In this study, 20 of 131 patients (15.3%) had abnormal laboratory values at the time of their initial alopecia workup, and 42 (32.1%) received supplements. Of note, the New York University lab cutoffs for abnormal vitamin D and ferritin levels were lower than the level at which clinicians would initiate supplementation, accounting for most of this difference.
Despite the common inclusion of laboratory evaluation of ferritin, vitamin D, thyroid stimulating hormone, and zinc in the workup of alopecia, this study found that supplementation did not impact hair density or diameter. The authors concluded that vitamin supplementation may not improve outcomes in nonscarring alopecia, thus indicating that lab testing may not be useful for these patients. Baseline hair parameters may be a better predictor of hair regrowth. Larger studies with longer follow-up may provide further insight.
Despite the common inclusion of laboratory evaluation of ferritin, vitamin D, thyroid stimulating hormone, and zinc in the workup of alopecia, this study found that supplementation did not impact hair density or diameter. The authors concluded that vitamin supplementation may not improve outcomes in nonscarring alopecia, thus indicating that lab testing may not be useful for these patients. Baseline hair parameters may be a better predictor of hair regrowth. Larger studies with longer follow-up may provide further insight.
