For Your Viewing Pleasure-Vitamin D Deficiency & Hair Loss: A Case Report

[OtyMac]

https://www.ishrs-htforum.org/content/htfi/32/4/113.full.pdf

The VDR appears to play an important role
in hair follicle cycling by regulating the growth cycle, inducing the development of mature anagen hairs and enabling
stem cells in the bulge to replicate. The ligand-independent actions of the VDR would seem to imply that vitamin D
is not necessary for the hair growth functions, however,research reveals a strong association between serum levels
of 1,25(OH) vitamin D, certain gene polymorphisms, and VDR expression.
To control for gene variations (polymorphisms) in the VDR and vitamin D metabolism, a study in monozygotic twins
was performed while studying vitamin D supplementation and its influence on VDR expression.

In the study group,supplementation with cholcalciferol (vitamin D3) 2,000 IU
× 60 days was found to not only significantly increase serum25(OH) vitamin D by 65%, but it markedly increased the
gene expression of VDR’s as well.

Pics of start at left- 6 months in center-12 months at right

 

[OtyMac]

Vit D deficiency raises AR concentration in this study:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/sex-differences-in-vitamin-d-metabolism-serum-levels-and-action/2925B84CA911E7FB9B7BF8CFC03E50FF

The obtained results proved that females with vitamin D deficiency and excess androgens are characterised by increased ACA wall thickness, whereas among males, vitamin D deficiency alone is sufficient to increase ACA wall thickness.

Moreover, immunohistochemical investigation indicated that vitamin D deficiency does not significantly affect the expression of androgen receptor (AR) protein in ACA walls in females,

but in males, it is significantly higher than in females.

This study proves the significance of vitamin D in correlation with androgens for ACA vasoconstriction, which reduces the cerebral circulation efficiency leading to stroke(Reference Pal, Hadjadj and Fontanyi83), implying that men are more likely to reduce cerebral circulation efficiency in the case of vitamin D deficiency than women.

 

[OtyMac]

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized controlled trial​

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261561420306099

Background and aims​

Inflammation and proliferation are the cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and are the key components of its mechanism of action. In this study we sought to determine the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in BPH, because of its anti-inflammatory activities, and its effect on prostate volume and BPH symptoms.

Conclusions​

The results of our study support the effect of vitamin D in reducing prostate volume and PSA levels, and in improving BPH symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings to verify the use of vitamin D as a treatment for BPH.

Association of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Male Pattern Baldness​

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090429598001083#:~:text=There%20was%20a%20greater%20frequency,BPH%20with%20male%20pattern%20baldness.

Results. The patients with BPH had an apparently higher grade of male pattern baldness in comparison with that of controls (median value of grade IV versus III, P <0.001). The proportion of men with male pattern baldness of grade IV or higher in the BPH group was significantly larger than that of controls (53.8% versus 36.9%, P <0.01). There was a greater frequency of inherited baldness in the BPH group than in the controls (31.6% versus 12.5%, P <0.001). No significant correlation was noted between baldness severity and IPSS in either group.
Conclusions. This study demonstrates a strong association of BPH with male pattern baldness.

 

[Intrigued77777777]

But plenty of sufferers have normal vit D levels??

 

[OtyMac]

Meaning only some percentage of Androgenetic Alopecia is caused by vitamin d deficiency or not optimal levels which is found to be about 50 ng/ml.

30 ng is the bottom of the range and if tested it would be considered "normal" but not optimal.

 

[cryingariver]

Useless.

NEXT!!!

 

[OtyMac]

It is necessary to have adequate calcium levels too or the vitamin d will largely be ineffective. Perhaps this explains why some who have tried vitamin d have no results.

Here's a snippet::
The best way to raise vitamin D level up is sun exposure, especially for people with a congested liver. If supplemental route is pursued, Vitamin D should not be taken alone. Storage vitamin D intake would convert more active form by nature (enhanced by magnesium intake, whether from food or supplement), and increased active D level leads to increased calcium absorption in the intestine.

So vitamin D and calcium are synergistic. If calcium is not taken with vit D, then active D just floats around and do not get consumed to absorb calcium. This creates another issue where parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released in response to low calcium serum level, resulting in breaking down of a bone (osteoclast) to pull calcium away from bone to the serum (blood). So vitamin D consumption will create an endless cycle without an adequate calcium intake (http://courses.washington.edu/conj/bess/calcium/PTH-action.png).


PCOS is treated with vitamin d and calcium here:

Vitamin D and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a review - PMC

A common health problem known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is characterized by irregular periods, an excess of androgen production, and polycystic ovaries. It is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

As a result of Vitamin D repletion administered weekly or biweekly in combination with the administration of 1500 mg calcium daily, seven out of thirteen premenopausal women with chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism experienced normalization of menstrual cycles and two became pregnant. Furthermore, all three women with acne vulgaris experienced clinical improvements in their condition34.

