Diffuse alopecia; nutritional factors and supplements

Abstract

Hair is constantly produced and shed. The hair follicles producing the hair require calories, proteins, trace elements, and vitamins for this intense biosynthetic activity. Thus, hair growth quality and quantity are closely related to an individuals diet. The nutritional factors that are important for hair growth, and thus should be evaluated, and if deficient replaced in alopecias will be discussed in this review.

A Systemic Review on Topical Marketed Formulations, Natural Products, and Oral Supplements to Prevent Androgenic Alopecia: A Review

“…In total hair follicles, about 90% of them are present in the anagen phase where there is no chance of hair loss. Some essential elements, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals are very much needed to produce healthy hair [ 20 ]. So, micronutrients, including vitamins and trace minerals, are therefore vital components of our diet [ 21 ] (Table 2 ).…”

Evaluation of Serum Iron, Ferritin, Zinc and Folic Acid Levels in Female Patients with Diffuse Hair Loss

“…1 Hastalığın etiyolojisinde en sık nütrisyonel faktörler bildirilmiştir. 2 Pratikte saç dökülmesi yakınmasıyla gelen kadın hastalarda tanı ve nedene yönelik yaklaşımlar net olmamakla birlikte, demir eksikliği anemisi, folat ve çinko eksikliği neden olabilecek faktörler arasında düşünülmektedir. Serum demir, ferritin, çinko ve folat tetkikleri saç dökülmesi şikâyeti ile gelen hastalarda rutinde istenmekte ve bunların takviyesi tedavilere sıklıkla eklenmektedir.…”

“…Her bir saç kılı günde 0,35 mm uzamakta ve kemik iliğinden sonra vücutta en hızlı çoğalan doku özelliğini taşımaktadır. 2,3 Saç dökülmesi olmayan sağlıklı bir deride kıl foliküllerinin %95'i anagen (büyüme), kalan %5-10'u telogen evrede bulunur. Diffüz saç dökülmesi, kadınlarda en sık görülen ve hastaların yaşam kalitesini etkileyen saç dökülmesidir.…”

Diffuse Alopecias

“…Favorable effects of biotin supplements on patients without biotin deficiency have not been demonstrated. Biotin supplements are recommended for patients who consume raw eggs and use valproic acid [4] .…”

“…In individuals on a low-calorie diet, hair follicles try to provide the required energy from amino acids, leading to a decrease in both energy and essential constituents. Thus, the hair become thin and easily break [4] . den arrest of mitotic activity in rapidly dividing matrix cells, leading to hair loss in the anagen phase [2] .…”