Vitamin D Deficiency in Non-Scarring and Scarring Alopecias: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

October 2024 in “ Frontiers in Nutrition ”

Tanat Yongpisarn, Kasama Tejapira, Kunlawat Thadanipon, Poonkiat Suchonwanit

vitamin D deficiency alopecia areata female pattern hair loss male androgenic alopecia telogen effluvium primary scarring alopecia vitamin D levels vitamin D supplementation VDD AA FPHL

Studysummary This study found that patients with alopecia, particularly alopecia areata and female pattern hair loss, often have vitamin D deficiency, suggesting that screening for vitamin D could benefit these patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the link between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and various alopecia types, including alopecia areata (AA), androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium (TE), and primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA), across 81 studies with 15,339 patients. The findings indicate a significant association between VDD and alopecia, with different prevalence and severity levels among the types. The study suggests vitamin D's role in hair follicle cycling and immune modulation, potentially contributing to alopecia pathogenesis. However, the causality and consistency of these associations are still debated, necessitating further research to clarify vitamin D's role in alopecia.

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