Micronutrients And Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

October 2024 in “ Molecular Nutrition & Food Research ”

Ruilong Wang, Jinran Lin, Qingmei Liu, Wenyu Wu, Jinfeng Wu, Xiao Liu

androgenetic alopecia micronutrients vitamin B vitamin D iron selenium zinc hair growth hair loss AGA

TLDR Vitamin and mineral imbalances may affect hair loss, but more research is needed.

This systematic review examines the relationship between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and various micronutrients, highlighting that deficiencies or imbalances in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, vitamin D, iron, selenium, and zinc may contribute to the development of AGA. These nutrients are identified as modifiable risk factors, suggesting that their supplementation could potentially improve hair growth and prevent hair loss. However, the evidence is not entirely consistent, as some studies found no significant associations. The review analyzed 49 articles published between 1993 and 2023, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify these associations.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

69 / 69 results

research Homocysteine in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Case Control Study and Observational Experiments on Mice

June 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Higher homocysteine levels may inhibit hair growth and are linked to androgenetic alopecia.

Association Between Trichoscopic Features, Serum Hormone Levels, and Vitamin D Concentration in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia in Eastern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

research Association Between Trichoscopic Features, Serum Hormone Levels, and Vitamin D Concentration in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia in Eastern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

September 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Higher SHBG levels are linked to less severe hair loss in women, but vitamin D levels don't seem to affect hair loss.

research Selenium in the Supplement as the Probable Cause of Hair Loss and Nail Dystrophy

1 citations , August 2023 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology (Print)”

Too much selenium can cause hair loss and nail problems.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

July 2023 in “JAAD International”

Two drugs, finasteride and minoxidil, are approved for hair loss treatment, but new therapies are being developed.

Efficacy and Tolerability of an Oral Supplement Containing Amino Acids, Iron, Selenium, and Marine Hydrolyzed Collagen in Subjects With Hair Loss: A Prospective, Randomized, 3-Month, Controlled, Assessor-Blinded Study

research Efficacy and Tolerability of an Oral Supplement Containing Amino Acids, Iron, Selenium, and Marine Hydrolyzed Collagen in Subjects With Hair Loss: A Prospective, Randomized, 3-Month, Controlled, Assessor-Blinded Study

June 2023 in “Skin Research and Technology”

The supplement with amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen improved hair growth more than drug treatment alone, with most people tolerating it well.

research Involvement of ILC1-Like Innate Lymphocytes in Human Autoimmunity: Lessons from Alopecia Areata

18 citations , February 2023 in “eLife”

ILC1-like cells can independently cause alopecia areata.

research The Association of Serum Adipokines, Insulin Resistance and Vitamin D Status in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

February 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Higher leptin and lower vitamin D levels may contribute to male pattern baldness.

research A Combination Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia Based on Quercetin and Zinc/Copper Dual-Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite Microneedle Patch

1 citations , December 2022 in “Bioactive Materials”

The microneedle patch with quercetin, zinc, and copper effectively promotes hair regrowth for androgenic alopecia.

research Machine Learning Guided Discovery of Superoxide Dismutase Nanozymes for Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations , October 2022 in “Nano Letters”

Machine learning identified promising nanozymes for treating hair loss.

Efficacy of Intramuscular Injections of Biotin and Dexpanthenol in the Treatment of Diffuse Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study Comparing Two Brands

research Efficacy of Intramuscular Injections of Biotin and Dexpanthenol in the Treatment of Diffuse Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study Comparing Two Brands

1 citations , July 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Both brands of biotin and dexpanthenol injections improved hair loss, with Bayer also increasing the ratio of thick to thin hairs.

Cyanidin 3-O-Arabinoside Suppresses DHT-Induced Dermal Papilla Cell Senescence by Modulating p38-Dependent ER-Mitochondria Contacts

research Cyanidin 3-O-Arabinoside Suppresses DHT-Induced Dermal Papilla Cell Senescence by Modulating p38-Dependent ER-Mitochondria Contacts

14 citations , March 2022 in “Journal of Biomedical Science”

Cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside may help treat a common form of hair loss by protecting cells against aging and improving cell function.

research Diffuse Alopecia and Thyroid Atrophy in Sheep

1 citations , December 2021 in “Animals”

Low zinc and selenium levels in sheep are linked to hair loss and thyroid problems.

research Telogen Effluvium in Daily Practice: Patient Characteristics, Laboratory Parameters, and Treatment Modalities of 3028 Patients

10 citations , August 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Most patients with telogen effluvium had low iron and vitamin D levels; iron supplements were commonly prescribed.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update on Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

290 citations , August 2021 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

research Study of Vitamin D Levels in Men with Premature Androgenetic Alopecia

July 2021 in “PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH”

Men with early baldness often have low vitamin D levels.

research Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

19 citations , March 2021 in “Obesity surgery”

