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Association between Serum Trace Elements and Telogen Effluvium: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Azhar Ahmed1, Azhar Alali2, Mohammed Alahmadi2
1Department of Dermatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Skin Appendage Disorders
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Telogen effluvium (hair loss) is linked to low ferritin and vitamin D levels. Addressing these micronutrient deficiencies may improve hair loss outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Medical Research
Background:
- Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common cause of non-scarring hair loss affecting the scalp.
- Micronutrient deficiencies are increasingly implicated in various dermatological conditions, including hair loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the association between serum levels of key micronutrients (zinc, copper, vitamin D, ferritin) and Telogen Effluvium (TE).
- To evaluate these associations across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible studies including RCTs, clinical trials, cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies.
- Serum levels of zinc, copper, or vitamin D in TE patients versus healthy controls were analyzed.
- Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 with a random-effects model, assessing heterogeneity via I² and chi² statistics.
Main Results:
- Out of 372 initially identified papers, 29 articles met the inclusion criteria.
- Meta-analyses revealed significantly lower serum ferritin (SMD = -0.57) and vitamin D (SMD = -0.87) levels in TE patients compared to controls.
- The majority of TE patients analyzed in the review were female.
Conclusions:
- Telogen effluvium is strongly associated with deficiencies in ferritin and vitamin D.
- The findings highlight the role of trace element imbalances in hair loss pathogenesis.
- Personalized nutritional interventions and standardized diagnostic protocols are recommended for managing TE.
