Trace Elements Levels in Serum and Hair of Patients with Vitiligo and Alopecia Areata

    January 2011
    Wasan T Al-Rubayee
    TLDR Zinc deficiency may contribute to alopecia areata and vitiligo.
    This study evaluated the levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium in the serum and hair of 20 alopecia areata patients, 20 vitiligo patients, and 20 matched controls. The results showed that both alopecia areata and vitiligo patients had significantly decreased zinc levels in their serum and hair compared to controls, suggesting that zinc deficiency might play a crucial role in the development of these conditions. However, copper and magnesium levels did not show significant changes, indicating they might not be involved in the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata or vitiligo.
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