Characterizing the Types and Impact of Dietary and Nutritional Modifications in the Management of Alopecia Areata

    September 2024 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Allison Yan, Lara Drake, Sophia Reyes-Hadsall, Ahana Gaurav, Eric Xia, Arash Mostaghimi
    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

    Biotin →

    supplement to help with hair texture and quality

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    Studysummary This study observed that many individuals with alopecia areata seek or receive dietary and nutritional advice to manage their condition, often making changes such as taking supplements or adding specific foods, yet most reported no change in their disease status.
    Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
    A study involving 854 adults with alopecia areata (AA) in the United States found that 19.1% received diet/nutritional advice and 49.5% searched for such advice, primarily online. Common changes included using vitamins/supplements (30.6%), following specific diets (23.2%), and adding certain foods (21.4%). Popular vitamins were B7 (17.2%) and D (16.2%), while common supplements were Nutrafol (40.0%) and Viviscal (30.8%). Most participants reported no change in their condition or feelings about it after dietary changes. Non-White participants were more likely to report improvement than White participants. The study concludes that while many AA patients seek and implement dietary changes, the benefits remain unclear, necessitating further research.
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