Role of Vitamin D in Female Pattern Hair Loss Among Iraqi Women: A Case- Control Study

Background: Low serum level of Vitamin D may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Aims: To evaluate serum vitamin D level in Iraqi women with female pattern hair loss and compare it with normal healthy control. Settings and Design: A case-control study was carried out on 190 women: 95 patients with FPHL aged ≥15 years and 95 healthy agematched control. Methods and Material: The diagnosis and severity of FPHL were based on clinical examination and using Ludwig classification. All participants were investigated for vitamin D level and alkaline phosphatase. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The mean ± SD level for vitamin D was significantly lower in the FPHL group than control (13.8 ± 2.6 ng/mL vs 37.6 ± 4.7ng/mL, p < 0.001). Eighty-two patients (86.1%) of the FPHL group and 35 (36.9%) of the control group had a low vitamin D level (p < 0.001). Alkaline phosphatase level was significantly elevated in 77of FPHL compared to the control group ((81% versus 19%, p < 0.001). Low vitamin D level was significantly correlated with the duration of hair loss, alkaline phosphatase elevation, and symptom of bone pain. Conclusions: Women with low serum vitamin D levels have a high potential for the development of FPHL suggesting that vitamin D may have a possible role in the etiopathogenesis of this pattern of hair loss.