Micronutrients in hair loss
Journal Title: Nasza Dermatologia Online - Year 2018, Vol 9, Issue 3
Abstract
Alopecia is a common dermatological complaint. Affected patients are often distressed and attempt to arrest the hair loss by taking various over the counter nutritional supplements containing vitamins and minerals. The evidence supporting their efficacy however is limited. Moreover, there are toxicity reports. We reviewed the literature about the normal levels and the daily dietary needs of the most common micronutrients, their role in the hair follicle cycle as well as their use in the hair loss treatment. 4 independent researchers reviewed a total of 119 papers, and 92 articles published in the English language within the last 30 years were included. Telogen effluvium and alopecia areata have been associated with lower iron, zinc and vitamin D levels. Androgenetic alopecia has been associated with lower iron and vitamin D levels. Both lower and increased vitamin A levels can result in telogen effluvium, but lower levels are associated also with hair breakage. Vitamin C insufficiency results in hair shaft abnormality (cork screw hairs). No data exist about hair loss associated with abnormal biotin levels. The role of micronutrients for the hair follicle function is not completely understood. Empiric treatments of hair loss with micronutrients without confirmed deficiencies have not shown utility.
Authors and Affiliations
Susana A. Ruiz-Tagle
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP359029
- DOI 10.7241/ourd.20183.25
- Views 105
- Downloads 0
A study of onychomycosis in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, India
Introduction: Onychomycosis is a chronic infection of nails caused by fungi such as dermatophytes, yeasts or nondermatophyte moulds. It is the most prevalent of all the nail ailments and affects 3- 5% of the popul...
Pilomatricoma of the eyelid
Pilomatricoma is an uncommon benign tumor considered to be harmatoma of hair matrix. Here we present a case of 27 year old male patient who had solitary swelling over the right upper eyelid. On the basis of clinical and...
Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis
-
Immunoreactivity to Meissner corpuscles and dermal nerves in a bullous arthropod bite reaction
-
Giant congenital melanocytic nevus coexisting with an asymmetric posture
Congenital nevus is a melanocytic proliferation that is present at birth. When the diameter of a congenital melanocytic nevus is 20 cm or greater, it is called giant congenital melanocytic nevus. A giant congenital melan...