TLDR Alopecia areata patients may have higher cardiovascular risk factors, so screening for metabolic syndrome components is suggested.
This study examined the correlation between alopecia areata (AA) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a Northwest Indian population, involving 106 AA patients and matched controls. The prevalence of MS was slightly higher in the AA group (8.4%) compared to controls (7.54%), but this difference was not statistically significant. AA patients had higher blood pressure, waist circumference, and lower HDL cholesterol levels, with the latter being the only significant association. No link was found between MS and the severity or duration of AA, nor with co-existing autoimmune conditions. The study suggests screening AA patients for MS components to manage cardiovascular risk factors, acknowledging limitations such as the need for larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.
8 citations
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January 2019 in “Turkish journal of medical sciences” Ischemic modified albumin could be a new indicator of oxidative stress in people with alopecia areata.
28 citations
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April 2017 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” Low vitamin D can worsen pediatric alopecia areata.
56 citations
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March 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 
144 citations
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July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting about 2% of people, causing significant disability and often associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions.
37 citations
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October 2014 in “JAMA dermatology” A woman with severe hair loss was successfully treated with the drug adalimumab.
105 citations
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March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Alopecia areata patients often have low vitamin D levels, suggesting they might benefit from vitamin D supplements.
17 citations
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December 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Autoimmune and metabolic issues are linked, and treating one may worsen another.
18 citations
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August 2012 in “Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology” People with alopecia areata have higher insulin resistance.
October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)” People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.
