Deficiencies of iron and vitamin D in patients with alopecia areata

Deficiencies of iron and vitamin D in patients with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. Blood tests are important for patients with alopecia areata given that recent research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency as well as other deficiencies such as iron deficiency may be more common in alopecia areata.  

In 2017, Conic and colleagues set out to retrospectively review the clinical features of patients with alopecia areata that were seen at the Cleveland Clinic over the period 2005 to 2014.  In total, data from 504 patients was tabulated and as a comparison group 172 patients with seborrheic dermatitis were also reviewed. 

Patients with alopecia areata had more frequent vitamin D deficiency (30 % compared to 13 % in controls) and also had more frequent iron deficiency (7.3 % vs 2.9 % of controls).  Anemia was also more common being present in 17 % of those with alopecia areata and only 7.6% of control patients. 

 

Conclusion

Deficiencies of iron and vitamin D are more common in alopecia areata. Testing levels of iron nd vitamin D are important in alopecia areata.

REFERENCE

Conic et al. Comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata. Journal American Academy Dermatology; 754-756.