 

[resu]

This does work, at least for me, I get more hairs in sync, the problem is that a few of those hairs are now white (which can be related to low vit D), I have some weird hair loss though, it may not help you if you just have regular male pattern baldness.

There's also a study that shows that use of vit D 5000IU with minoxidil shows better results than with minoxidil alone.

 

[OtyMac]

I think this is the study of the two combined but it is on FPHL which still may be applicable to males but IDK of any other study.

Treatment with oral vitamin D alone, topical minoxidil, or combination of both in patients with female pattern hair loss: A comparative clinical and dermoscopic study - PubMed

Oral vitamin D combination to topical minoxidil is recommended to treat patients with FPHL; they had better results than vitamin D or topical minoxidil alone.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

I always thought vit d deficiency would be more like a diffuse hair loss but the 1st post I made of the guy showed it even helped him with male pattern baldness.

 

[OtyMac]

It is a complete MYTH that sun exposure "automatically" gives us enough vitamin d3.

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/92/6/2130/2597445?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false

Sun exposure time around 4 hours per day and YET still __51%__ still were considered low vit d status.

Results: Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 31.6 ng/ml. Using a cutpoint of 30 ng/ml, 51% of this population had low vitamin D status. The highest 25(OH)D concentration was 62 ng/ml.

 

[OtyMac]

Vitamin D numbers: what they really mean

An important part of the testing process is advising patients on their vitamin D supplementation needs based on their test results. Here’s what you need to know.

www.questdiagnostics.com

Vitamin D levels of 30 to 100 ng/mL are considered optimal.

Vitamin D deficiency may lead to elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (secondary hyperparathyroidism).

An Evaluation of High-Dose Vitamin D for Rheumatoid Arthritis - PMC

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Look at this study for rheumatoid arthritis. They are at month 12 heading back to the low end of 30 ng/ml despite supplementing all along. Only at month 2 50,000 IU D2 for 8 weeks were they able to really budge levels much.

Baseline: 25ng/ml
Supplementing 50000 v2 IU for 8 weeks: 41 ng/ml


Ergocalciferol 50,000 IU and matching placebo were manufactured (Tishcon Corporation, Westbury, NY) with content verified independently prior to use. The research pharmacy randomized eligible subjects using a 1:1 block to placebo or ___vitamin D2 50,000 IU___ three times weekly for four weeks,

ME: That 50k x 3 per week of D2 is the same as 50K per week of D3(see below).

then 50,000 IU vitamin D2 twice monthly for 11 months.

All subjects received calcium 500 mg three times daily throughout the study, and were asked to apply sunscreen (Sun Protection Factor 65) between May and September.







The amount of vitamin D2 to supplement compared to vitamin D3 depends on the dosage form and how it's taken:

• Dosage form
  A 50,000 IU dose of vitamin D2 is equivalent to no more than 15,000 IU of vitamin D3.
• 
  
• How it's taken
  Vitamin D2 is typically taken once a day, while vitamin D3 can be prescribed once weekly at higher doses.
  
  
• 
  
• Potency
  Vitamin D2 is either equivalent or slightly less potent than vitamin D3 when taken daily. However, vitamin D2 is less potent than vitamin D3 when taken intermittently.

 

[OtyMac]

Some points from the original study:
1) 30 ng/ml which is the low end "acceptable" level does not equal optimum health
2) 2000 IU per day would take awhile for this guy to even get to 30 ng/ml which he was at 12 ng/ml. A 2000 IU per day increased serum levels 65 percent after 2 month yet HE NEEDED TO TRIPLE his levels and that is why he why given a "high dose" of 50000 IU per week.
3) it is relatively hard to get to a level of hypervitaminosis but you still have to have to have some dosing wisdom. EVERYTHING is toxic depending on dose.
4) shoot for a level of 40-100.


Notably, this recent study also found that serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D > 50ng/dl
had other health benefits related to BMI and lean body mass,
establishing the health benefits of supplementation beyond
previously established low “normal” levels, which aver-
aged 30ng/ml in this study group.

n the study group,
supplementation with cholcalciferol (vitamin D3) 2,000 IU
× 60 days was found to not only significantly increase serum
25(OH) vitamin D by ___65%__, but it markedly increased the
gene expression of VDR’s as well.


Nevertheless, a similar finding was seen in a group of Canadian
adults supplemented with up to 20,000 IU vitamin D3 daily
for almost a year with no evidence of toxicity (though some
had serum levels up to 150ng/ml) as measured and deter-
mined by normal serum calcium.

