Post-COVID Telogen Effluvium: The Diagnostic Value of Serum Ferritin Biomarker and the Preventive Value of Dietary Supplements. A Case-Control Study

June 2024 in “ Archives of dermatological research ”

Nermeen Ibrahim Bedair, Alsayed Abdel‐Aziz, Fatemaalzahraa Saad Abdelrazik, Mohamed El-Kassas, Mohamed Hussein AbouHadeed

telogen effluvium serum ferritin dietary supplements azithromycin ivermectin vitamin C vitamin D lactoferrin zinc post-COVID hair loss TE iron supplements

TLDR Dietary supplements might help prevent post-COVID hair loss, but serum ferritin is not a reliable indicator.

This case-control study investigated the diagnostic value of serum ferritin and the preventive value of dietary supplements in post-COVID telogen effluvium (TE) among 100 patients recovering from COVID-19. The study found that patients with TE had significantly lower serum ferritin levels (68.52±126 ug/L) compared to controls (137±137.597 ug/L), but these levels were still above the cutoff for diagnosing nonanemic iron deficiency, suggesting ferritin is not a reliable biomarker for post-COVID TE. Additionally, TE patients used more azithromycin and ivermectin and less vitamin C, D, lactoferrin, and zinc, indicating that these supplements might help prevent post-COVID hair loss, while the medications could have a negative long-term effect.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

30 / 30 results

Evaluating the Role of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Ferritin Levels with Hair Loss Among Patients with COVID-19: Case-Control Study

research Evaluating the Role of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Ferritin Levels with Hair Loss Among Patients with COVID-19: Case-Control Study

October 2023 in “Clinical medicine and medical research”

Thyroid function may influence hair loss after COVID-19.

research The Effect of Ferritin, Vitamin D, and Hormonal and Biochemical Parameters on Female-Pattern Hair Loss After COVID-19 Infection

October 2023 in “Journal of Preventive Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies in Medicine”

Low ferritin and Vitamin D levels may cause hair loss after COVID-19.

research Hair Disorders Associated With Post-Covid-19 Infection in Females: A Cross-Sectional Study

September 2023 in “Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)”

About 61% of women who had COVID-19 experienced hair loss afterward.

research SARS-CoV-2 Infection as a Trigger for Telogen Effluvium: A Literature Review with Case-Based Clinical Evaluation Guidance

2 citations , July 2023 in “Life”

COVID-19 can cause temporary hair loss, which is commonly reversible with treatment.

research Symptom Profile of Patients With Post-Covid-19 Conditions and Influencing Factors for Recovery

February 2023 in “Journal of clinical medicine research”

Zinc acetate hydrate may help reduce fatigue and hair loss in post-COVID-19 patients.

research Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium Related to COVID-19: The Potential Implication of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Regenerative Strategies

3 citations , August 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

COVID-19 can cause hair loss, and treatments like PRP and stem cells might help.

research Prevalence of Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss in COVID-19 Patients and Its Relationship with Disease Severity

8 citations , May 2022 in “Journal of medicine and life”

COVID-19 patients may experience hair loss, but it's not linked to their age or sex.

research Complementary Strategies to Promote Hair Regrowth in Post-COVID-19 Telogen Effluvium

3 citations , April 2022 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Different methods, including stress management, healthy diet, supplements, and treatments like minoxidil, can help hair grow back after COVID-19 related hair loss.

research Post-SARS-CoV-2 Acute Telogen Effluvium: An Expected Complication

8 citations , February 2022 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

Many COVID-19 patients experience temporary hair loss after infection, not linked to infection severity or treatment.

research Evaluation of Patients with Telogen Effluvium During the Pandemic: Are Monocytes Responsible for Post COVID-19 Telogen Effluvium?

