Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as iron and zinc, have been associated with hair loss.
In another study, 15 alopecia patients with low serum zinc levels were given zinc supplements for 12 weeks. Out of the 15 patients, seven showed a marked recovery, meaning they experienced hair regrowth of more than 60 percent on their hair loss patch.
Although zinc supplements may help to treat hair shedding if you have a zinc deficiency, there isn't any scientific evidence that zinc can slow down or reverse male pattern baldness. Instead, you'll get the best results by treating hair loss with science-based hair loss treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride.
There could be another underlying issue causing your hair loss or other symptoms, so always consult with a medical professional first,” Dr. Ben Lynch, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Seeking Health. The recommended amounts of zinc are 11mg for males and 8mg for females a day, which can change with age.
Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements in moderation with proper medical advice is key.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
Zinc deficiency in humans is caused by reduced dietary intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss, or increased body system use. The most common cause is reduced dietary intake. In the U.S., the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men.
While iron and zinc help with hair's shine and luster, magnesium plays an important role in promoting follicle hair growth, which results in healthy hair growth. Most experts agree that magnesium is nature's anti-stress mineral, which is a major component in hair loss.
The nutrient also helps inhibit hair follicle regression and may accelerate the healing of hair follicles. Oral zinc sulfate can help treat patchy alopecia areata with a low relapse rate after cessation i.
Usually, zinc replacement therapy is continued for 3–4 months. If initiated within 6 months after the onset of zinc deficiency, the response rate to this therapy (the percentage of cases where the therapy is effective or markedly effective) is 70% or higher.
It often takes 12 weeks before any improvement is seen. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
The best source of zinc is oysters, but it's also plentiful in red meat and poultry. Other good sources are beans, nuts, crab, lobster, whole grains, breakfast cereals, and dairy products. The following foods are good sources of zinc.
Can zinc be harmful? Yes, too much zinc can be harmful. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you take too much zinc for a long time, you could have problems such as lower immunity, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and low copper levels.
Weight Gain. Zinc is important for controlling your metabolism. Those with zinc deficiencies may notice swings in their weight, or unexplained weight gain. You may also feel sluggish and tired, and have difficulty controlling your weight, despite controlling your diet.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems, including the immune system, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Zinc deficiency during growth periods results in growth failure. Epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems are the organs most affected clinically by zinc deficiency.
A concomitant decrease in tissue metallothionein occurred in both the lung and liver in zinc-deficient animals, whereas animals on the control diet or receiving zinc supplementation had similar, higher levels (Fig. 1B).
Both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and amount as they age. This type of baldness is not usually caused by a disease. It is related to aging, heredity, and changes in the hormone testosterone. Inherited, or pattern baldness, affects many more men than women.
Fatigue associated with an iron deficiency (or a lack of iron in the blood, with or without anemia) can cause chronic hair loss, scientifically referred to as “chronic telogen effluvium”.
Hair shedding often stops on its own
Excessive hair shedding is common in people who have experienced one the following stressors: Lost 20 pounds or more. Given birth. Experiencing lots of stress (caring for a loved one who is sick, going through a divorce, losing a job)
For most people, taking zinc doesn't have any effect on the hair in any way. However, there will be some people who experience a reduction in daily shedding - especially if they had low zinc to begin with.