Showing posts with label hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hair. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 18

Zinc for hair growth - Zinc deficiency hair loss

  ›     ›   Zinc for hair growth - Zinc deficiency hair loss.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient, having important functions in biochemical processes in the body. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, cellular functions and several enzymatic processes.
zinc deficiency disorders, either acquired or congenital, manifest with common symptoms such as hair loss and dermatitis. Several research studies have proved that zinc deficiency affects the healthy growth and function of skin and its appendages such as hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, fingernails and toenails.

Zinc deficiency causes

The primary cause of deficiency is insufficient levels of the mineral in the diet. Another cause is inefficient uptake from the food, though the food may contain sufficient amounts of the mineral. Other causes are, genetic factors, malabsorption syndromes and increased gastrointestinal and urinary losses. Chronic liver disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal disease, Crohn’s disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, short bowel syndrome, cancer, other chronic illnesses, gastrointestinal surgery and chronic diarrhea may also cause deficiency of the mineral.
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Certain medications, minerals and chemicals may interact and affect its absorption and utilization. Quinolone antibiotics and tetracycline antibiotics affect the absorption of zinc in the intestine and thiazide diuretics increase its urinary excretory loss. High doses of iron and copper can affect the absorption of this mineral from the intestine.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (Brandt syndrome or Danbolt–Closs syndrome) is a congenital metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc. It is characterized by skin inflammation around the natural orifices and extremities, loss of hair and diarrhea.

Research on zinc deficiency hair loss

In a study carried out by Min Seong Kil et al. at Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital (Seoul, Korea), 312 patients with main complaint of alopecia were enrolled for the study "Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss". The blood samples were analyzed for serum zinc and copper concentrations. The results revealed that, in hair loss patients, the serum zinc concentration was significantly lower than that of the control group, but the serum copper concentration was not significantly different.

Min Seong Kil et al. observed that "zinc-related metalloenzymes may have the potential to regulate hair growth. Zinc is a component of zinc finger motifs for many transcription factors, which regulate hair growth through hedgehog signaling, and is a catagen inhibitor via its inhibitory action on apoptosis-related endonucleases." They concluded that the mineral metabolism disturbances play a key role in hair loss, especially alopecia areata and telogen effluvium loss.

How zinc deficiency affects hair

Among the important functions of the mineral in the human body, the regulating of follicle cycling, inhibiting follicle regression and accelerating follicle recovery are noteworthy. Paus et al.20 reported that zinc has a potent dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect on the follicles. It is also a potent inhibitor of follicle regression and accelerates follicle recovery.

Even transient zinc deficiency is known to have an effect on the follicle function. The cellular processes like protein synthesis, cell division, cell repair, enzymatic reaction, utilization of vitamins are directly affected by the deficiency of zinc. Its deficiency weakens the structural integrity of the follicles. The deficiency the micronutrient leads to disturbances in the follicle cycling and anagen phase and also premature advancement of resting telogen phase. With retardation of anagen phase, the fresh supply of new hair strands is affected leading to more follicles in resting phase. The end effect is thinning of strands and apparent excessive loss.

Zinc deficiency can cause subclinical hypothyroidism which is known to cause hair loss. Ambooken Betsy et al. in their study 'Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia' reported that "Hypothyroidism is a common and well recognized cause of diffuse hair loss". They added that "The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added."

Correcting zinc deficiency

Oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, dairy products, fortified cereals, beans, chickpeas and nuts are good sources. Supplements may be taken under the advice of the health care provider to correct the deficiency. Overdose of zinc can cause acute adverse effects and deficiency of other micronutrients. Patients with hereditary haemochromatosis may accumulate the mineral in their body. Very high doses of zinc are reported to inhibit both the anagen and catagen stages of hair growth.
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Reference:
1.Ambooken Betsy, MP Binitha, and S Sarita. Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2013 Jan-Mar; 5(1): 40–42.
2.The Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
3.Min Seong Kil, Chul Woo Kim, Sang Seok Kim. Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss. Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov; 25(4): 405–409.
4.Karashima T, Tsuruta D, Hamada T, Ono F, Ishii N, Abe T, Ohyama B, Nakama T, Dainichi T, Hashimoto T. Oral zinc therapy for zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium. Dermatol Ther. 2012 Mar-Apr;25(2):210-3.
5.Paus R, Christoph T, Müller-Röver S. Immunology of the hair follicle: a short journey into terra incognita. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 1999 Dec;4(3):226-34
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Wednesday, March 11

Iron for hair growth - Iron deficiency hair loss

  ›     ›   Iron for hair growth - Iron deficiency hair loss.
Iron (Fe) deficiency affects hair growth, and chronic lack of iron in the diet can lead to hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins as well as that of minerals such as, zinc, copper and iron are associated with hair loss.
For finding a solution to this common problem, the main focus must be to investigate the nutritional shortcomings. The cardinal point to be borne in mind is that healthy balanced food leads to healthy body.

