TLDR Vitamin D might help treat alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata is an inflammatory disease characterized by noncicatricial hair loss, with its pathogenesis not fully understood. Recent research highlighted the role of autoimmune processes, evidenced by autoantibodies against hair follicle antigens and increased cytokine expression around hair follicles. Vitamin D, known for maintaining calcium homeostasis, also regulates immune responses through its receptor on various immune and hair follicle cells. It suppresses immune system activity, and its deficiency might contribute to alopecia areata's pathophysiology. The data from this period suggested that vitamin D supplementation could be a potential therapeutic option for patients with alopecia areata.
105 citations
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March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Alopecia areata patients often have low vitamin D levels, suggesting they might benefit from vitamin D supplements.
40 citations
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April 2013 in “Dermato-endocrinology” People with chronic Alopecia Areata often have lower vitamin D levels.
85 citations
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October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition often starting before age 20, with varied treatment success and a need for personalized treatment plans.
54 citations
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January 2012 in “Vitamins & Trace Elements” People with Alopecia Areata have lower vitamin D levels.
51 citations
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January 2012 in “Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology” A boy with alopecia regrew hair using a vitamin D cream after other treatments failed.
109 citations
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June 2011 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” 98 citations
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February 2010 in “Dermatology Online Journal” Vitamin D may help treat hair disorders.
180 citations
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January 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Vitamin D Receptor is crucial for normal skin and hair growth.
April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology” A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.