Hair loss due to pollution, micro metabolic dysfunction, epigenetics and role of nutrients

Abstract

Introduction: Hair is unknowingly and unwillingly exposed to pollution through air, water, food, temperature, humidity, UV rays, circadian rhythm, electromagnetic radiation and noise, which alter cellular functions and genetic expression through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).  The ROS causes subclinical micro metabolic dysfunction, resulting in anagen arrest or telogen extension leading to hair loss that mimics AGA. Nutrients can repair cell damage, neutralize the ROS, restore cellular function, counter inflammation, build immunity and correct epigenetic changes, to achieve hair growth. Objective: To understand metabolic damage inflicted by pollutants through ROS, epigenetic effects and the role of nutrients. Material and methods: Study includes 63 patients, 37 male and 26 female between 18 to 38 years of age, who matched the criteria for hair loss due to pollution. Every patient received oral supplements of curcumin, quercetin, N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin A, C, D, E, B-complex, biotin, iron, folic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, amino acids and omega 3 for 4 months. Nutrients were administered in synergistic combinations on different days of the week. Observation and results: Diffuse hair loss, itching, irritation, redness, sebum, dandruff, grime, burning, trichodynia, dry frizzy, brittle hair were common. Marginally raised heart rate, blood pressure, low hemoglobin, low as well as high serum ferritin, low vitamin D, raised TSH and low T3, T4 were detected.  Men and women had an average improvement of 16-21% in density with 18-22% improvement in caliber. Conclusion: Nutrients can counter the mechanisms of pollution and achieve hair growth without finasteride, antiandrogens or minoxidil.