TLDR Diet can prevent bone issues but not hair loss in mice lacking vitamin D receptors.
The study investigated the effects of normalizing mineral ion levels through diet in vitamin D receptor (VDR)-ablated mice. It was found that this dietary intervention prevented secondary hyperparathyroidism, rickets, and osteomalacia by normalizing growth and serum ionized calcium levels. Despite these improvements, alopecia persisted in the VDR-ablated mice, indicating that the vitamin D receptor is essential for normal hair growth. This suggested that while mineral ion homeostasis could prevent certain conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency, it could not address hair loss, highlighting the specific role of the VDR in hair growth.
95 citations
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July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” 100 citations
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October 1986 in “Clinical Endocrinology” The study analyzed the relationship between alopecia and hereditary resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) in 30 kindreds. It found that alopecia was associated with more severe resistance, as indicated by an earlier age of diagnosis (0.9 years vs. 3.3 years) and a lower calcaemic response to calciferol therapy. During treatment, patients with alopecia had lower serum calcium levels but higher serum 1,25(OH)2D levels compared to those with normal hair. Additionally, cells from most kindreds with alopecia showed no response to 1,25(OH)2D3 in terms of 24-hydroxylase activity, unlike those from kindreds with normal hair. The findings suggested that alopecia in these cases reflected more severe resistance to 1,25(OH)2D.
55 citations
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May 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” 
70 citations
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November 1984 in “Cell & tissue research/Cell and tissue research” Vitamin D3 affects cell differentiation in specific skin areas.
57 citations
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April 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Vitamin D receptor is crucial for starting hair growth after birth.
51 citations
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January 2003 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics” Hormones and their receptors, especially androgens, play a key role in hair growth and disorders like baldness.
1533 citations
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October 2008 in “Endocrine reviews” Mice without the vitamin D receptor have bone issues and other health problems, suggesting vitamin D is important for preventing various diseases in humans.
119 citations
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October 1998 in “Endocrinology” Diet can prevent bone issues but not hair loss in mice lacking vitamin D receptors.
78 citations
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November 2005 in “Endocrinology” Hairless protein can block vitamin D activation in skin cells.
