Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune condition that causes sudden patchy hair loss, usually in small round patches on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere. Hair can regrow, and the condition can come and go.
⚠ Seek medical attention if:
Rapidly spreading or total hair loss, hair loss with a scaly or scarring scalp, or hair loss alongside other symptoms such as fatigue or weight change should be assessed promptly. See a GP or dermatologist.
Lifestyle factors
Stress may be associated with flares in some people; unlike common hair thinning, it is not caused by hairstyling or diet alone
Nutritional factors
Some people have low vitamin D, zinc, or iron; correcting deficiencies may support hair health but does not by itself cure the autoimmune process
Possible medical causes
An autoimmune process where the immune system affects the hair follicles; genetics and other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease are associated
Next steps
See a GP or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment options, and to check for associated conditions such as thyroid problems. Proper assessment distinguishes it from nutritional hair thinning.
Related nutrients (3)
Low iron can worsen hair shedding; worth checking, though it is not the cause of alopecia areata
Food sources: Spinach (cooked) (6.4 mg iron per cup cooked), Lentils (cooked) (6.6 mg iron per cup cooked), Coconut (~1 mg per 30g), Sesame seeds (~4.3 mg per 30g), Chia seeds (~2.2 mg per 30g), Butternut (~1.2 mg per 30g), Kidney beans (~5.2 mg per cup cooked), Peppermint leaf (~a small amount per serving), Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) (~4.7 mg per cup cooked), Thyme leaf (~0.5 mg per 3g), Red beans (adzuki) (~4.6 mg per cup cooked), Mint leaf (~0.5 mg per 10g), Sauerkraut (~0.7 mg per 50g), Seaweed (~2 mg per 10g dried), Edamame (~3.5 mg per cup cooked)
Low vitamin D is common in alopecia areata; correcting it may support hair health but does not cure the condition
Food sources: Salmon (grilled) (~570 IU (14 mcg) vitamin D per 100g grilled fillet), Eggs (whole, boiled) (~41 IU (1 mcg) vitamin D per egg, mostly in the yolk), Fortified oat milk (~100 IU (2.5 mcg) vitamin D per cup, fortified)
Zinc supports hair and immune health; relevant mainly where a deficiency exists
Food sources: Pumpkin seeds (~2.2 mg zinc per 30g serving), Eggs (whole, boiled) (~1.1 mg zinc per 2 eggs), Brazil nuts (~1.2 mg zinc per 30g), Pecans (~1.3 mg per 30g), Pine nuts (~1.8 mg per 30g), Sesame seeds (~2.2 mg per 30g), Red beans (adzuki) (~4 mg per cup cooked), Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) (~2.5 mg per cup cooked), Miso (~0.5 mg per tbsp)
Supplement categories (2)
Considered where alopecia areata is accompanied by low vitamin D; does not cure the condition
Cautions: Avoid doses >4000 IU/day without testing; caution in sarcoidosis, granulomatous conditions
May support hair health where zinc is low; not a cure for the autoimmune process
Cautions: Avoid long-term doses above 40 mg/day without medical supervision; monitor copper status with prolonged use
Related symptoms
Educational information only — not medical advice. This content does not diagnose, treat, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek professional medical advice for symptoms, supplement use, or health concerns.