Association Between Serum Trace Elements and Telogen Effluvium: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

March 2026 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Azhar Ahmed, Azhar Alali, Mohammed Alahmadi, Sara Alghamdi, Zakaria Khawaji, Abdulsalam M Humedi, Shaden Alqurashi

telogen effluvium serum trace elements zinc copper vitamin D serum ferritin nutritional interventions

TLDR Telogen effluvium is linked to low ferritin and vitamin D levels.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between serum trace elements and telogen effluvium (TE), focusing on zinc, copper, and vitamin D levels in TE patients compared to healthy controls. Analyzing 29 suitable studies, predominantly involving female patients, the meta-analysis found significantly lower serum ferritin and vitamin D levels in TE cases. Despite high heterogeneity, the findings highlight the strong association of TE with deficiencies in ferritin and vitamin D, suggesting that personalized nutritional interventions and standardized diagnostic protocols could improve clinical outcomes.

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