Aiming for 40-100 ng/ml:
Regardless of whether the impact of
vitamin D deficiency is a direct or indirect contributing factor
for hair loss, the solution for most patients who are vitamin D
deficient is simple enough: oral supplements with vitamin D3
to achieve and maintain a serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D
between 40-100ng/ml (the lower limit reflecting the average
serum levels in the VITAL treatment group after 1 year) with
periodic blood sampling to assure against overzealous supplementation and hypervitaminosis

 

[OtyMac]

This Is The Vitamin D Level We Should All Really Be Striving For | mindbodygreen

Scientific literature and health experts indicate that the optimal serum vitamin D level for health and well-being is higher than you might realize.

www.mindbodygreen.com

Unfortunately, a large chunk (41%) of the U.S. adult population2 is in the "warning zone" (< 30 ng/ml), and they probably don't even know it. This means they are vitamin D insufficient. Another term used is hypovitaminosis D. To make it simple, not enough.

ME: so 41% of the population is deficient at a 30 ng cutoff, how much does the percentage increase if we use 50 ng as the goal for optimum health?

Why 50 ng/ml is the vitamin D goal for life.​

So if 30 ng/ml really doesn't cut it for optimally supporting your health and well-being, what vitamin D levels should you strive to achieve and maintain?
"As an endocrinologist, I know that achieving optimal serum 25(OH)D levels in the 50+ ng/ml range is imperative for immune health, bone health, and more," Henderson says. "This is the average or median level at which most association studies show various benefits, including immune health, balanced mood, and more."
And the tool to achieve that level of 50 ng/ml is clearly vitamin D3 supplementation, according to Henderson's clinical expertise with hundreds of patients (plus, the collective D science to date).*


While hitting 30 ng/ml is a start (especially if you're starting out with levels below 20 ng/ml, which means you're clinically deficient1), it's not the goal.
"We are consistently undertreating patients when we stop at 30 ng/ml," Henderson continues. "Our population is heavily vitamin D deficient and targeting an optimal level of 50 ng/ml has an enormous impact on all aspects of human health."
Ferira adds this analogy: "Aiming for 30 ng/ml is like signing up and paying for four years of college but never attending any classes, taking any tests, or graduating. It's a bad investment, aims too low, and is going to hurt eventually."

Ready for a little math? Ferira breaks it down for us: "Pharmacokinetic research3 shows that it takes 100 IU of vitamin D to increase a normal-weight adult's serum D levels by about 10 ng/ml. So, that means that in order to achieve 50 ng/ml, you need 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day."

 

[OtyMac]

Age and gender differences in the prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency - PubMed

Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent, particularly among young adults and those with central obesity. Proper fortification policy, health education, and regular screening PHCCs may help prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ME: I never did really believe the explanation that androgens "wear out" the hair follicle over time especially in all these early teenagers who are starting to bald some of which have barely began puberty.

Age and gender differences in the prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency​

Younger adults and males had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to older participants and females. Low intake of milk, central obesity, and lack of use of vitamin D supplements were associated with vitamin D deficiency, highlighting potentially important avenues for preventive intervention.

 

[OtyMac]

Pediatric androgenetic alopecia: A review - PubMed

Androgenetic Alopecia in the pediatric population is not uncommon, but its incidence and prevalence are unknown. It is associated with a strong family history of Androgenetic Alopecia and can typically be diagnosed clinically by physical examination and trichoscopy. Topical minoxidil, although not approved, has been used with...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pediatric androgenetic alopecia: A review​

Jacob Griggs 1, Brandon Burroway 2, Antonella Tosti 2
Affiliations Expand

• PMID: 31415838
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.018

Abstract​

Objectives: Androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) is a well-known cause of hair loss in adults

but is an under-recognized cause of hair loss in children and adolescents.

We reviewed the existing literature regarding androgenetic alopecia in the pediatric/adolescent population.
Methods: PubMed searches were performed to identify all articles discussing Androgenetic Alopecia in a pediatric/adolescent population published up to December 2018.
Results: We identified 7 articles discussing androgenetic alopecia in patients aged younger than 18. One of these articles was a review containing data from 3 conference abstracts, which were also included in the analysis. A total of 655 cases of androgenetic alopecia were found.
Limitations: Data are limited to retrospective reviews and case reports/series.
Conclusion: Androgenetic Alopecia in the pediatric population is not uncommon, but its incidence and prevalence are unknown. It is associated with a strong family history of Androgenetic Alopecia and can typically be diagnosed clinically by physical examination and trichoscopy. Topical minoxidil, although not approved, has been used with success. Other treatment modalities are poorly studied in children.

