Trace Element Status of Patients with Alopecia Areata

The study on trace element status in patients with alopecia areata (AA) compared to healthy individuals involved 100 AA patients and 100 healthy controls. It found that AA patients had lower blood levels of zinc, iron, cobalt, and bismuth, while their hair showed higher concentrations of iron, copper, chromium, and nickel. The study suggested that autoimmune inflammation might disrupt trace element balance, possibly due to pro-inflammatory cytokines affecting protein synthesis and metal transport. Deficiencies in essential elements like iron and zinc could alter the absorption of other metals, potentially leading to toxic effects. Further research was needed to confirm these findings.