Nutrition and Hair Health: The Impact of Nutritional Deficiencies

June 2010 in “ Clinics in Dermatology ”

Lynne J. Goldberg, Yolanda M. Lenzy

Studysummary This review discusses how changes in hair and skin may indicate underlying vitamin deficiencies and emphasizes the need to identify populations at risk for these deficiencies; it reports no new results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 2010 document outlines the relationship between nutrition and hair health, indicating that while most individuals receive sufficient nutrients from their diet, specific groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or malnutrition may experience hair issues due to nutritional deficiencies. It details how deficiencies in protein-energy, zinc, essential fatty acids, selenium, vitamin A, and biotin can lead to hair brittleness, alopecia, and color changes. The paper also notes that biotin supplementation for hair loss lacks strong clinical evidence. It mentions that up to 85% of institutionalized elderly may be undernourished, leading to hair abnormalities, and that vitamin C deficiency can cause significant hair issues, with hair regrowth occurring after supplementation. The document also discusses the impact of malabsorption syndromes, bariatric surgery, eating disorders, and iron deficiency on hair health, with the latter showing conflicting study results. It warns against hypervitaminosis, particularly from vitamin A, which can cause hair loss and other health problems, citing a case of a patient requiring a liver transplant due to chronic vitamin A toxicity. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of recognizing individuals who may benefit from vitamin supplementation to support hair growth and prevent systemic health issues.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

24 / 24 results

research The Effects of Biotin Supplementation on Serum and Liver Tissue Biotinidase Enzyme Activity and Alopecia in Rats Treated with Valproic Acid

22 citations , September 2008 in “Brain & development”

In this study on rats, valproic acid was associated with reduced biotinidase enzyme activity and higher alopecia rates, but biotin supplementation did not significantly affect alopecia occurrence.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the various treatment options for male and female pattern hair loss and provides no new clinical results; the authors outline the most effective strategies based on existing evidence.

research No Association Between Serum Ferritin Levels Greater Than 10 μg/l and Hair Loss Activity in Women

56 citations , January 2008 in “Dermatology”

This article discusses the controversy over serum ferritin levels in diagnosing iron deficiency in women with hair loss but reports no new findings, emphasizing the need for consistent reference ranges.

research Diffuse Alopecia in a Child Due to Dietary Zinc Deficiency

39 citations , July 2007 in “SKINmed Dermatology for the Clinician”

In this case study, a 4-year-old girl's hair loss stopped after six months of zinc supplementation and dietary changes, suggesting a possible link to low zinc levels.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating iron deficiency related to nutritional anemia and hair loss, concluding that routine screening and supplementation for hair loss are not yet supported by sufficient evidence.

research Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss: The Jury Is Still Out

22 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency, its potential link to hair loss, and emphasizes the importance for dermatologists to understand these aspects; it reports no new findings.

research Vitamin A Toxicity: When One a Day Doesn't Keep the Doctor Away

32 citations , January 2006 in “Liver transplantation”

This case report describes a 60-year-old male with vitamin A toxicity leading to severe liver disease and symptoms that resolved following liver transplantation, suggesting transplantation as a treatment option for noncirrhotic portal hypertension when symptoms do not improve after stopping vitamin A.

research Zinc as an Ambivalent but Potent Modulator of Murine Hair Growth In Vivo: Preliminary Observations

60 citations , October 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that high-dose oral zinc significantly influences hair growth in mice, showing both inhibition and promotion effects depending on the timing and duration of administration.

research Biotin Deficiency in an Infant Fed with Amino Acid Formula

43 citations , April 2005 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

This case report describes a 5-month-old Japanese infant with biotin deficiency, where daily oral biotin supplementation led to significant improvements in skin conditions and hair growth.

research Dermatologic Signs in Patients with Eating Disorders

130 citations , January 2005 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This review discusses the dermatologic symptoms associated with severe eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and how they can aid in early diagnosis, without reporting new results.

research Selenium as an Element in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer in Women Receiving Chemotherapy

127 citations , March 2004 in “Gynecologic oncology”

This study concluded that selenium supplementation for ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy may have several beneficial effects, such as increased antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced chemotherapy-related symptoms, and higher selenium levels in serum and hair.

research Cutaneous Manifestations of Endocrine-Metabolic Disease and Nutritional Deficiency in the Elderly

18 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This article discusses nutritional contributions to hair health and highlights the need for identifying risk factors for deficiencies but reports no new clinical findings.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without hair loss, suggesting a potential link between these types of alopecia and decreased iron stores.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

239 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review explores the role of nutritional factors in hair loss, noting that iron and l-lysine supplementation may benefit some individuals, while excessive supplements can lead to hair shedding.

research Cutaneous Manifestations of Eating Disorders

33 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This review discusses the skin conditions linked to eating disorders and emphasizes that treating the underlying disorder often improves these dermatological symptoms.

research Causes of Hair Loss and Developments in Hair Rejuvenation

69 citations , February 2002 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This review discusses genetic and nutritional causes of hair loss, highlighting that around 90% of treated men show noticeable hair regrowth with a dual inhibitor, while women's hair loss may improve by correcting iron and l-lysine deficiencies.

research Low Serum Biotinidase Activity in Children with Valproic Acid Monotherapy

73 citations , October 2001 in “Epilepsia”

In this study, valproic acid treatment was associated with reduced biotinidase activity and improved skin lesions after biotin supplementation in children with seizures.

research Reversal of Hair Loss Following Vertical Gastroplasty When Treated with Zinc Sulfate

68 citations , February 1996 in “Obesity Surgery”

This study found that significant hair loss in about one-third of patients after vertical gastroplasty was reversed by zinc supplementation.

research Proliferation and Differentiation of Cultured Human Follicular Keratinocytes Are Not Influenced by Biotin

22 citations , January 1996 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

research Clinical Response of Alopecia, Trichorrhexis Nodosa, and Dry, Scaly Skin to Zinc Supplementation

22 citations , December 1992 in “The journal of pediatrics/The Journal of pediatrics”

This study reported that oral zinc therapy improved hair and skin abnormalities in patients with dry brittle hair, alopecia, and other symptoms, regardless of demonstrated zinc deficiency.

research Inborn Errors of Biotin Metabolism

9 citations , December 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study highlights two newly discovered metabolic disorders of biotin, showing distinct skin and hair symptoms and severe complications like acidosis and ketosis.