Serum Vitamin Levels in Different Categories of Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects

Introduction: Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and alcohol alter vitamin levels and both have been linked with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of serum vitamins in AGA subjects and observe if altered vitamin levels play a role in the pathogenesis of alopecia in smokers and alcohol consuming subjects.Methods: Using the high performance liquid chromatographic technique, serum vitamin levels were determined and data were obtained on durations of alopecia, smoking and alcohol consumption.A possible relationship between these parameters was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results: The levels of serum vitamins in non-smoking/non-alcohol consuming AGA subjects were not significantly different (p>0.05)compared with control although those of smoking and alcohol consuming subjects were significantly lower (p<0.05),especially vitamins A, C & E and niacin (antioxidant vitamins).Correlation study did establish a relationship between durations of alopecia and smoking but not alcohol consumption, and alopecia commenced much earlier in both smoking and alcohol consuming AGA subjects than non-smoking/non-alcohol consuming alopecia subjects. Conclusion:Although there may not be any relationship between serum vitamin levels and duration of alopecia, both smoking and alcohol seem to be likely factors that can trigger AGA much early in subjects who have susceptibility for it.