 

[OtyMac]

Does this explain why some babies have full heads of hair at birth and others require much more time?

Vitamin D status and childhood health - PubMed

Vitamin D is an essential component of bone and mineral metabolism; its deficiency causes growth retardation and skeletal deformities in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. Hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency) is observed not only in adults but also in...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Since the vitamin D status of the newborn is highly related to maternal vitamin D levels, optimal vitamin D levels in the mother during pregnancy should be maintained. In conclusion, given the important role of vitamin D in childhood health, more time spent in outdoor activity (for sunlight exposure) and vitamin D supplementation may be necessary for optimal health in infants, children, and adolescents.

When will your baby's hair grow in?

Your baby's genes will determine how much hair they have at birth, but here's how you can expect to see their hair change in the first year.

www.babycenter.com

Some babies are born with a full head of hair, while others have only a sparse covering. Mostly, it comes down to genetics: Just as the genes passed on from the parents affect a baby's eye color, they also affect how much hair is present at birth (and what color that hair is!).

https://www.tesble.com/10.1016/j.mce.2017.01.039

Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: Improvements in birth outcomes andcomplications through direct genomic alteration

Further, vitamin D inadequacy in early life is clearly an instance of the “Barker Hypothesis” (5). This theory states that certain adult-onset diseases might have their roots in nutritional insults sustained in the perinatal period (either in utero or in the early months of infancy or both). Clearly, conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders would qualify

 

[OtyMac]

So it looks like the body increases dht or its effects to mitigate vit d3 deficiency which as we all know can be quite a bad deal for the prostate and hair follicles.

AI Overview
Learn more

Yes, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can help mitigate vitamin D deficiency by increasing vitamin D levels in the blood:

• Reduces 24-hydroxylase expression: DHT suppresses the expression of 24-hydroxylase, which is an enzyme that inactivates vitamin D3.
• 
  
• Increases vitamin D3 levels: DHT increases the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the blood.
  
  
• 
  
• Enhances vitamin D3 activity: DHT can enhance the antiproliferative activity of vitamin D3 hormones.

DHT also has other effects on vitamin D and related processes, including:

• Inhibiting VDR expression: Prolonged treatment with DHT can decrease the expression of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in prostate cancer cells.
• 
  
• Stimulating CYP24A1: DHT can stimulate CYP24A1 via the progesterone receptor.
  
  

 

[OtyMac]

https://www.hairlosstalk.com/interact/threads/repigmentation-and-new-growth-of-hairs-after-anti-interleukin-17-therapy-with-secukinumab.114788/

Actually, blockade of TNF-α and IL-17 resulted in a restoration of pigmentation gene expression



AI Overview
Learn more

A vitamin D deficiency is often associated with increased levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, indicating that low vitamin D can contribute to an overactive immune response characterized by elevated IL-17 production; this link is observed in various inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, and certain infections.


Key points about the relationship between vitamin D and IL-17:

• Immune regulation:
  Vitamin D acts as an immunomodulatory molecule, helping to suppress the development of Th17 cells, which are primarily responsible for producing IL-17.
• 
  
• Disease association:
  Studies have shown that individuals with vitamin D deficiency often have higher levels of IL-17, contributing to the development and severity of inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, where IL-17 plays a significant role.
  
  
• 
  
• Mechanism:
  When vitamin D levels are low, the immune system is more likely to produce excessive IL-17, leading to inflammation in various tissues.

Important considerations:

• Measuring vitamin D status: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are used to assess vitamin D status.
• 
  
• Therapeutic implications: Vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in conditions characterized by high IL-17 levels, potentially helping to reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses.
  ________________________________

• AI Overview
  Learn more
  
  A vitamin D deficiency is often associated with elevated levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, meaning that when vitamin D levels are low, TNF-alpha levels tend to be higher; this connection suggests that vitamin D plays a role in regulating inflammation in the body.
  
  
  Key points about vitamin D and TNF-alpha:
  • Increased inflammation:
    Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, which can contribute to various inflammatory conditions.
  • Mechanism:
    Vitamin D receptors are present on immune cells, and when vitamin D levels are adequate, it can suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha.
  • Clinical implications:
    Studies have shown that individuals with vitamin D deficiency may have higher TNF-alpha levels, potentially increasing their risk for conditions associated with chronic inflammation like cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.
    
    

 

[curlwaves]

For the people saying useless. Theres literally no reason not to do it. Even if you use other treatments. It can only benefit health if done right.

My only problem is consistency. I have some drops but I'll be honest ive been forgetting them. This is a good reminder. Lots of interesting connections. I spend too much time indoors as well.

 

[Derek Clapton]

I take vit d but since it gives you the horn I always imagined it increased DHT