Many people experience hair loss after weight loss surgery, especially younger women, and it's linked to lower levels of zinc, folic acid, and ferritin.

research Common Causes of Hair Loss: Clinical Manifestations, Trichoscopy, and Therapy

47 citations , December 2020 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The document concludes that understanding and treating hair loss requires recognizing its various types and using appropriate diagnostic tools and treatments.

research A Cross-Sectional Study of Plasma Trace Elements and Vitamins Content in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

3 citations , November 2020 in “Biological Trace Element Research”

Men with hair loss may lack zinc, copper, and vitamin D; supplements could help.

research Systemic Dexpanthenol as a Novel Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss

5 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Dexpanthenol improves hair growth and satisfaction in women without side effects.

research Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effect of Biotin Supplements

13 citations , August 2020 in “Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques”

Biotin supplements are generally ineffective in preventing hair loss after sleeve gastrectomy.

research Transdermal Composite Microneedle Composed of Mesoporous Iron Oxide Nanoraspberry and PVA for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

26 citations , June 2020 in “Polymers”

Microneedle made of iron oxide and PVA helps hair regrowth in alopecia treatment.

research Study of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Men with Premature Androgenetic Alopecia

8 citations , June 2020 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Men with early hair loss have lower vitamin D levels.

research Plasma Zinc Levels in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia as Possible Predictors of Conservative Therapy Effectiveness

5 citations , May 2020 in “Diagnostics”

Lower zinc levels may predict less effective hair loss treatment.

research Immune Modulation of Hair Follicle Regeneration

29 citations , May 2020 in “npj Regenerative Medicine”

Immune cells help regulate hair growth, and better understanding this can improve hair loss treatments.

research Complications with Hair Transplantation

12 citations , April 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Hair transplant complications are rare with good planning and technique, but risks include infection, bleeding, and patient dissatisfaction.

Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

research Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

11 citations , April 2020 in “Life sciences”

Pantothenic acid helps mink hair follicles grow by affecting certain cell signals.

research Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Alopecia Areata, Female Pattern Hair Loss, and Male Androgenetic Alopecia in a Chinese Population

4 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Low vitamin D levels are linked to different types of hair loss.

research Dexpanthenol May Be a Novel Treatment for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Analysis of Nine Cases

7 citations , April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Dexpanthenol improves hair growth in male baldness.

research Biotinidase Deficiency Characterized by Skin and Hair Findings

10 citations , April 2020 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Biotin supplements improved skin and hair problems in a girl with biotinidase deficiency.

research Improvement of Cell Proliferation and Antioxidant Activity of Silymarin in Hair Follicles Dermal Papillae Isolated from the Human Scalp: Comparison with Vitamin C Effects

8 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Silymarin improves hair follicle health better than vitamin C by boosting cell growth and reducing oxidative stress.

research Biotin: Overview of the Treatment of Diseases of Cutaneous Appendages and Hyperseborrhea

5 citations , October 2019 in “Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia”

Biotin supplements can improve certain skin disorders and hair loss when a deficiency is present.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Hair Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

13 citations , July 2018 in “Obesity surgery”

Over half of patients had hair loss after weight-loss surgery, especially women, linked to low zinc and vitamin B12 levels.

research Melatonin Vitamin C-Based Nanovesicles for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: Design, Characterization and Clinical Appraisal

40 citations , July 2018 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences”

Melatonin vitamin C-based nanovesicles improved hair growth and reduced hair loss in androgenic alopecia patients.

research Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations , January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Androgenetic alopecia is mainly caused by genetic factors and increased androgen activity, leading to hair follicle miniaturization.

research Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type II with Alopecia: A Rare Case Report

11 citations , January 2018 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)”

A 4-year-old boy with a rare type of rickets and hair loss improved in bone health but not hair growth after vitamin D and calcium treatment.

research The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review

63 citations , May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but more research is needed to understand if supplements can help treat it.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.

research Assessment of Vitamin D Receptors in Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia

20 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Low vitamin D receptor levels found in hair loss patients; topical vitamin D treatment suggested.

research Norepinephrine Regulates Keratinocyte Proliferation to Promote the Growth of Hair Follicles

8 citations , January 2016 in “Cells tissues organs”

Norepinephrine helps skin cells grow, which is important for hair growth.