In the human body, the total iron is about 3.8 grams in men and 2.3 grams in women. It is present in all cells of the human body, including hair follicles and red blood cells. Unlike minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium, the iron in the blood plasma is not in a free ionic form and is bound tightly to the protein transferrin. Free iron is toxic to cells as it catalyzes in the formation of free radicals. Iron is a key component of cytochrome in cells, which are primarily responsible for the generation of ATP via electron transport and catalyze several redox reactions. Iron is also stored in the cells as ferritin.
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Iron is the key component of protein hemoglobin present in the red blood cells. It facilitates oxygen absorption in the lungs and oxygen transport to cells. Sufficient oxygen supply is necessary for keeping the follicles healthy and any deficiency in oxygen supply can induce telogen effluvium. Myoglobin is an iron containing protein found in the muscles. It has the property of binding to oxygen and functions in oxygen storage. Fe is also important for removing carbon dioxide generated in the tissues during oxidation of glucose and transporting it to lungs for exhalation.

Iron deficiency and hair loss

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. Iron deficiency anemia is very common among women of childbearing age. Iron deficiency in the body leads to decrease in hemoglobin, myoglobin and ferritin stores. It causes deprivation of sufficient oxygen to the body tissues and muscles and manifest as symptoms like tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, pallor, hair loss, irritability and inability to concentrate.

Causes of deficiency

Many conditions lead to deficiency of this mineral in the body. Both insufficient intake as well as depletion and loss from the body lead to anemia.
  • The foremost reason for the mineral deficiency is insufficient intake through food.
  • Protein-energy malnutrition, malnutrition, starvation, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders can give rise to various health problems, including iron deficiency and hair loss.
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding in women is the major cause of iron depletion from the body.
  • Chronic bleeding wounds, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding piles, bleeding gastric ulcers and bleeding colonic cancer are some of the conditions causing the deficiency.
  • Malabsorption syndromes like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease can hamper absorption of the mineral as well as cause its depletion by bleeding.
  • Surprisingly, athletes can become anemic due to mechanical hemolysis, destruction of red blood cells from physical impact, especially among long distance runners. They may also suffer loss of iron through sweat, urine and intestines.

Ferritin (iron store) and hair loss

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron and controls its release. It acts as a buffer in case of Fe deficiency or overload. Though most of the ferritin is stored in the cells, small amounts are released into the blood plasma as an Fe carrier. The serum ferritin level correlates with total body iron stores. However, in case of infection or chronic inflammation the serum ferritin levels get elevated and do not correlates with total body Fe stores.

Moeinvaziri M et al in their study, 'Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women', concluded that, "In women without systemic inflammation or other underlying disorders, serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 ng/mL are strongly associated with telogen loss."

The normal range of serum ferritin for men is between 12-300 ng/ml and for women is 12-150 ng/ml. However the optimum level is 70 ng/ml and above. It is to be noted that a person may have normal hemoglobin levels and may not show any anemia symptoms. However, he may be having latent iron deficiency (LID). In such situations the ferritin analysis will show low levels.

Correcting iron deficiency hair loss

In most of the cases of deficiency, taking food rich in the mineral and also taking supplements under the advice of a doctor may resolve iron deficiency induced hair loss. Heme iron is the most readily absorbed form and clam, red meat, kidney, liver, spleen, poultry and fish are rich sources. Green leafy vegetables, soybeans, lentils, legumes and dry fruits are rich non-heme sources. Oxalates, phytic acid and tannin present in plant foods bind to iron in the gut to form insoluble complexes, reducing the bioavailability.

Oral supplements such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or amino acid chelate tablets are prescribed to treat anemia. To treat chronic anemia, physician may recommend blood transfusion.
The supplements must be taken only under a doctor's guidance. Iron overdose can have serious health consequences.
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Reference:
1.Rushton DH. Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404.
2.Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 May;54(5):824-44.
3.Moeinvaziri M, Mansoori P, Holakooee K, Safaee Naraghi Z, Abbasi A. Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2009;17(4):279-84.
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Wednesday, February 25

Thyroid and hair loss - Hypothyroidism - Hyperthyroidism

  ›     ›   Thyroid and hair loss.

