Some studies have shown that our hair follicles are closely intertwined with parts of the immune system that support healthy hair growth. As a result, a
Can Zinc Actually Help Hair Growth? The short answer is a resounding yes! Research has repeatedly shown that zinc levels tend be lower in people who are experiencing a variety of hair loss conditions, like: Androgenetic alopecia, or female/male pattern baldness.
Some experts recommend a dose of 15 mg daily delivered as a chelate, and most hair specialists recommend an upper limit of no more than 25 mg daily. If you are taking the upper limit (25 mg) of zinc for hair loss, you should do this for no more than two to three weeks.
Chelated zinc played an important role in hair growth in female pattern hair loss. Zinc contains enzymes crucial for certain functional activities in the hair follicles (7). The nutrient also helps inhibit hair follicle regression and may accelerate the healing of hair follicles.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Zinc deficiency may affect around 17 percent of the world's population, most heavily impacting the developing world. One of the notable side effects of this deficiency may be hair loss. As a result, zinc supplements are often thought of as a potential hair loss treatment.
An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Some good sources of iron include clams, beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, oysters, grass-fed beef and bison. Zinc is involved in hair growth and keeps the oil glands around the hair shaft working properly.
Your body doesn't need a large amount of zinc. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 8 - 11 mg. It's common to have slightly low levels of zinc, but taking a multivitamin, plus eating a healthy diet, should give you all the zinc you need.
Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.
Several studies have shown positive results (3) when it comes to taking zinc supplements for hair health. Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess levels of zinc.
Magnesium has a direct impact on hair growth. It regulates hair follicle production and the overall hair growth cycle, making it an essential mineral for healthy hair growth. When magnesium levels are low, hair follicles go into a resting phase and stop producing new hair, leading to hair loss.
Early symptoms of zinc deficiency include a loss of appetite and, in infants and children, slowed growth and development. People may lose their hair in patches. They may feel sluggish and irritable. Taste and smell may be impaired.
Vivian Bucay, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics says iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins C, D, E, and B play a crucial role in hair growth.
Screening in those with risk factors is indicated, as hair loss due to zinc deficiency can be reversed. A case series demonstrated reversal of hair loss following oral supplementation in five patients with TE and zinc deficiency [37].
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.
While there's little to say you necessarily have to take zinc at a certain time, for some people, the best time to take zinc might turn out to be late at night. So, this could be a consideration if achieving a restful slumber is a challenge for you.
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.
What are the best sources of zinc? 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.
Carrots. Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and biotin, which are beneficial for hair health.
Avoid harsh hair treatments like heating tools, hair dye and bleaching. Hairstyles like tight ponytails or braids can affect your hair as well. Keep your scalp healthy by washing your hair and scalp regularly. “Any inflammation on the scalp will affect the hair growth cycle,” says Dr. Bergfeld.
Excessive levels of zinc in the body not only disrupt the absorption of vitamins and other essential minerals such as magnesium and iron, it also triggers the production of dihydrotestosterone. High DHT levels lead to hair thinning and eventually hair loss.
Based on the available data, as well as on the popularity that zinc has gained in the COVID era as an immune booster, it is recommended that zinc be supplied in patients with post-COVID-19 hair loss, if the baseline concentration of zinc is low.