CORRELATION OF BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND AYURVEDIC HETUS IN KHALITYA (HAIR LOSS)

Khalitya (hair loss) has increased across age groups, reflecting lifestyle shifts, dietary changes, environmental exposures, and psychosocial stress. Classical Ayurveda emphasizes etiological factors (Hetu) grounded in Nidana Panchaka and Trisutra, while modern biomedicine highlights micronutrient status and scalp ecology. This cross-sectional study of 40 participants diagnosed with Khalitya integrates classical hetus with biochemical parameters (serum calcium, phosphorus), aiming to identify predominant etiologies and explore correlations with mineral status. A validated questionnaire captured classical hetus by frequency grades; venous blood analysis measured serum calcium and phosphorus with standard colorimetric methods. Frequent hetus involved Viruddha Ahara, Lavana Rasa Atisevana, and Kshara Atisevana. Serum calcium was below reference in 55% of participants, while phosphorus remained normal in all. Findings support the Ayurvedic construct connecting Asthi Dhatu with hair physiology and underscore dietary incompatibilities and calcium insufficiency as clinically relevant. The study advocates an integrative prevention-first approach combining nidana parivarjana, nutrition correction, and scalp health practices, while recommending expanded biochemical profiling (vitamin D3, B12, ferritin) and larger cohorts.