Effects of a Novel Finasteride 0.25% Topical Solution on Scalp and Serum Dihydrotestosterone in Healthy Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Effects of a Novel Finasteride 0.25% Topical Solution on Scalp and Serum Dihydrotestosterone in Healthy Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

42 citations , December 2015 in “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics”

The 0.25% finasteride solution, when applied once a day, effectively reduces scalp DHT, potentially minimizing sexual side-effects linked to a systemic DHT reduction.

research Oxidative Stress-Associated Senescence in Dermal Papilla Cells of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

93 citations , February 2015 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Oxidative stress affects hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia.

research Dietary Vitamin A Regulates Wingless-Related MMTV Integration Site Signaling to Alter the Hair Cycle

18 citations , October 2014 in “Experimental Biology and Medicine”

Eating vitamin A affects hair growth and health by changing cell signals in mice.

research Mechanisms Regulating Skin Immunity and Inflammation

610 citations , April 2014 in “Nature Reviews Immunology”

The document concludes that understanding how the skin's immune system and inflammation work is complex and requires more research to improve treatments for skin diseases.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Identification Of Four Genetic Risk Loci And Evidence For The Contribution Of WNT Signaling To Its Etiology

74 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Four genetic risk spots found for hair loss, with WNT signaling involved and a link to curly hair.

research Eleven Pairs of Japanese Male Twins Suggest the Role of Epigenetic Differences in Androgenetic Alopecia

4 citations , January 2013 in “European Journal of Dermatology”

Epigenetic differences affect hair loss in identical Japanese male twins.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

People with hair loss, especially those with certain types, have lower zinc levels, and zinc supplements might help.

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

54 citations , September 2012 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Vitamin A affects hair loss and immune response in alopecia areata.

Hair Follicle Stem Cell Differentiation Is Inhibited Through Cross-Talk Between Wnt/β-Catenin and Androgen Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells From Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

research Hair Follicle Stem Cell Differentiation Is Inhibited Through Cross-Talk Between Wnt/β-Catenin and Androgen Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells From Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

95 citations , January 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Androgens block hair growth by disrupting cell signals; targeting GSK-3 may help treat hair loss.

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Hair Follicle and Sebaceous Gland

50 citations , September 2011 in “Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids”

Maintaining the right amount of retinoic acid is crucial for healthy hair and skin.

research Changes in Murine Hair with Dietary Selenium Excess or Deficiency

6 citations , March 2011 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Too much or too little selenium in the diet can cause hair loss and graying in mice.

Therapeutic Hotline: Genetic Variations in the Androgen Receptor Gene and Finasteride Response in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Mediated by Epigenetics

research Therapeutic Hotline: Genetic Variations in the Androgen Receptor Gene and Finasteride Response in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Mediated by Epigenetics

16 citations , March 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Women with greater androgen sensitivity respond better to finasteride for hair loss.

research A Mouse Model of Androgenetic Alopecia

42 citations , March 2010 in “Endocrinology”

Mice with human gene experienced hair loss when treated with DHT.

research Diffuse Hair Loss: Its Triggers and Management

88 citations , June 2009 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

To manage diffuse hair loss, identify the cause, improve nutrition, remove triggers, and use specific treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.

research Keratinocyte Growth Inhibition Through the Modification of Wnt Signaling by Androgen in Balding Dermal Papilla Cells

70 citations , January 2009 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Androgens slow hair growth by altering Wnt signaling in balding cells.

research The Human Tri-Peptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling

165 citations , January 2008 in “Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer ed.”

The peptide GHK-Cu helps heal and remodel tissue, improves skin and hair health, and has potential for treating age-related inflammatory diseases.

research Role of the Vitamin D Receptor in Hair Follicle Biology

54 citations , January 2007 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

Vitamin D receptor is essential for hair growth and preventing hair loss.

research Vitamin A Toxicity: When One a Day Doesn't Keep the Doctor Away

32 citations , January 2006 in “Liver transplantation”

Vitamin A toxicity can cause severe health issues and may require a liver transplant if other treatments fail.

research Zinc as an Ambivalent but Potent Modulator of Murine Hair Growth In Vivo: Preliminary Observations

60 citations , October 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Zinc can both inhibit and stimulate mouse hair growth, and might help recover hair after chemotherapy.

research Family History and Risk of Hair Loss

49 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Men with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience it themselves, especially if both parents have hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men Aged 40-69 Years: Prevalence and Risk Factors

155 citations , December 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.

research Nutritional Factors and Hair Loss

239 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.

research Targeting Expression of the Human Vitamin D Receptor to the Keratinocytes of Vitamin D Receptor Null Mice Prevents Alopecia

115 citations , December 2001 in “Endocrinology”

Expressing the human vitamin D receptor in skin cells prevents hair loss in certain mice.

research Normalization of Mineral Ion Homeostasis by Dietary Means Prevents Hyperparathyroidism, Rickets, and Osteomalacia, But Not Alopecia in Vitamin D Receptor-Ablated Mice

519 citations , October 1998 in “Endocrinology”

Diet can prevent bone issues but not hair loss in mice lacking vitamin D receptors.

research Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men

74 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

Men who think they are losing hair feel worse about themselves, especially if they are younger.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Minoxidil

32 citations , May 1995 in “Contact Dermatitis”

Minoxidil can cause allergic reactions, but testing helps identify the cause.

research The Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

192 citations , June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.

research Aetiology and Pathophysiology of Hair Loss

22 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

Hair loss is common, influenced by genetics and androgens, and can affect mental health.