Is Zinc Good For Hair Loss

How Much Zinc Should I Take For Hair Growth

As we already have mentioned, we take zinc through food. It is estimated that in order to keep a balanced diet, men must take daily 9 mg. of zinc, and women 7 mg. per day. There are several zinc rich foods for hair growth: although this trace element can be obtained through some vegetables , our body assimilates it more easily through animal products such as red meat, turkey, eggs, milk, cheese, fish and seafood.

We must bear in mind that only 30% of the zinc we consume is finally assimilated by our body in addition, there are people with a greater tendency to suffer from zinc deficiency than others, such as premature children, elderly, vegetarians, those who suffer from malnutrition or irritable bowel syndrome, liver disorders, alcoholism, or people who are celiac or suffer from sickle cell anaemia. These people may need to take zinc supplements.

Zinc And The Hair Growth Cycle

To understand hair loss and how nutrition can reverse it, its important to understand how our hair grows and falls. Our hair experiences three phases:

• The Anagen Phase which is the growth phase, that can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years, depending on your genetics. Our hair grows approximately ½ inch per month , but there are those whos hair grows faster or slower than the average.
• The Catagen Phase this transitional phase begins when the anagen phase ends. Its a short phase, approximately 2-3 weeks long. During this phase the hair is cut off from the blood supply and the cells that will produce a new hair. Meanwhile a nascent hair is being nurtured to take its place.
• The Telogen Phase this is the resting phase, when the hair is released from the follicle to eventually fall out. This phase lasts from 2 to 4 months. When the telogen phase ends, the anagen phase starts anew.

Research has proven that nutritional deficiencies decrease the length of the anagen phase and causes more hairs than is normal to enter the telogen phase at the same time, leading to unmistakable thinning of the hair, bald spots and if the deficiency continues long enough, baldness.

In a 2013 study, published in the Annals of Dermatology, all of the hair loss patients had significantly lower zinc levels than the control group studied.

Based on the evidence, the researchers concluded that zinc metabolism disturbances played a key role in hair loss, especially alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.

But Why Bother About Zinc

You need this bluish-grey shiny metal for division and growth of every cell in our body . Its also necessary for a healthy immune system, and people with low levels of zinc have a higher rate of cough and cold. And their wound, cuts and infections take a longer time to heal. This is because zinc plays a role in repair and healing of injuries.

Moreover, zinc is important for creating DNA, the genetic blueprint of your cells. Its also required for activity of 300 + enzymes, thyroid function I can go on and on about zincs role in our body. But now you get the idea how very important zinc is.

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Is Zinc Safe For Use

Zinc, whether administered orally or used topically, is safe. But if doses of zinc is pushed over minimum tolerable levels, it can cause mild side effects such as allergic reactions in some people. It is advised to consult your doctor or dermatologist prior using any supplements or topical products.

Zinc Pyrithione For Hair: Benefits And How To Use It

One of the most obvious signs of scalp health imbalance is flakes. Almost anyone can relate to the panic of discovering flaky white falloutof course, on a day that you’ve decided to wear a dark-colored top. While flakes can be caused by a number of issues, one of the most common culprits is dandruff. Treatments for dandruff range from over-the-counter shampoos to dermatologist-prescribed creams, but almost all of these products have an ingredient in common: zinc pyrithione.

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Whats The Most Likely Explanation For Shedding With Zinc

Well, the most likely explanation , is that:

1) you have some male pattern balding and you are not using finasteride or dutasteride to treat your male balding and that zinc has trigger a mild effluvium of hairs that are in the early balding phase. We call this phenomenon immediate telogen release and its common with every treatment that acts on male balding including minoxidil, laser therapy, PRP therapy, finasteride therapy . and sometimes zinc.

2) The second explanation is that you actually do have diffuse loss of hair on the scalp and you are just noticing it more in the areas that are already thin. In this scenario, the male balding has nothing to do with the discussion, it just so happens you notice hair loss more in areas that are already thinner.

3) The third explanation is that you have something else going on that is not related at all.

