My Son Became Vegan And Started Losing His Hair

My 17 year old son became a vegan (6 months ago) and now his hair is falling out in an alarming manner. He eats fruit,nuts,beans and soy products. He has lost 15 lbs and was only 120 to begin with. Tired all the time and now depressed. I took him to a dermatologist and he said nothing was wrong. Can you help us?

From your description of your son’s condition (weight loss, lack of energy, depression, hair loss), there may be an underlying health issue. He should be seen by his primary care doctor who can evaluate his health (not just his hair loss). Of note, a vegetarian diet lacks certain vitamins such as vitamin B12. Anyone starting a new diet should be evaluated by a medical doctor and receive proper nutritional eduacation. Mal-nutrition is a known cause of hair loss.