Metabolic Disorders And Hair Growth

January 1971 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Stanley Comaish

metabolic disorders hair growth protein deficiency telogen phase serum iron levels iron supplementation genetic disorders endocrine disorders iron supplements

TLDR Hair can indicate early signs of metabolic disorders, with issues like protein deficiency stopping hair growth.

The 1971 document examined the link between metabolic disorders and hair growth, highlighting hair as a potential early indicator of systemic diseases like malnutrition. It reported that protein deficiency could halt hair growth and initiate the telogen phase. The study included 53 patients, revealing that 15 had low serum iron levels, and 5 of those improved with iron supplementation. The document also considered hair's diagnostic potential in genetic and endocrine disorders and the impact of drugs on hair growth. It advocated for more detailed studies on hair in the context of systemic diseases to aid clinicians.

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