Association Between Serum Trace Elements and Telogen Effluvium: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

March 2026 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Azhar Ahmed, Azhar Alali, Mohammed Alahmadi, Sara Alghamdi, Zakaria Khawaji, Abdulsalam M Humedi, Shaden Alqurashi

telogen effluvium serum trace elements zinc copper vitamin D serum ferritin nutritional interventions

TLDR Telogen effluvium is linked to low ferritin and vitamin D levels.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between serum trace elements and telogen effluvium (TE), focusing on zinc, copper, and vitamin D levels in TE patients compared to healthy controls. Out of 372 papers, 29 were included, with the analysis primarily involving female patients. The meta-analysis found significantly lower serum ferritin and vitamin D levels in TE patients, suggesting a strong association between these deficiencies and TE. Despite high heterogeneity, the study highlights the importance of trace element imbalances in hair loss and recommends personalized nutritional interventions and standardized diagnostic protocols to improve clinical outcomes.

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