Determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in alopecia areata compared with healthy controls in the Philippines: A cross-sectional study

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is postulated to be an autoimmune disease affecting the hair follicles. Since vitamin D receptors are present both in the immune system and in the hair follicles, vitamin D is hypothesized to affect the disease. Various observational studies demonstrating lower vitamin D levels in AA compared with healthy controls were previously done in other countries. Since vitamin D level is mainly affected by sun exposure, and is subsequently dependent of geography, season and other cultural factors, studies in different countries are needed such as in the Philippines.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research