Hair Loss in Patients With Gastroparesis: A Sign of Nutritional Deficiency?

February 2023 in “ Digestive Diseases and Sciences ”

Paul J. Silver, Michael J. Coles, Candrice R Heath, Henry P. Parkman, Paul J. Silver, Michael J. Coles, Candrice R Heath, Henry P. Parkman

hair loss gastroparesis nutritional deficiency vitamin deficiencies multivitamin treatment

Studysummary This study observed that 46% of gastroparesis patients reported hair loss, which was associated with more severe gastroparesis symptoms and weight loss, and multivitamin treatment improved hair loss in 40% of these patients. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated hair loss in patients with gastroparesis (Gp), finding that 46% of the 143 patients reported hair loss, which was associated with more severe Gp symptoms, weight loss, and various vitamin deficiencies. Hair loss was observed similarly in both idiopathic and diabetic Gp patients. After 8 weeks of daily multivitamin treatment, 41% of the patients with hair loss showed improvement. The study suggests that hair loss in Gp patients should prompt nutritional evaluation and supplementation, as it may indicate underlying nutritional deficiencies.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

This review discusses the potential role of vitamins and minerals in managing non-scarring alopecia but reports no clinical results; the authors advocate for further controlled trials to explore these relationships.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of biotin for hair and nail growth, noting clinical improvement in cases with existing pathologies, but concludes there is insufficient evidence supporting its benefits for healthy individuals.