Typical Questions In The Naranjo Scale

1. Are there previous conclusive reports of zinc causing hair loss from areas that already have an issue?

Yes No Do not know or not done

2. Did the shedding appear after zinc was given?

Yes No Do not know or not done

3. Did the shedding improve when the zinc was discontinued ?

Yes No Do not know or not done

4. Did the shedding appear when the zinc was readministered?

Yes No Do not know or not done

5. Are there alternative causes that could have caused the shedding?

Yes No Do not know or not done

6. Did the shedding reappear when a placebo was given?

Yes No Do not know or not done

7. Was the zinc detected in the blood at higher levels?

Yes No Do not know or not done

8. Was the shedding more severe when the zinc dose was increased, or less severe when the zinc dose was decreased?

Yes No Do not know or not done

9. Did the patient have a similar shedding to the same or similar zinc pills in any previous exposure?

Yes No Do not know or not done

10. Was the adverse event confirmed by any objective evidence?

Yes No Do not know or not done

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Zinc Promotes The Healthy Reproduction Of Cells

You must already know that in order for hair to grow, the cells should be able to replenish and reproduce regularly. Well, luckily this is what zinc comes in use for. When the zinc levels in your system are balanced, it boosts hair cell reproduction, leading to healthy hair growth. This is because zinc helps raise the production of DNA and RNA in hair follicles.

Zinc, in fact, forms a powerful combination when used with selenium- they both also foster hormone production. This is why taking selenium and zinc for hair growth is a great option.

What Are The Hair Benefits Of Zinc

Dr. Jennifer Martin-BiggersVP, Scientific Affairs and Education at HUM Nutritionknows her zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral critical to many processes in the body. It is involved in almost every metabolic function in the body, including skin and hair health. Several human studies have shown that zinc supplementation actually produced significant reduction and improvement in acne, she notes. Like its positive effects on the skin, zinc plays a major role in hair and hair growth. Zincs role in hair health has been noted in studies of people with zinc deficiency, Dr. Martin-Biggers explains.

Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency, which may be caused by some medications, genetic conditions, and malabsorption problems, among others, she says. While severe deficiency is rare and tied to genetic disorders, more mild deficiency is more common in people with malabsorption conditions or if they do not consume sufficient zinc in their diets. Highly bioavailable zinc is found in seafood, eggs, and meat. Oysters are one of the highest sources of zinc in foods they actually contain around 5.5mg per raw oyster, or, 50% of the recommended amount of zinc. It is also found in whole grains and legumes, but phytates in those actually reduce zinc absorption. Vegetarians and vegans may have higher zinc requirements due to this, she continues.

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Which Foods Provide Zinc Benefits For Hair

Our bodies dont have a specialized zinc storage system – which means we need to continually keep on top of our zinc levels. Therefore eating a healthy diet, including plenty of foods enriched with zinc, can ensure youre reaping those brilliant zinc benefits for hair, as well as keeping the rest of your body in tip-top condition!

So, where can you find zinc in the food you eat?

• Many breakfast cereals, including oatmeal, are fortified with zinc. Just read the label!
• Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are a great source of zinc when consumed in moderation.
• Seeds and nuts are a natural way of ensuring you get your daily zinc intake, pumpkin seeds in particular and make for a good snack, too!
• Fish and meat, particularly oysters and beef, can provide you with your necessary zinc levels. Make sure you eat the recommended portion size for you and always try to opt for organic or free-range meat where possible, so you know the quality of what youre eating is high.

Read more on the do’s and don’t of foods for hair growth here!

You can buy zinc supplements over the counter in many pharmacies and health stores.

And remember, when you lack certain vitamins , you then also may not be able to store minerals like zinc that your body needs to keep your hair happy and healthy!

Its always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement.

Benefits Of Zinc Pyrithione For Hair

The benefits of zinc pyrithione extend beyond the skin of the scalp. By improving the health of the scalp, the health of the hair benefits as well. Zinc pyrithione has the power to treat a variety of issues, including dandruff, itchiness, acne, and scalp psoriasis by targeting the yeast/fungus that is causing the problem, Engelman explains.

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How Much Zinc Should I Take A Day

For adult men, the Recommended Dietary Allowance for zinc is 11mg per day, or 8mg per day for adult women .

Most animal proteins are rich in zinc, meaning you shouldnt have any difficulties reaching this level if you eat at least one normal-sized serving of poultry, fish or red meat per day.

