Comparison of Zn, Cu, and Fe Content in Hair and Serum in Alopecia Areata Patients with Normal Group
January 2014
in “Dermatology Research and Practice”
TLDR Hair and serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron are similar in people with alopecia areata and healthy individuals.
In a 2014 study involving 16 female patients with alopecia areata (AA) and 27 healthy female controls, researchers found no significant difference in the levels of zinc, copper, and iron in the hair and serum between the two groups. The study also revealed a significant correlation between serum and hair levels of these trace elements in both patients and controls, with a particularly strong relationship for copper levels. The findings suggested that deficiencies in these trace elements might not be directly related to the onset of AA, and not all AA patients may benefit from mineral supplements. However, the study recommended checking trace element levels in AA patients and considering mineral supplements as adjuvant therapy if a deficiency is found. The study was limited by the exclusion of severe AA cases and male patients. The correlation between serum and hair levels of iron was stronger in the control group, while the correlation for zinc was strong in both groups, indicating that hair analysis could approximate serum levels of these elements.
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