Combined Diet and Supplementation Therapy Resolves Alopecia Areata in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Study

November 2020 in “ Curēus ”

Cliff Harvey

alopecia areata autoimmune condition hair loss dietary approach supplementation vitamins A vitamin D zinc multi-nutrient zinc sulfate fish oil micronutrients AA diet supplements vitamin A

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Vitamin D →

vitamin you should probably be taking for general health might also help your hair a little

Zinc →

Studysummary This case report describes an eight-year-old male with alopecia areata who achieved complete remission within five months following a diet and supplementation regimen rich in vitamins and zinc.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

In a case study from November 2020, an eight-year-old male diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, was treated with a combined dietary and supplementation approach. The regimen focused on unrefined foods high in vitamins A and D, zinc, and included additional supplements such as a multi-nutrient, zinc sulfate, and fish oil with vitamin D. The treatment led to complete remission of AA within five months, suggesting a potential link between diet, specific micronutrients, and the management of AA.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research An Investigation of Vitamin D Status in Alopecia Areata

37 citations , June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significant systemic inflammation and vitamin D deficiency, with both conditions more pronounced as disease severity increased.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations , May 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study reviewed recent theories on alopecia areata's pathogenesis, highlighting its autoimmune nature due to immune privilege disruption in hair follicles, and noted current treatments have limited efficacy with high relapse rates, underscoring the need for further research into its mechanisms for better therapies.

research Increased Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

48 citations , April 2018 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that individuals with alopecia areata had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels and a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to people without the condition.

research Correlation of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Clinical Paradigm

29 citations , December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata was associated with greater disease severity and longer duration, but not with disease pattern or vitamin D receptor expression.

research Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

99 citations , July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

This review noted that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease impacting hair follicles and offered insights into its complex pathogenesis involving immune responses, while highlighting ongoing research into new treatments such as Janus kinase inhibitors and other immunomodulatory drugs.

research The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review

63 citations , May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This review found that patients with alopecia areata may have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but conflicting evidence precludes definitive clinical recommendations for micronutrient supplementation.

research Serum Vitamin D Level Is Related to Disease Severity in Pediatric Alopecia Areata

28 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

This study found that while vitamin D deficiency is not the sole cause of alopecia areata, it may worsen the disease, suggesting supplementation could help in pediatric cases.

research Assessment of Vitamin D Receptors in Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia

20 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study suggests that lower serum and tissue vitamin D receptor levels in alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia patients may play a role in the pathogenesis of these hair diseases.

research Evaluation of Serum Zinc Level in Patients With Newly Diagnosed and Resistant Alopecia Areata

52 citations , July 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significantly lower serum zinc levels, which correlated inversely with disease severity, duration, and resistance to therapies, suggesting zinc assessment as a marker of disease status.

research Vitamin D Deficiency in Alopecia Areata

105 citations , March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

In this study, patients with alopecia areata were found to have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels compared to those with vitiligo and healthy individuals, with lower levels correlating with increased disease severity.

research Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Are Not Associated With Alopecia Areata

13 citations , September 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study suggests no significant association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and alopecia areata.