If youve been diagnosed with low levels of zinc, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a zinc supplement.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for zinc is 40mg per day for men and women aged 19 or older. If you exceed this amount over the long term, you could see adverse effects.

As always, its best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking zinc or any other nutritional supplements.

How Is Zinc Good For Your Hair

The micronutrient is believed to play an essential role in the production of DNA and RNA the two most important molecules in our body. So, how does this do any good to your hair? Well, DNA and RNA are required for the proper division of follicle cells, which further results in healthier hair growth.

Besides, zinc may also keep your hormones balanced which is another effective factor in preventing hair loss.

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The 5 Best Vitamins For Hair Loss Prevention Based On Research

Is your diet affecting your hair? If you arenât getting enough of certain key vitamins and minerals, you may be at risk for hair loss. Find out which foods you can get these important nutrients from, and make sure you talk to a medical professional before you take a supplement. When it comes to vitamins, more is not better, and sometimes too much can be harmful.

Role Of Micronutrients In Scalp Scaling Conditions

Passi et al. noticed a significant deficiency of serum vitamin E in patients with seborrheic dermatitis as compared with a control group . Of note, zinc therapy was found to significantly increase both the size of the sebaceous glands and cell proliferation in the sebaceous glands in an animal study .

A possible relationship between vitamin D level and psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, is controversial. The authors of an observational casecontrol study investigated 561 subjects, of whom 170 had psoriasis , 51 had autoimmune bullous diseases, and 340 were healthy controls. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood level in each group was measured and found to be significantly different in all three groups, with psoriatic patients having significantly lower vitamin D levels than healthy controls . The authors of this study concluded that vitamin D level may correlate with psoriasis duration .

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How Does Zinc Support Hair Growth

Topical application of zinc can reduce dihydrotestosterone , a form of testosterone that can disrupt normal hair growth cycles when allowed to proliferate. An abundance of DHT has been seen to shrink hair follicles and weaken strand shafts. While applying zinc topically has been shown to have many benefits for those experiencing hair loss, too much zinc supplementation may cause a copper deficiency. Our trusted formula ensures the right amount of zinc to balance your scalp.

Throughout the body, zinc is essential for healthy biological processes like hair growth. By supporting healthy follicles and preventing the overproduction of DHT, zinc will ensure a balanced scalp as the foundation of a healthy head of hair. Do you have experience with or questions about zinc? We wanna know! Comment belowwe love connecting with our community.

Zinc Benefits For Men

While research on the effects of zincs benefits as a hair loss treatment is limited, we know that zinc has real benefits in the body.

Healthy levels of zinc help to:

• Strengthen and maintain your immune system

• Support and promote optimal wound healing

• Assist in DHT synthesis and cell division

• Provide an accurate sense of taste and smell

Although zinc supplements are often marketed as natural testosterone boosters, research into the effects on testosterone largely doesnt show much of an effect.

In pregnant women, optimal zinc intake is also important for supporting proper fetal growth and development.

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The Best Products With Zinc Pyrithione

Garshick recommends Head & Shoulders Clinical Moisturizing Scalp Cream. This no-rinse formula is a great choice for someone looking for a leave-in medicated option to help reduce dryness and flaking. It contains zinc pyrithione to help treat dry scalp, while the manuka honey in the formula hydrates. It can be used one to four times daily and is meant to be used in between washing.

This complete system includes a zinc pyrithione-containing shampoo, conditioner, and serum which work together to improve not just dryness on the scalp but also overall hair health, leaving hair looking thicker and fuller. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce hair breakage associated with itching and dandruff, Garshick explains.

First Aid Beautys Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a sulfate-free formula that contains 1% zinc pyrithione to help with itch, flakes and scalp irritation, while the vitamin E and Calendula leaves your hair shiny and smooth.

Jupiter Restoring Serum fights dandruff and scalp irritation. This serum is sulfate, paraben and phthalate-free and formulated with gentle products to help soothe your scalp. The relaxing scent of mint, vanilla and lavender essential oils leaves you feeling fresh and clean. Apply this serum in between washes up to four times a day for scalp itch and irritation relief.