TLDR Adding more vegetables and fruits improved capybaras' coat quality and health.
In a case study at Seoul Zoo, four capybaras suffering from hair and weight loss, as well as dermatitis, showed significant improvement in coat quality and overall health after their diet was supplemented with additional vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits, increasing dietary vitamin C from ∼300-400 to >600 mg/kg dry matter. Within 6 months, their hair became thicker and glossier, and they gained weight. The study concluded that adequate dietary vitamin C, along with other nutrients like vitamin B6, is crucial for preventing hair loss and dermatitis in capybaras.
26 citations,
February 2003 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” An enzyme other than TNAP might be responsible for vitamin B-6 metabolism in the skin.
54 citations,
September 1972 in “British journal of nutrition” Malnutrition severely harms growth and development in young baboons.
10 citations,
July 2018 in “Our Dermatology Online” Some vitamins and minerals are important for preventing hair loss, but treating hair loss with them without a known deficiency is not proven effective.
134 citations,
December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
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2 citations,
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1 citations,
January 2010 in “Springer eBooks” Certain micronutrients may improve hair and nail health, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits.
