19-Year-Old Female with Hair Thinning and Heavy Periods

January 2022 in “ Clinical Cases in Dermatology ”

Francesca Veon, Bryce Demoret, Suchita Sampath, Shannon C. Trotter

idiopathic alopecia micronutrient deficiencies protein vegetables soy iron vitamin D zinc biotin hair loss nutritional deficiencies diet hair growth

TLDR Lack of certain nutrients may contribute to hair loss and proper diet or supplements could improve it.

The document discusses the role of nutritional deficiencies in idiopathic alopecia, a condition of unexplained hair loss. It suggests that micronutrient deficiencies, which can be caused by genetic disorders, medical conditions, medication side effects, or dietary practices, may be a modifiable risk factor in the development, prevention, and treatment of alopecia. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause structural changes and premature pigmentary alterations in hair. Diets rich in protein, vegetables, and soy, as well as adequate levels of iron, vitamin D, and zinc, may promote hair growth and protect against various types of alopecia. The document also mentions a study where supplementation with certain nutritional components improved alopecia symptoms and stimulated hair regrowth. However, the efficacy of biotin supplementation is debated. The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering a patient's medical history, medications, and dietary practices in diagnosing and treating chronic alopecia.

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research The Role of Diet as an Adjuvant Treatment in Scarring and Nonscarring Alopecia

17 citations, January 2020 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Certain diets may help with hair growth in people with different types of hair loss.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations, December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Comparative Evaluation Between Two Nutritional Supplements in the Improvement of Telogen Effluvium

9 citations, September 2018 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

One supplement improved hair loss and quality faster and more effectively than the other in treating telogen effluvium.

research Diet and Hair Loss: Effects of Nutrient Deficiency and Supplement Use

79 citations, January 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

Correcting nutrient deficiencies may help with hair loss, but the benefits of supplements without a deficiency are uncertain and could be harmful.

research Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss

71 citations, January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Biotin deficiency is not a major cause of hair loss in women, so biotin supplements are not likely to be an effective hair loss treatment.

research Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss

40 citations, January 2013 in “Journal of Korean Medical Science”

Iron deficiency may contribute to hair loss.

research Nutrition and Hair: The Role of Nutrients in Hair Health

98 citations, October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.

research Nutrition and Hair Health: The Impact of Nutritional Deficiencies

70 citations, June 2010 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations, September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research Hair Loss in Women

129 citations, October 2007 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.