Assessment of Heavy Metal and Trace Element Levels in Patients with Telogen Effluvium

In 2018, three studies were conducted on the relationship between heavy metals, trace elements, and Telogen Effluvium (TE), a common hair loss condition. The first study, involving 40 patients, found higher levels of lead, nickel, and aluminum, and lower levels of zinc in TE patients compared to 40 healthy individuals. The second study compared 40 TE patients to 30 healthy women and found significant differences in levels of cadmium, iron, magnesium, manganese, lead, cobalt, and copper. Contrary to previous reports, zinc did not appear to play a significant role, and iron levels were elevated, suggesting iron supplementation may be counterproductive. The third study, despite its small sample size, found elevated levels of manganese and cobalt in TE patients, suggesting these metals may play a causative role in TE. All studies concluded that heavy metals might contribute to TE, and further research is needed.