Do thyroid disorders cause hair loss?

Yes! Thyroid malfunction is one of the causes for hair loss.
The thyroid is an endocrine gland secreting the hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) into the bloodstream. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland; but it is less potent than T3. The thyronines act on nearly every cell in the body, including the hair follicles (HFs). Within the cells, much of T4 is converted into T3 by deiodinase (iodide peroxidase) enzyme, which is also involved in the activation or deactivation of thyroid hormones. Deiodinase and its isoforms are selenium-containing enzymes and selenium deficiency can impact T3 production.

Hypothalamus ›› thyrotropin-releasing hormone ›› pituitary gland ›› thyroid stimulating hormone ›› thyroid gland ›› thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

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Both insufficient and excess production of the thyronine hormones, can affect, alter or cause loss of the cell structure and function. This includes hair follicles and loss of their function. Nina van Beek et al, in their study published in 'The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2008 Nov;93(11):4381-8.', concluded that "we present the first evidence that human HFs are direct targets of thyroid hormones and demonstrate that T3 and/or T4 modulate multiple hair biology parameters, ranging from HF cycling to pigmentation."

Hypothyroidism hair loss

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which sufficient thyroxine hormones are not produced. The common symptoms include, slow pulse rate, dry skin, hair loss, cool extremities, weight gain with poor appetite, abnormal sensation, irregular menstrual cycles, delayed puberty and poor hearing. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of low thyroxine hormones.

Another common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease in which the endocrine cells are attacked by the patient's immune bodies. The treatment is by hormonal replacement with agents such as levothyroxine or triiodothyronine. In some cases, women, post pregnancy get affected by postpartum thyroiditis causing low thyroid hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism hair loss

An excess of circulating free thyroxine can cause a number of disorders. The pace of all the cellular processes in the body is speeded up. Some of the symptoms are nervousness, irritability, sweating, palpitation, hand tremors, anxiety, loss of sleep, thinning of the skin, fine brittle hair, loss of the outer third of the eyebrows, scalp hair breakage and loss, increased appetite, weight loss, digestive system hypermotility and muscular weakness.

Graves' disease (or Flajani-Basedow-Graves disease) is the major cause of excessive thyroxine production. It is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid glands causing their enlargement. Apart from affecting many organs, it causes bone loss by an increased excretion of calcium and phosphorus in the urine and stool. Graves' disease may cause ophthalmopathy with ocular manifestations such as soft tissue inflammation, proptosis and optic nerve compression. The optic nerve involvement may cause loss of vision.

The second most common cause of excess thyroxine production, after Graves' disease, is toxic multinodular goiter. There is excess production of thyroxine hormones from functionally autonomous thyroid nodules which do not require stimulation from TSH. Another cause of excess thyroxine production is toxic thyroid adenoma, a benign tumor of the thyroid gland.
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Reference:
1.Ambooken Betsy, MP Binitha, S Sarita. Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2013 Jan-Mar; 5(1): 40–42.
2.Maya Vincent, Krishnan Yogiraj. A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction. Int J Trichology. 2013 Jan-Mar; 5(1): 57–60.
3.Shrivastava SB. Diffuse hair loss in an adult female: approach to diagnosis and management. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2009 Jan-Feb;75(1):20-7; quiz 27-8.
4.van Beek N, Bodó E, Kromminga A, Gáspár E, Meyer K, Zmijewski MA, Slominski A, Wenzel BE, Paus R. Thyroid hormones directly alter human hair follicle functions: anagen prolongation and stimulation of both hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and hair pigmentation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Nov;93(11):4381-8.
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Friday, February 20

Iodine deficiency hair loss

  ›     ›   Iodine deficiency hair loss.
Does iodine deficiency cause hair loss?
Yes! Iodine deficiency causes hair loss. Iodine is an essential trace element.
Iodine is necessary for the body's growth and development. Iodine dietary insufficiency can affect several biochemical functions of the body including thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency can affect the proper functioning of several organs, including skin and hair follicles.

Iodine is important for the functioning of the thyroid glands. Thyroid hormones contain iodine and its deficiency can lead to insufficient hormone production and hypothyroidism (goiter). Hypothyroidism can lead to slow down in heart rate, dry skin, hair loss, dry hair, weakness, fatigue, depression, loss of memory and mental retardation. The extreme manifestation of the deficiency of the mineral is steep decline and loss in IQ and cretinism.