4 citations , February 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Monocytes might be linked to hair loss after COVID-19.

research COVID-19 Induced Telogen Effluvium

22 citations , October 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

COVID-19 may cause temporary hair loss in some people.

research Characteristics of Telogen Effluvium in COVID-19 in Western Iran (2020)

7 citations , September 2021 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

COVID-19 can cause temporary hair loss, often starting around 7-8 weeks after recovery, with factors like Vitamin D deficiency, other diseases, medication, and stress potentially contributing.

research Time of Onset and Duration of Post-COVID-19 Acute Telogen Effluvium

32 citations , July 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss from COVID-19 usually starts around 45 days after infection and lasts about 47.5 days.

research The Diagnostic Value of Serum Ferritin for Telogen Effluvium: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

1 citations , February 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Low iron levels in the blood could be a sign of Telogen Effluvium, a type of hair loss, but it's not always accurate in distinguishing it from other hair loss types.

research Telogen Effluvium Associated with COVID-19 Infection

44 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

COVID-19 may cause hair loss due to infection stress or treatments.

research Telogen Effluvium After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Series of Cases and Possible Pathogenetic Mechanisms

28 citations , January 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders”

COVID-19 may cause early hair loss similar to classic temporary hair loss, with further research needed.

research SARS-CoV-2-Induced Telogen Effluvium: A Multicentric Study

51 citations , November 2020 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

COVID-19 infection may cause significant hair loss, but full hair recovery is likely without special treatment.

research Telogen Effluvium Related to Post Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical Aspects and Our Management Experience

35 citations , November 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Severe COVID-19 may cause hair loss, and doctors recommend supplements and topical treatments to manage it.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature

40 citations , May 2020 in “Cureus”

The conclusion is that treatments for Telogen Effluvium exist, but standard treatment guidelines are needed.

Lactoferrin Promotes Hair Growth in Mice and Increases Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation Through Erk/Akt and Wnt Signaling Pathways

research Lactoferrin Promotes Hair Growth in Mice and Increases Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation Through Erk/Akt and Wnt Signaling Pathways

18 citations , April 2019 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Lactoferrin helps mice grow hair by increasing cell growth and hair follicle development.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

People with hair loss, especially those with certain types, have lower zinc levels, and zinc supplements might help.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of Acute and Chronic Forms

67 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Chronic Telogen Effluvium may resolve after years and is diagnosed by examining the patient's history and clinical signs, with treatment aimed at underlying causes and possibly minoxidil.

research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D in Female Hair Loss: Do They Play a Role?

62 citations , January 2013 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Low iron and vitamin D levels are linked to hair loss in women.

research Iron Deficiency in Female Pattern Hair Loss, Chronic Telogen Effluvium, and Control Groups

72 citations , October 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Iron deficiency common in women, not always linked to hair loss; more research needed.

research Iron Status in Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss Among Women

93 citations , January 2009 in “PubMed”

Low iron levels are linked to hair loss in women.

research Low Iron Stores: A Risk Factor for Excessive Hair Loss in Non-Menopausal Women

28 citations , February 2008 in “PubMed”

Low iron levels are linked to more hair loss in non-menopausal women.

research The Effect of Tripeptide-Copper Complex on Human Hair Growth In Vitro

39 citations , July 2007 in “Archives of Pharmacal Research”

A tripeptide-copper complex may help hair grow by increasing cell growth and decreasing cell death.

research Hair Follicle Expression of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Receptors During the Murine Hair Cycle

95 citations , July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles change with the hair cycle, affecting hair growth.

The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

research The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

83 citations , April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Having enough iron improves the effectiveness of a specific hair loss treatment in women.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Are Nutraceuticals Effective in Covid-19 and Post-Covid Prevention and Treatment?

12 citations , September 2022 in “Foods”

Some nutraceuticals may help in COVID-19 prevention and treatment, but more research is needed.

research The Role of Dietary Supplements in Hair Loss Treatment: A Review of Evidence

2 citations , July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks”

Some supplements may help with hair loss, but there's not enough strong evidence to recommend them without doctor advice.

research Systematic Approach to Hair Loss in Women

45 citations , March 2010 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

A systematic approach is crucial for managing hair loss in women.

research Nutrition and Hair: The Role of Nutrients in Hair Health

98 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.

research Medicinal and Cosmetic Products Used in Treatment of Hair Loss

September 2022 in “Polish Hyperbaric Research”

Some treatments for hair loss, like finasteride, biotin, and minoxidil, can be effective, but their success varies by individual case.