Evaluating the serum zinc and vitamin D levels in alopecia areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common localized nonscarring hair loss. Vitamin D and such trace elements as zinc have significant immunomodulatory roles and are reduced in many autoimmune diseases. We aim to evaluate the zinc and vitamin D levels in AA patients belonging to an Iranian population. Methods: We randomly recruited 77 patients with AA, and 112 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Serum zinc and vitamin D levels were measured and compared between groups. Patients were considered vitamin D deficient or insufficient if 25-OH vitamin D levels were