TLDR Valproic acid may cause hair loss by reducing biotinidase enzyme activity in rats.
The study investigated the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on biotinidase enzyme activity in rats, focusing on its potential link to alopecia. Four groups of 15 male Wistar rats were administered varying doses of VPA (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day) or distilled water for 60 days. Results showed a dose-dependent increase in alopecia, with 6.6% in the lowest dose group and 26.6% in the highest. Both liver and serum biotinidase enzyme activities decreased with higher VPA doses, suggesting a correlation between reduced biotinidase activity and alopecia. The study concluded that biotin supplementation (10 mg/day) might prevent alopecia in patients undergoing VPA therapy.
73 citations,
October 2001 in “Epilepsia” Children taking higher doses of valproic acid had lower biotinidase activity, which may lead to biotin deficiency, but biotin supplements could help.
38 citations,
September 1996 in “Annals of Clinical Psychiatry” Hair loss from mood stabilizers is common but can be managed without stopping the medication.
22 citations,
September 2008 in “Brain & development” Biotin supplements increased biotin levels but did not significantly prevent hair loss in rats on valproic acid.
20 citations,
December 2011 in “Journal of inherited metabolic disease” Valproic acid treatment increases a specific acid in urine by blocking an enzyme, possibly causing skin rash and hair loss.
September 2009 in “European journal of paediatric neurology” Biotin supplements did not significantly reduce hair loss in rats on valproic acid.
37 citations,
February 2014 in “Journal of Dermatology” Valproic acid increases hair count in men with hair loss.
48 citations,
June 2013 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Valproic acid may help hair grow and could be a safe treatment for hair loss.
