Why is Zinc Essential for Hair? | Trio Nutrition

The information in this article and throughout Trio Nutrition’s blog is for informational purposes only, and should never be mistaken for professional medical advice.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including the growth and maintenance of healthy hair.* Here are some of the ways in which zinc is important for hair health:

Promotes hair growth:

• Zinc is essential for the growth and division of cells in the hair follicle. Without adequate zinc, hair growth may slow down, and existing hair may become thin and weak.*
• Zinc is involved in the production of testosterone, a hormone that is essential for hair growth. Testosterone helps to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles and the production of new hair cells.*
• Zinc also helps to protect the hair follicle from damage. When the hair follicle is damaged, it can lead to hair loss. Zinc helps to protect the hair follicle from damage by scavenging free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells.*

Prevents hair loss:

• Zinc plays a role in regulating hormone levels, including those that can lead to hair loss. By maintaining the right balance of hormones, zinc can help prevent hair loss.*
• Zinc helps to regulate the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is linked to male pattern baldness. DHT can bind to receptors on hair follicles and cause them to shrink, which can lead to hair loss. Zinc helps to block the binding of DHT to these receptors, which can help to prevent hair loss.*

Protects against dandruff and scalp irritation:

• Zinc has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that can help to soothe an itchy or irritated scalp. This, in turn, can help to prevent dandruff and other scalp conditions that can damage hair.*
• Zinc helps to reduce inflammation by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that are released by immune cells and can cause inflammation. Inflammation can damage the hair follicle and lead to hair loss.*
• Zinc also helps to fight fungi that can cause dandruff and other scalp conditions. Zinc can inhibit the growth of fungi by damaging their cell membranes.*

Strengthens hair:

• Zinc helps to maintain the structural integrity of hair strands by promoting the production of keratin, a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails.*
• Keratin is a strong, fibrous protein that gives hair its structure. Zinc is essential for the production of keratin. Without adequate zinc, hair may become weak and brittle, and it may be more prone to breakage.*

Overall, getting enough zinc in your diet or through supplements can help support healthy hair growth, prevent hair loss, and protect against scalp conditions that can damage hair.  You may want to consider taking a hair supplement such as Trio Nutrition’s Hair Abundance that includes Zinc, Biotin, Selenium, Keratin and much more. However, it's important to note that excessive zinc intake can also be harmful, so it's essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount of zinc for your individual needs.

Here are some tips for getting more zinc in your diet:

• Eat a variety of zinc-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, and seeds.
• If you are a vegetarian or vegan, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about how to get enough zinc in your diet.
• Consider taking a zinc supplement such as Trio Nutrition’s Hair Abundance that includes Zinc, Biotin, Selenium, Keratin and much more. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as too much zinc can be harmful.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are getting enough zinc to support healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Here are some additional facts about zinc and hair:

• The recommended daily intake (RDI) of zinc for adults is 8 milligrams (mg).
• Pregnant women need 11 mg of zinc per day, and breastfeeding women need 12 mg per day.
• Symptoms of zinc deficiency can include hair loss, dry skin, and impaired immune function.
• Zinc supplements are generally safe for most people, but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as too much zinc can be harmful. If you receive the green light from your doctor then consider taking a zinc supplement such as Trio Nutrition’s Hair Abundance that includes Zinc, Biotin, Selenium, Keratin and much more.

If you are concerned about your hair health, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine if you are getting enough zinc in your diet and whether you need to take a supplement.

References:

Keen, M.A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Zinc deficiency in the etiology of male hypogonadism: a review. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 37, 8-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.04.005

Park, G., Kim, H.K., & Kim, H. (2017). Zinc deficiency and its implications for hair loss. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(12), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18122503

Sharquie, K.E., Al-Mashhadani, S.A., & Salman, H.A. (2014). Topical zinc pyrithione in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Saudi Medical Journal, 35(12), 1482-1487. https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2014.12.12246

Trüeb, R.M. (2016). Serum zinc in alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(6), 1169-1171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.01.049