Marine products, including fish, kelp, seaweeds and shellfish are rich natural food sources. However people living far away from the coast tend to take low amounts of seafoods and develop insufficiency of the mineral in their system.
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The insufficiency of this trace mineral is taken care of in several countries by compulsory iodization of the common table salt. The amount added to common salt is just to stave off hypothyroidism. Apart from thyroid glands, iodine is present in high concentrations in breast tissue, stomach lining cells, ovaries, prostate glands and oral mucosa. Any insufficiency will adversely affect the health of these tissues.

There is loss of considerable amounts of the mineral in storage due to heat and moisture. The increasing use of toxic halides like bromides, chlorides, perchlorate and fluorides reduces the natural availability of iodine as well as its utilization in the body.

Several studies on animals have demonstrated that the deficiency of the mineral can lead to poor growth of coat as well as hair loss. Potter BJ et al had reported that, "samples of wool removed from selected areas of the sheep showed that the iodine-deficient diet also caused a reduction in the growth of wool." Sheep grazing on lands poor in this mineral found to suffer loss in hair growth.

According to World Health Organization, "Iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage". "Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which can start before birth, jeopardize children’s mental health and often their very survival." World Health Organization has also related its deficiency to adverse consequences for human infertility.

The US Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150-290 micrograms (mcg) for adults and the tolerable upper limit is 1,100 mcg. Too much of the mineral can lead to hyperthyroidism causing several adverse effects.
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Reference:
1.Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. (1998) Iodine nutrition in the United States. Trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and III (1971-1974 and 1988-1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83: 3401-3408.
2.Venturi S, Guidi A, Venturi M (1996). "[Extrathyroid iodine deficiency disorders: what is the real iodine requirement?]". Le Basi Razionali della Terapia 16: 267–275.
3.Thappa D M, Vijayikumar M. Alopecia areata. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2001;67:188.
4.Potter BJ, Jones GB, Buckley RA, Belling GB, McIntosh GH, Hetzel BS. Production of severe iodine deficiency in sheep using a prepared low-iodine diet. Aust J Biol Sci. 1980 Mar;33(1):53-61.
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Saturday, February 7

Biotin and hair loss

  ›     ›   Biotin and hair loss.

Does biotin deficiency cause hair loss?

Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss. Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H.
Biotin homeostasis is crucial for maintaining the health of organs, in particular, heart, brain, skin and hair. Common biotin deficiency symptoms include, hair loss, dermatitis, loss of pigment, loss of skin sensation, tingling sensation, hypotonia, ataxia, mental retardation, memory loss, ketolactic acidosis and organic aciduria. Biotin is an essential coenzyme for five carboxylases. Carboxylases play essential roles in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose.

Biotin deficiency

It was considered that biotin deficiency is fairly rare. However recent research has established that marginal insufficiency of vitamin B7 is much more common than it was thought in the past. The intestinal flora also synthesizes this vitamin.
  • Dietary insufficiency, loss of intestinal flora and decreased uptake from the intestines are the main causes of biotin deficiency.
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  • Vitamin B7 is water-soluble and like all water-soluble vitamins, it is not stored in the body and requires daily dietary intake.
  • Pregnant and lactating women are prone to develop the insufficiency of the vitamin due to the increased demand and increased biotin catabolism.
  • Individuals being treated with anticonvulsants and other antiseizure medications are likely to develop the deficiency.
  • The insufficiency of vitamin B7 develops in patients under long term antibiotic therapy.
  • The consumption of lipoic acid or alcohol reduces the biotin absorption by the intestines. Alcoholism is known to cause hair loss.
  • Consuming raw egg causes deficiency of the vitamin. Raw egg white contains the protein avidin. The avidin binds to the biotin and renders it unavailable for absorption in the intestine.
  • Digestive disorders, malabsorption syndrome, chronic small-intestinal diseases, damage to the intestinal lining, irritable bowel syndrome and short bowel syndrome can render a person deficient in the vitamin.
  • Smoking accelerates biotin degradation and causes marginal insufficiency. Smoking is known to cause hair loss and baldness.
  • Patients who have undergone surgical removal of part of intestine or stomach are prone to develop vitamin B7 insufficiency.
  • Severely malnourished children develop biotin deficiency.
  • Genetic mutations can cause decreased activity of certain proteins involved in absorption in intestines and reabsorption in the kidneys leading vitamin B7 insufficiency in the body.
Janos Zempleni et al reported that decreased activity of certain proteins such as "monocarboxylate transporter 1, sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter, the biotin protein ligase holocarboxylase synthetase and the biotin peptidyl hydrolase biotinidase" can precipitate biotin deficiency. These proteins play crucial role in the intestinal absorption of biotin, its transport in plasma, its renal reabsorption and in the regulation of histone biotinylation. Biotinidase is present in pancreatic fluids and intestinal secretions plays a critical role in releasing free biotin from biocytin and biotinylated peptides prior to absorption.

