International Journal of Scientific Study | July 2021 | Vol 9 | Issue 4 86 Comparative Study to Find Out the Role of Nutritional Factors in Hair Growth between Tribal and Semi-Urban Population

M Aravind; C Chandrakala

M Aravind Mundiyampakkam, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India
C Chandrakala Government Thiruvannamalai Medical College, Vengikkal, Thiruvannamalai, TamilNadu, India

Keywords: Alopecia, Hair cycle, Nutritional factors, Stress

Abstract

Introduction: Hair is an important appendageal structure in the skin and hair growth is influenced by various factors like
nutritional, hormonal, psychosocial and genetic factors. All these factors affect hair growth by altering the microenvironment of
hair follicle which inturn results in changes in the hair cycle.
Materials and Methods: Our study was aimed to determine the role of nutritional factors such as Zinc, Iron, Calcium and
Protein in promoting hair growth and decreasing chronic hair loss in tribal and semiurban population. A set of questionnaire
were used to analyse the role of life style, nature of work and stress factors in influencing hair fall. The serum values of zinc,
iron, calcium and protein were measured for each individual in both tribal and semiurban population and the mean value of
all the four nutritional parameters were calculated separately and the results were analysed.
Results: The mean serum values of zinc, calcium and protein were almost similar in both tribal and urban people except
serum ferritin value which was more in tribal people. We compared the role of stress influencing hair cycle in semiurban and
tribal groups by analyzing the questionnaire.
Conclusion: The lifestyle without stress, good iron reserve with high ferritin level, usage of natural hair care products and
genetic factors could be the reason for healthy hair growth in tribal population. Reduction of stress factors in daily life, adequate
sleep and improving nutritional status may help to reduce hair fall in semiurban and urban population.

Author Biographies

M Aravind, Mundiyampakkam, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India

MBBS Undergraduate Student, Government Villupuram Medical College

C Chandrakala, Government Thiruvannamalai Medical College, Vengikkal, Thiruvannamalai, TamilNadu, India

Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology and Venereology.

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