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

alopecia areata dietary modifications nutritional modifications Vitamin B7 Vitamin D Nutrafol Viviscal probiotics AA biotin fruits vegetables

TLDR Dietary changes and supplements mostly did not improve alopecia areata.

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.

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community I regrew my hairline in 2 years. Never give up hope. No transplant involved either.

in Progress Pictures 1074 upvotes 5 months ago

A user shared their 2-year hair regrowth journey using finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and a diet change, without a hair transplant. Despite skepticism from others, the user insists the results are natural and encourages consistency and dietary adjustments.

community Starting Spironolactone, any ladies in here with experience or success?

in Female 56 upvotes 1 year ago

A female user starting Spironolactone treatment for thinning hair, and others sharing their experiences with Minoxidil and oral/sublingual Minoxidil as treatments.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Alopecia Areata Question

in Treatment 2 upvotes 3 years ago

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

in Chat 4 months ago

A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.