Biotin deficiency and hair loss

The consequences of vitamin B7 insufficiency occur slowly and cumulatively. Biotin is essential for maintaining a healthy skin and the skin appendages like hair, nails, sebaceous glands and sweat glands. Vitamin B7 deficient cells undergo senescence earlier than the normal cells. As the consequence, the hair growth is slowed down, with increase in daily loss of telogen strands.

Mitochondria has an important function in cellular senescence and aging. Vitamin B7 insufficiency causes loss of mitochondrial complex IV, which is the the main oxygen-metabolizing enzyme converting most of cellular oxygen to water. In biotin deficiency, the levels of oxidants and the oxidative damage increase leading to DNA damage and cellular senescence. Thus all the cells in hair follicles undergo cellular damage causing their loss in the event of biotin deficiency.
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Reference:
1.Trüeb RM. Association between smoking and hair loss: another opportunity for health education against smoking? Dermatology. 2003;206(3):189-91.
2.Daniells S, Hardy G. Hair loss in long-term or home parenteral nutrition: are micronutrient deficiencies to blame? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Nov;13(6):690-7.
3.Janos Zempleni, Yousef I Hassan, Subhashinee SK Wijeratne. Biotin and biotinidase deficiency. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Nov 1; 3(6): 715–724.
4.Ablon Glynis. A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Nov; 5(11): 28–34.
5.Atamna H, Newberry J, Erlitzki R, Schultz CS, Ames BN. Biotin deficiency inhibits heme synthesis and impairs mitochondria in human lung fibroblasts. J Nutr. 2007 Jan;137(1):25-30.
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Friday, January 30

Does diabetes cause hair loss?

  ›     ›   Can diabetes cause hair loss?
Does diabetes cause hair loss?
Yes! Diabetes can cause hair loss.
There are two types of diabetes and one of the common symptom for both the types is hair loss. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly control the levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas.

Type I diabetes

Type I diabetes is insulin dependent and is usually caused by an autoimmune destruction and loss of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Alopecia areata, a disease of hair loss, is again an autoimmune disorder in which the functional hair follicles are targeted by the autoimmune response. The loss is only of functional follicles and the follicle stem cells are not affected. The autoimmune responses though appear to be an specific action on target cells, diffused autoimmune activity on other cell types cannot be ruled out.

Type II diabetes

Type II diabetes is non insulin-dependent disease. It is caused by several physiological factors.
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In Type II diabetes there is loss in sensitivity as well as development of resistance to insulin in the body cells. The physio-hormonal changes brought about by the level of sugar in the blood can impact the health of follicles and disrupt their genetically programmed function.

It is also pertinent to discuss here, even if briefly, the factors responsible for androgenic alopecia, the male-pattern hair loss. Though AR gene is associated with androgenic alopecia, a variety of hormonal, genetic and environmental factors are likely causes of this disorder. Several medical conditions are associated with this type of loss, including disorders of insulin resistance, such as diabetes and obesity.

The diabetes disorder causes several negative physiological conditions such as, endocrine abnormalities, inadequate blood circulation, high blood sugar levels, weakened immune system and physical and mental stress.

Endocrine abnormalities

Diabetes affected are likely to have issues with thyroid glands. Malfunctioning thyroid can lead to alopecia. The androgenic hormone dihydrotestosterone is important for regulating follicular function and growth. The androgenic alopecia is related to increased activity of androgen receptors in hair follicles. The increased blood sugar levels affects the production of dihydrotestosterone, the activity of androgen receptors proteins and the loss of function of follicles.

Inadequate blood circulation

Diabetes compromises blood circulation and reduces blood supply to skin. The tissues get starved of nutrients and oxygen. In such circumstances anagen growth phase of the follicles gets interrupted and they enter into resting telogen phase. The increase in the number of follicles in the resting phase causes excessive hair loss.

Weakened immune system

Individuals suffering from diabetes have compromised immune system and poor circulation is one of the causes. Further patients with diabetes are prone to bacterial and fungal infections. These infections can inhibit normal follicular processes leading to excessive hair loss.

