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Zinc Deficiency Causes Hair Loss. Know Why!

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Blog, Hair loss | Dr Dhanraj Chavan | July 14, 2023

Zinc Deficiency Causes Hair Loss

Are you experiencing hair loss? Get in touch with the best of our hair specialists in Pune to understand your hair condition. For a hair treatment or to get hair transplant, book an appointment with our dermatologists near you, call +919584584111.

Table Of Contents

What is Zinc?

Benefits of Zinc

Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Does Zinc Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

How to Treat Zinc Hair Loss?

Hair loss has become a common problem nowadays, faced by many at various stages of life. Hair loss is a permanent loss of hair with no signs of regrowth this hair condition may rise due to disturbance in the normal hair growth cycle. The normal hair growth cycle comprises three states growth, rest and fall. Usually, you lose 50-100 strands of hair from follicles each day; if that count rises and goes up to 125, then it’s time to look for causes of hair loss. 

Many external and internal factors can cause hair fall and baldness, one factor being zinc. Continue with the blog to learn more about hair loss due to this micronutrient called zinc. 

What is Zinc?

Zinc is one of the trace elements that is required by our body in small amounts for proper growth. Zinc helps carry out a lot of biological processes, including proper functioning of the immune system, DNA and RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, production of hormones, absorption of vitamins and minerals and cell repair and growth. When the amount of zinc in the body reduces, vitamin A and D deficiency rise side by side. 

Benefits of Zinc

Benefits of Zinc

Below are the benefits of zinc for hair loss:

  • Hair Growth 

Promote hair growth by facilitating hair follicle cell division and reducing the activity of the DHT hormone that halts growth. 

  • Enhance Immune System 

The immune system is enhanced to the optimum by zinc.

  • Helps in Cell Division 

RNA and DNA synthesis are possible due to zinc, which facilitates hair follicle cell division leading to growth. 

  • Promote Wound Healing 

Cell division properties in zinc promote the growth of cells and heal the wound. 

  • Proper Growth and Development 

The small quantities of the nutrient facilitate proper growth of the body. 

Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is available in a lot of dietary sources, and thus frank deficiency is not commonly seen. But alcoholics, pregnant women, and people with sickle cell anaemia or gastrointestinal diseases may show zinc deficiency or low levels of zinc.  Following are some signs which suggest low levels of zinc – 

  • Loss of Appetite 

You feel like you are full, and your interest in having a meal reduces. 

  • Poor Immune System 

The immune system gets highly affected as zinc plays a vital role in maintaining it. 

  • Hair Loss 

Due to improper maintenance and production of hormones, hair loss occurs. 

  • Night Blindness 

Due to zinc deficiency, vitamin A and D deficiency also transpire, leading to night blindness. 

  • Delayed Growth 

As the trace element is not sufficiently supplied, the growth gets delayed. 

Does Zinc Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

Zinc works as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor which inhibits the action of DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT is an androgen hormone present in both males and females, the action of which can cause pattern hair loss. Zinc is also responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system, and deficiency of which can also cause alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder. 

How to Treat Zinc Hair Loss?

How to Treat Zinc Hair Loss?

Zinc can alter the progression of telogen effluvium, alopecia areata and pattern baldness. Below are the ways to treat zinc deficiency and hair loss

  • Diet Containing Zinc 

A diet containing red meat, poultry, liver, prawns, egg yolks, soy products and wheat is rich in zinc and can help in restoring zinc levels and treating zinc hair loss. 

  • Zinc Supplements

Consumption of 8-11mg of the nutrient in the form of a supplement can help prevent hair loss. 

  • Medications 

Minoxidil and finasteride are common medications prescribed for hair loss and thus can also help in hair loss due to zinc deficiency. 

If you are suffering from excessive hair loss, then book an appointment with an expert dermatologist at your earliest. A dermatologist can help you find the exact cause of your hair loss and guide you towards proper management.

Are you looking for hair fall solution? Get in touch with the best of our hair doctors in Pune to cure your hair loss. To book an appointment for a hair treatment or hair transplantation, contact our dermatologists near you, call +919584584111.

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