From the Guidelines
Vitamin D deficiency is not a proven cause of alopecia in adolescents, and current evidence does not support a direct link between the two conditions. While vitamin D plays a role in hair follicle cycling and hair growth, the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia is still being researched, and most studies have found inconsistent results 1. Some studies have suggested that lower serum vitamin D levels may be associated with alopecia areata, but these findings are not conclusive, and other factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to hair loss 1.
Key Findings
- A review of studies on vitamin D and alopecia areata found that while some studies suggested a link between the two, the evidence was not strong enough to support a causal relationship 1.
- A prospective study of 55,929 women found no significant difference in the risk of developing alopecia areata between those with high and low vitamin D levels 1.
- Topical vitamin D analogs have been studied as a potential treatment for alopecia areata, but the results have been inconsistent, and more research is needed to determine their effectiveness 1.
Recommendations
- Teenagers experiencing hair loss should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, rather than self-supplementing with vitamin D 1.
- A balanced diet that includes vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish, fortified milk, and eggs, and moderate sun exposure can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels 1.
- If a vitamin D deficiency is confirmed, a doctor may prescribe supplemental doses, typically 1,000-2,000 IU daily for several months to restore normal levels 1.
Important Considerations
- Hair loss can have multiple causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions, and addressing vitamin D deficiency may not completely resolve hair loss if other factors are involved 1.
- More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D and alopecia, and to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements or topical analogs as a treatment for hair loss 1.
From the Research
Vitamin D Deficiency and Alopecia in Adolescents
- Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and non-scarring alopecia 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that deficiencies in vitamin D, as well as other micronutrients such as vitamin B, iron, and zinc, may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA and represent modifiable risk factors for hair loss prevention and treatment 2.
- A case-control study found that 81.8% of cases with diffuse hair fall had vitamin D deficiency compared to 45.5% of controls, suggesting a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss 4.
- A notable case of nonscarring alopecia associated with only vitamin D deficiency was reported, in which vitamin D replacement therapy helped promote hair regrowth 5.
- A study in a Chinese population found that serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, and male androgenetic alopecia compared to healthy individuals 6.
Key Findings
- Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of alopecia, including AGA and non-scarring alopecia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Vitamin D replacement therapy may help promote hair regrowth in cases of nonscarring alopecia associated with vitamin D deficiency 5.
- Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels are significantly lower in patients with alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, and male androgenetic alopecia compared to healthy individuals 6.