Physical and mental stress

Diabetics may experience stress and anxiety while making the disorder a part of their life. Diabetes is a lifestyle changing disease. Its treatment requires many restrictions in the type and quantity of food consumed. Further, continuous medication and rigid daily routine can be very stressful for the mind and body. Mental and physical stress is known to cause hair loss.

Diabetics must closely monitor their health to keep the sugar levels under control. Taking prescribed medications followed by diet control and sufficient exercise can stall many health complications, including alopecia. Certain diabetes medications are known to cause hair loss in some people.
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Reference:
1.Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) Study Group, Buckingham B, Beck RW, Tamborlane WV, et al. Continuous glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes. J Pediatr. 2007;151(4):388-93, 393.e1-2.
2.Lee HJ, Chapa D, Kao CW, Jones D, Kapustin J, Smith J, Krichten C, Donner T, Thomas SA, Friedmann E. Depression, quality of life, and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2009;21(4):214-24.
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Current topic in natural skin care: Hair loss can be caused by diabetes.

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Saturday, January 24

Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss

  ›     ›     ›   Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
Can vitamin d deficiency cause hair loss?
Yes! Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss from the head or body.
Hair loss may have many causes including, nutritional deficiency, androgenic hormonal effects, infections, side effect of medications, trauma, sudden onset of telogen effluvium, rapid weight loss, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Certain health conditions like, postpartum effluvium, alopecia areata, lupus erythematosus, inflammatory diseases and diabetes can also cause hair loss. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, Crohn's disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis and alopecia areata.

The role of calcitriol

The biologically active form of vitamin D is known as calcitriol, which circulates as a hormone in the blood. The calcitriol hormone activates the calcitriol receptor (NR1I1). The calcitriol receptor plays an important role in regulating the hair cycle. The insufficiency of calcitriol can disturb and affect the hair cycle.

Vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol is available in fish and fish oil, milk, fortified fruit juices and cereals. The human skin can synthesize this nutrient in the form of cholecalciferol with the help of sunlight. Lack of exposure to the sunlight or living in higher latitudes can cause vitamin D deficiency and related hair problems. At the sametime it is to be noted that megadoses of this nutrient can be toxic for the body.

Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss - Research evidence

There is compelling research evidence linking deficiency of calcitriol to hair fall. The very common form of autoimmune hair hypotrichosis, alopecia areata, as well as telogen effluvium or female pattern hair loss have been associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Mahmud Mahamid et al studied the possible association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and alopecia areata ( autoimmune hair loss). They have published their research report in the Israel Medical Association Journal (June 2014). The pathogenesis of AA is considered to be autoimmune and inflammatory.
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In their clinical studies they followed up 23 patients with alopecia areata (AA) as well as a control group matched for age and gender. They collected blood samples and tested blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the group. The C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, is released by the liver in response to inflammation.

They found that the patients with hair loss had significantly higher values for CRP than the control group. Further the AA group had deficiency in 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels (less than 30 ng/ml) lower than the control group. They concluded that,
We found a significant correlation between AA and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can be a significant risk factor for AA occurrence.
Rasheed H et al in their study published in Skin pharmacology and physiology (2013), have reported that deficiency in serum ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels can causes chronic telogen effluvium (TE) or female pattern hair loss (FPHL). They concluded that,
Low serum ferritin and vitamin D2 are associated with hair loss in females with TE and FPHL. Screening to establish these levels in cases of hair loss and supplementing with them when there is deficiency may be beneficial in the treatment of disease.
Aksu Cerman A et al reporting in British Journal of Dermatology (June, 2014) concluded that screening patients with alopecia areata hair loss for 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency seems to be of value for the possibility of supplementing these patients with vitamin D.
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Reference:
1.Aksu Cerman A, Sarikaya Solak S, Kivanc Altunay I. Vitamin D deficiency in alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol. 2014 Jun;170(6):1299-304.
2.Rasheed H, Mahgoub D, Hegazy R, El-Komy M, Abdel Hay R, Hamid MA, Hamdy E. Serum ferritin and vitamin d in female hair loss: do they play a role? Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2013;26(2):101-7.
3.Roberto d’Ovidio, Margherita Vessio, Francesco Domenico d’Ovidio. Reduced level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in chronic/relapsing Alopecia Areata. Dermatoendocrinol. Apr 1, 2013; 5(2): 271–273.
4.Mahamid M, Abu-Elhija O, Samamra M, Mahamid A, Nseir W. Association between vitamin D levels and alopecia areata. Isr Med Assoc J. 2014 Jun;16(6):367-70.
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