Alopecia & Magnesium

If you start losing your hair, you may have alopecia. About 1 percent to 2 percent of the general population suffers from alopecia areata, caused by an autoimmune response. Magnesium is known to promote a healthy immune system but scientific studies have not linked magnesium deficiency to alopecia areata. Taking a multi-vitamin with magnesium may help other health conditions such as anorexia nervosa and hypoparathyroidism, which have similar symptoms to alopecia.

Alopecia

There are two types of alopecia. When you have alopecia areata, your body's immune system causes your hair to fall out by attacking the hair follicles. It presents as round or oval bald patches on the head or other parts of your body. Androgenetic alopecia is genetic. It causes male pattern baldness in men and hirsutism in women. Causes of alopecia areata include illness, some medications and malnutrition.

Magnesium

The fourth most abundant mineral in your body is magnesium. This mineral participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body, including maintaining normal muscle function, regulating your heartbeat and keeping your immune system healthy. The best sources of magnesium in a Western diet are halibut, almonds, cashews, soybeans and spinach. The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance of magnesium for people 31 and older is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women.

Minerals

People suffering from alopecia areata may have different blood levels of some minerals in comparison to those who don't, according to a study by SKIMS Medical College Hospital in India and reported in the January-February issue of the "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology." Researchers assessed the levels of magnesium, zinc and copper in 50 patients with alopecia areata. Participants with extensive and prolonged alopecia areata who were resistant to treatment had decreased zinc levels, but no significant differences in the levels of magnesium and copper.

Anorexia Nervosa

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa are similar to alopecia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A person with anorexia nervosa thinks she is fat when she is thin and has an extreme fear of gaining weight. Physical signs of anorexia include thinning hair, excessive weight loss and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Medical complications associated with anorexia include low magnesium levels and an irregular heartbeat.

Hypoparathyroidism

The symptoms of hypoparathyroidism are similar to alopecia areata, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This rare condition occurs when your parathyroid gland does not make enough parathyroid hormone. Symptoms include hair loss, malformed nails and a yeast infection. The causes of hypoparathyroidism include low levels of magnesium, neck surgery and too much iron in your body tissues.