Akala Palitya: An Ayurvedic Review

Micronutrient testing and deficiencies related to hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Discussion includes the impact of iron, selenium, zinc, copper, folate, B12, vitamin E, vitamin D, amino acids, and fatty acids, alongside treatments like dutasteride or finasteride.

A 36-year-old man with androgenetic alopecia suspects copper and zinc deficiencies may be accelerating hair loss and is supplementing copper to address this. He is also monitoring blood sugar levels due to previous prediabetes concerns and plans to test for insulin resistance.

The conversation discusses personal experiences with hair loss and highlights the potential impact of anemia and nutrient deficiencies on hair health. Treatments mentioned include changing shampoo/conditioner, taking MSM, collagen, hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, B12, folate, and bovine blood capsules.

The conversation is about a user planning to start minoxidil treatment and considering increasing zinc intake to improve testosterone and libido. They are concerned about potential hair loss due to increased testosterone and are advised to consider magnesium supplementation and the effects of DHT if not on finasteride or dutasteride.

Vitamin E and K deficiencies due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may affect hair growth. A scalp biopsy is recommended to check for autoimmune-related hair loss.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) was found to improve hair parameters in men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia, showing increased terminal hair count and decreased vellus hair count, with good tolerability. NAC, used alone or with minoxidil, may help due to its antioxidant properties, though its effectiveness can vary among individuals.