Zinc benefits for hair
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Zinc Benefits for Hair
Zinc and Hair Growth Modulation
Zinc is often used to treat hair loss, even in the absence of zinc deficiency, but its mechanisms and efficacy remain unclear. Research using a mouse model has shown that high doses of oral zinc can significantly inhibit hair growth by delaying the development of the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of hair follicles. However, zinc also prolongs the catagen phase, the regression phase where hair growth ceases and follicles shrink. Interestingly, zinc treatment can accelerate the regrowth of normally pigmented hair shafts in cyclophosphamide-damaged hair follicles, suggesting a role in promoting hair follicle recovery. The effects of zinc on hair growth are highly dependent on the timing and duration of administration, making it a potent yet ambivalent modulator of hair growth.
Zinc in Dermatology and Hair Loss
Zinc's antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties make it beneficial for various dermatological conditions, including hair loss. A review of the literature supports the use of zinc in treating hair loss disorders, particularly in patients with zinc deficiency. Oral zinc supplementation is recommended for those with a deficiency to potentially improve hair health. However, more research and large randomized controlled trials are needed to fully understand zinc's role as a monotherapy for hair loss.
Zinc Supplementation and Hair Element Levels
A study on elite female athletes investigated the effect of different doses of zinc supplementation on hair element levels. The results showed significant changes in selenium levels but not in magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, phosphorus, or zinc levels in hair. This suggests that while zinc supplementation can affect certain trace elements in hair, it may not significantly alter hair zinc levels.
Zinc and Hair Cortisol Concentrations
Zinc supplementation has been studied for its potential to reduce chronic stress, as indicated by hair cortisol concentrations. In a study involving young Laotian children, different zinc supplementation strategies did not significantly impact hair cortisol concentrations, suggesting that zinc's effect on hair cortisol and, by extension, stress-related hair loss, may be limited.
Plasma and Nail Zinc Concentrations
Research has shown that while plasma and nail zinc concentrations respond positively to zinc supplementation, hair zinc levels do not show significant changes. This indicates that hair zinc may not be a reliable biomarker for zinc exposure or supplementation efficacy. However, nail zinc concentrations could be a more responsive indicator of zinc status.
Zinc and Atopic Dermatitis
Zinc plays a crucial role in skin integrity and immune function, which may be relevant for conditions like atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies have found significantly lower zinc levels in serum, hair, and erythrocytes of individuals with AD compared to controls. While one randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed improvement in AD severity with zinc supplementation in zinc-deficient patients, another RCT found no significant improvement in all AD patients. This suggests that zinc supplementation may benefit those with a deficiency but not necessarily all individuals with AD.
Zinc Supplementation During Pregnancy
A study on pregnant women found that zinc supplementation did not significantly alter mean zinc levels in hair or serum but did reduce the number of low serum zinc values. This suggests that while zinc supplementation can improve serum zinc status, it may not significantly impact hair zinc levels.
Conclusion
Zinc plays a complex role in hair health, with its effects on hair growth being highly dependent on dosage and duration of supplementation. While zinc supplementation can benefit individuals with zinc deficiency and certain dermatological conditions, its impact on hair zinc levels and overall hair health requires further investigation. More high-quality studies are needed to fully understand zinc's potential as a treatment for hair loss and other hair-related issues.
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