms may be due to causes other than cancer, but should not be neglected. "Recurring urinary changes—particularly when mixed with blood in the urine, unexplained pain, or a family history of prostate cancer—deserve prompt medical attention," writes Dr. Amit.

Other Typical Reasons for Nocturnal Urination

It is worth noting that frequent urination, particularly at night, has numerous potential reasons, such as:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate compressing the urethra

Overactive bladder: A bladder that is contracting too frequently, even when it is not full

Urinary tract infections: May irritate the bladder and lead to urgency

Medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease may affect fluid balance

Lifestyle factors: Consuming alcohol or caffeine in the late evening, or large evening fluid consumption

Medications: particularly diuretics for hypertension or heart disease

Identifying the cause is the first step to effective treatment.

How Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Prostate Cancer?

If you’re experiencing frequent urination—day or night—your doctor will take a detailed history and may recommend:

• Physical examination (including a digital rectal exam to check the prostate)
• Urine tests to rule out infection or blood
• Blood tests, especially a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for changes that could indicate cancer
• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI if necessary

Your physician will also be interested in your fluid intake, medications, and duration of the symptoms. The more specific your data, the better it is to determine the cause.

The PSA test detects the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your bloodstream. A high PSA level can indicate prostate cancer, but can also increase due to BPH, infection, or even recent sex. That's why PSA tests are interpreted along with other results, including prior PSA levels and physical exam findings.

Screening usually begins at age 50 for all men, but those who are at increased risk—men with a family history of prostate cancer, for example—are started earlier.

What Are The Treatment Options if Cancer is Found?

Treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the cancer's stage and aggressiveness, your age, and overall health. Treatment may include:

• Active surveillance for cancers that grow slowly and might never become a problem
• Surgery, including minimally invasive robotic procedures
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy to slow cancer's growth
• Combination therapies for more advanced disease
• Early detection dramatically improves cure rates.

Why Ignoring Symptoms is Risky?

Prostate cancer frequently has a high cure rate if caught early. But if untreated, it can spread to bones and other organs, making it much more difficult to treat. That's why it's essential not to ignore urinary symptoms as "just aging" without excluding more dangerous causes.

Dr. Amit asserts, "Although most instances of nocturia are caused by non-cancerous factors, it's not worth the risk. A quick consultation can provide you with clarity and peace of mind—or diagnose something early when it's most curable."

Nocturia is very common, particularly as one gets older. It's typically the result of benign conditions, yet in a few instances, it may be an initial indicator of prostate cancer. The most important thing is to pay attention to changes, monitor symptoms, and schedule regular check-ups—especially if you have risk factors.

Don't dismiss what your body is saying. Whether it's an innocent habit or a serious medical problem, you won't know for certain until you get examined. And if it proves to be prostate cancer, catching it in time may mean the difference between life and death.

Dr. Amit Saple is the Executive Director and Senior Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Vizag in India

On World Organ Transplant Day, we usually hear about the urgent need for more donors, the lifesaving power of a transplant, and how one person’s decision can save up to eight lives. That is all still true and still critical but here is the twist: while the waiting lists grow, so do the technologies that might one day make them shorter or even unnecessary.

The future of organ transplantation is not just beating in donor hearts anymore; it is also whirring in lab incubators, spinning in magnetic rotors, and taking shape layer by layer on 3D bioprinters.

Despite decades of successful surgeries, the biggest roadblock in transplantation remains supply. Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, explains, “There is still a persistent disparity between organ supply and demand. In India, thousands remain on waiting lists, and many lose their lives before a suitable organ becomes available.”

The reasons are a blend of low awareness, cultural taboos, and plain logistical hurdles. In 2023–24, nearly 50,000 Indians were waiting for organ replacement, according to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). Globally, the US alone has more than 100,000 patients on transplant lists, with 13 lives lost every day while waiting.

Medical science, however, has been busy building backup plans. From 3D printing body parts to developing fully artificial organs, scientists are inching closer to a future where “no donor” does not mean “no hope”.

The Rise of 3D Bioprinting

Specialised 3D bioprinters can lay down living cells in precise patterns to create tissue that looks and behaves like the real thing.

Dr Varun Mittal, Head of Kidney Transplant at Artemis Hospitals, says researchers have “made great strides in printing living tissues and complicated networks of blood vessels”, something previously thought impossible. Techniques like Co-SWIFT create branching vessels inside heart tissue, while 3D ice printing uses water and gelatine to make smooth vessel templates.

While we are not yet popping out fully functional hearts or kidneys from printers for surgical use, these technologies are already valuable for training surgeons, testing drugs, and inching toward patient-specific implants. The idea is to design an organ to match a patient’s exact size, shape, and immune profile, dramatically lowering the risk of rejection.

Artificial Organs: Machines That Act Human

If printing an organ from scratch is the long game, artificial organs are the fast-forward button. These mechanical or bioengineered devices can take over the job of a failing organ, sometimes temporarily, sometimes for months or years.

One striking example is the BiVACOR artificial heart. It does not beat; it spins. A magnetic rotor pumps blood continuously, acting as a bridge until a donor heart is found. Dr Mittal points out that some patients have survived for months with the device, staying mobile and alert while awaiting surgery.

Similarly, researchers are developing implantable bioartificial kidneys that could filter blood and house living kidney cells without the need for dialysis or lifelong immunosuppressants. Wearable dialysis units are also in the works, aimed at freeing patients from hours tethered to clinic machines.

The Lung and Liver Challenge

Some of the boldest experiments are happening with lungs and livers, two of the trickiest organs to replace due to their complexity.

Dr Yasir Rizvi, Director of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, points to a landmark in lung research: a 3D-printed human-scale scaffold containing about 4,000 km of capillaries across 44 trillion voxels. In animal studies, it has already exchanged gases like a natural lung.

For the liver, bioprinting and bioengineering efforts aim to create functional tissue that can sustain patients until a full transplant is possible or even act as a permanent fix in the future.

The Benefits Are Already Here

We may still be a few years from printing a fully functional, transplant-ready heart, but artificial organ technology is already improving lives. Pacemakers, cochlear implants, and ventricular assist devices, these are all proof that machinery and biology can coexist in the human body.

Artificial organs have the potential to:

• Reduce rejection by using a patient’s own cells
• Cut waiting times dramatically
• Lower long-term medical costs by reducing hospital stays
• Give access to treatment in regions where donor organs are scarce

As Dr Chevale says, these breakthroughs are only half the story. “Their success will also depend on increasing awareness about organ donation, busting myths, and encouraging more people to pledge their organs.”

The Ethical Road Ahead

Of course, the march toward lab-grown and artificial organs comes with big ethical questions. Who gets them first? Will they be affordable or only for the wealthy? How do we ensure safety in devices meant to live inside fragile bodies?

Dr Rizvi believes that with “careful regulation, transparent trials and patient-centred design, these innovations can turn prototypes into standard care”. In India, collaborations between AIIMS, IITs, and bio-technical start-ups are already laying the groundwork, with the hope of producing affordable devices for both domestic and global use within a decade.

A Future Worth Donating To

Even if the day comes when a printer can make you a brand-new kidney, organ donation will still matter. Research organs, temporary implants, and hybrid solutions will always benefit from donated tissue to validate safety and function.

The future of transplantation is no longer just a race against the clock for a donor organ, it is also a race to develop, print, and perfect replacements that can save lives anywhere, anytime.