TLDR Zinc and biotin supplements are needed after certain surgeries to prevent hair loss and other issues.
A 16-year-old female experienced zinc and biotin deficiencies following a pancreaticoduodenectomy, leading to significant alopecia, total body hair loss, dry skin, and vision loss. These deficiencies were attributed to the removal of the duodenum and proximal jejunum, which are crucial for absorbing these micronutrients. Early diagnosis and appropriate supplementation, along with dietary guidance, were necessary to prevent irreversible damage and promote clinical improvement.
24 citations
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July 1987 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Systemic diseases can cause hair loss, which is often reversible with treatment.
70 citations
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June 2010 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.
98 citations
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October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.
19 citations
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January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” Ultraviolet rays damage hair, smoking may cause hair loss, and good nutrition is important for hair health, but genetics mainly decide hair thickness.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.