Are you having problems with thinning hair or hair loss? If so, it could be because you have too much zinc in your diet. There have been many studies that show how too much zinc can lead to hair loss and other issues.
“Zinc plays an essential role in the growth and repair of hair tissue along with keeping the oil glands around the follicles operating efficiently,” explained Trista Best, registered dietician with Balance One.
Over-supplementation of certain nutrients, including selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, has actually been linked to hair loss [4,8–11].
There was no alteration in the vitamin supplementation. RESULTS: Arrest of hair loss and regrowth occurred in all patients. However, five patients reported recurrence of hair loss after stopping zinc. This loss was reversed within 6 months of recommencing zinc 600 mg daily.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
Possible causes of hair loss include stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions. Everyone experiences hair shedding, and it happens to each of us every day. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of this natural cycle, more on days you wash your hair.
Sudden hair loss is typically a sign of two conditions: telogen effluvium or alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium is commonly caused by stress, which increases the natural rate of hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to attack its hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements in moderation with proper medical advice is key.
Deficiencies in several nutrients — including some B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, iron, and zinc — may contribute to hair loss.
Iron. Iron deficiency is a very common form of nutrient deficiency and a major cause of hair loss. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Without enough iron, the blood cells cannot deliver enough oxygen to the body, resulting in symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, and fatigue.
Currently, the Recommended Dietary Allowances for zinc are 11mg per day for adult males, and 8mg per day for adult females. For men and women aged 19 and older, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for zinc is 40mg per day.
The three most common triggers for hair loss in young women are stress, dieting, and hormonal changes. Less commonly, hair loss can be caused by certain autoimmune diseases. Here's more on these four triggers for hair loss in young women.
When taken by mouth: Zinc is likely safe when used in amounts no greater than 40 mg daily. It is possibly safe when taken in larger doses, especially when used only for a short period of time. But taking doses higher than 40 mg daily might decrease how much copper the body absorbs.
Can zinc be harmful? Yes, too much zinc can be harmful. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you take too much zinc for a long time, you could have problems such as lower immunity, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and low copper levels.
Adults should avoid taking more than 40 mg of zinc each day. If you accidentally take more than this, it's more likely to cause stomach symptoms than any serious health problems. Check with your healthcare provider if you are considering taking zinc supplements.
Best overall vitamin for hair growth
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports healthy hair, skin and nail growth. It is especially useful in breaking down foods such as proteins and carbohydrates, boosting energy. Nature Made's Biotin supplement contains 1,000 mcg of biotin.
When looking at the minerals needed for hair growth, one name stands above all others: zinc. Zinc is a big player in the body, necessary for a functioning immune system and physical growth. In fact, it's so important it's classified as an “essential mineral”, meaning your body needs it to be healthy.
As with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness comes from hormone imbalances, specifically dihydrotestosterone imbalances, or DHT. This hormone is similar in structure to testosterone, but it is significantly more potent [3]. DHT can attach to receptors on the hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink.
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
Physical or emotional stress may cause one half to three quarters of scalp hair to shed. This kind of hair loss is called telogen effluvium. Hair tends to come out in handfuls when you shampoo, comb, or run your hands through your hair. You may not notice this for weeks to months after the episode of stress.
As for treatment, no medications are recommended to help with acute cases of hair shedding. Other than patience, the best way to avoid further hair shedding is to handle your hair with care. Don't tug on your hair when combing it and be sure to use a conditioner when showering to reduce tangles.