title: Use of Vitamins and Minerals in the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several controversies exist regarding the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in treating hair loss.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore practices, knowledge, and attitudes for using vitamins and minerals in treating hair loss among dermatologists in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A self-administrated questionnaire containing 33 questions was distributed to 177 dermatologists attending a national dermatology conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 177 attending dermatologists, 144 responded to the questionnaire (81% response rate). Vitamins and minerals were recommended for treating at least one type of hair loss by 60%. Vitamins and minerals were most commonly used for acute telogen effluvium (62%). The majority (72%) reported a good knowledge of vitamins and minerals toxicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although dermatologists in Saudi Arabia displayed positive believes in the usefulness of vitamins and minerals in treating hair loss, further research is needed to prove their role in the management of different hair loss disorders.
authors.forename: Thamer
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mubki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001710:Biotin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015032:Zinc / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; D001710:Biotin; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc