effluviums - diet associated effluvium

The cells of the hair follicle have a very high degree of metabolic activity. They are some of the most active cells in the body, dividing rapidly and producing a range of products. This exceptional rate of activity mean hair follicles are particularly sensitive to energy supply. Without the energy to fuel this high rate of activity the hair fiber production line must shut down. Telogen effluvium is the result as the hair follicles enter a resting state waiting for the energy supply to be turned on again.

Crash dieting over a long time period can potentially cause telogen effluvium as hair follicles suddenly find they have a limited source of energy, vitamins, and minerals readily available to them. Poor diets also cause a drop in thyroid hormone production and this can also promote telogen effluvium.

Hair loss is usually seen several months after starting the diet and persists for several months after diet completion. Telogen effluvium may also be observed in people who have nutrient absorption problems as in celiac disease.

A prolonged lack of essential fatty acids in the diet can cause telogen effluvium. The hair loss is diffuse all over the scalp and surviving hair fiber is thin and dry. The color of the hair may also change as melanocyte pigment producing cells are also affected by a lack of essential fatty acids. The skin also looks unhealthy and dry.

Dermatologists typically treat hair loss from fatty acid deficiency with topical and/or oral safflower oil (linoleic acid)

Kwashiorkor is the disease that results from a deficiency of protein in the diet. It can be seen in people who have an otherwise normal diet with a good intake of calories. Most frequently though it is observed in populations affected by famine. Protein deficiency has severe consequences for the body. Most noticeable is the muscle wasting, poor skin health, and general lethargy of the individual. In kwashiorkor hair is inevitably affected. Diffuse alopecia of the head and body develops. Any remaining hair is fine and dry. Hair also often turns a rusty red-brown color as melanin pigment activity becomes abnormal with protein deficiency.

While kwashiorkor is most often seen during famines in undeveloped parts of the world, similar symptoms can be observed in people with chronic anorexia.

Marasmus is frequently seen in starving babies and young children of famine stricken countries. It is a deficiency in all the basic food nutrient essentials such as protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Lack of any food means hair follicles are deficient in multiple nutrients, vitamins, and energy they need to produce hair fiber. One symptom of marasmus is thin sparse hair affecting the scalp and body. The hair may also loose some of its color as pigment producing melanocytes stop their activity.

Marasmus can sometimes be observed in people who have gut parasites such as tape worms. The parasites take up almost all the food nutrients leaving little or none for absorption by the individual. People with severe gastroenteritis may also not be able to absorb nutrients and consequently develop a form of marasmus.