The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
December 2018
in “Dermatology and Therapy”
TLDR Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
The 2018 review article examined the role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss, particularly in non-scarring alopecia. It found that deficiencies in micronutrients like vitamin D and iron, especially in females, are associated with conditions such as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE), and supplementation is often recommended. However, there is insufficient evidence to support supplementation of other nutrients like zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, or vitamin B12 in deficiency cases. Excessive intake of vitamin A and selenium might contribute to hair loss, but more research is needed. For alopecia areata (AA), low vitamin D levels were related, and supplementation was suggested if levels were low. Biotin supplementation was not supported by evidence for treating AA and could interfere with lab tests. The review also noted the potential role of certain nutrients in premature graying of hair and emphasized the need for large double-blind placebo-controlled trials to determine the effects of specific micronutrient supplementation on hair growth in individuals with deficiencies.
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Cited in this study
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research Vitamin D and the Skin: An Update for Dermatologists
research The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review
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Most Indian people with hair loss in the study lacked nutrients, especially iron.
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People with Telogen Effluvium often lack vitamin D, ferritin, and zinc.
research Serum vitamin D3 level in patients with female pattern hair loss
research Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss
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research Clinicoepidemiological Observational Study of Acquired Alopecias in Females Correlating with Anemia and Thyroid Function
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research Comparison of Zn, Cu, and Fe Content in Hair and Serum in Alopecia Areata Patients with Normal Group
Hair and serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron are similar in people with alopecia areata and healthy individuals.
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Women losing hair might have lower levels of vitamin D.
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research Epidemiological and investigative study of premature graying of hair in higher secondary and pre-university school children
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research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D in Female Hair Loss: Do They Play a Role?
Low iron and vitamin D levels are linked to hair loss in women.
research Serum holotranscobalamine, vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine levels in alopecia areata patients
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Maintaining the right amount of retinoic acid is crucial for healthy hair and skin.
research Untangling the hairy issue of iron deficiency: Making progress
Iron deficiency is common in women regardless of hair loss, and treating it does not usually reverse hair loss.
research Iron deficiency and hair loss—Nothing new?
research Iron deficiency and diffuse nonscarring scalp alopecia in women: More pieces to the puzzle
The conclusion suggests a possible link between iron levels and hair health in women, recommending further research on iron supplementation for hair loss.
research Iron deficiency in female pattern hair loss, chronic telogen effluvium, and control groups
Iron deficiency common in women, not always linked to hair loss; more research needed.
research Nutrition and hair
Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.
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research The Therapeutic Effect and the Changed Serum Zinc Level after Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients Who Had a Low Serum Zinc Level
Zinc supplements increased zinc levels in some hair loss patients but didn't significantly improve hair growth.
research No Association between Serum Ferritin Levels >10 μg/l and Hair Loss Activity in Women
Higher iron levels in the blood are not linked to increased hair loss in women.
research Hair Loss in Women
Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.
research Androgenetic Alopecia
Male pattern hair loss is genetic and influenced by hormones, with treatments like minoxidil and surgery available.
research The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss
Iron deficiency may be related to hair loss, but there's not enough evidence to recommend iron screening or supplements for all hair loss patients.
research Decreased Serum Ferritin is Associated With Alopecia in Women
Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.
research There is no clear association between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss
Low iron levels are not directly linked to chronic hair loss and iron supplements may not help.
research Nutritional factors and hair loss
Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.
research Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that can resolve on its own or become chronic, with treatment depending on early diagnosis.
research Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation
Some hair loss can be treated, especially in women due to nutrition, but some types remain untreatable.
research Does tissue iron status have a role in female alopecia?
Iron deficiency is not a significant cause of hair loss in women.
research The importance of adequate serum ferritin levels during oral cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol treatment of diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia in women
Having enough iron improves the effectiveness of a specific hair loss treatment in women.
research Biochemical and trichological characterization of diffuse alopecia in women
Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.
research Reduced serum vitamin B12 levels during oral cyproterone-acetate and ethinyl-oestradiol therapy in women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia
research Alopecia in Crash Dieters
Crash dieting can cause hair loss due to severe calorie restriction.
research Alopecia in crash dieters.
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research Letter: Telogen effluvium secondary to starvation diet
Starvation diets can cause significant hair loss.
research Telogen Effluvium Secondary to Starvation Diet
Starving yourself can cause hair loss, but stopping the diet can improve it.
research Telogen Effluvium Secondary to Weight Loss and Therapy With Chorionic Gonadotropin
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