Zinc and hair loss: why it is so important

Zinc and hair loss: why it is so important

I. The role of zinc in the human body

Zinc (ZN) is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in numerous biological processes of the body. It is present in all organs, tissues, liquids and secretions, emphasizing its ubiquitous need for maintaining health and normal functioning. Its role goes far beyond the simple structural element; It is actively involved in catalysis of enzymatic reactions, regulation of genes expression, immune function, wound healing and DNA synthesis and proteins. The lack of zinc, even moderate, can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations, including dermatological problems, reducing immunity, impaired cognitive functions and, which is especially important for this article, hair loss.

A. Zink as a coffeector of enzymes

Zinc acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes that catalyze various metabolic processes. These enzymes participate in:

Nucleic acid synthesis (DNA and RNA): Zinc is necessary for the activity of DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase, key enzymes responsible for DNA replication and RNA transcription, respectively. Violation of these processes directly affects cellular growth and division, which is critical for tissues with a high renewal speed, such as hair.
Protein metabolism: Zinc is involved in the metabolism of proteins necessary for the structural integrity of tissues and the synthesis of hormones. It is a cofactor of enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen, keratin and other proteins that make up the basis of the hair. Zinc deficiency can lead to a violation of the synthesis of these proteins, which affects the strength and elasticity of the hair.
Carbohydrate metabolism: Zinc plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism, affecting blood glucose and energy metabolism. Inadequate carbohydrate metabolism can lead to hormonal imbalance and a decrease in the intake of nutrients to hair follicles, contributing to hair loss.
Antioxidant protection: Zinc is a component of superoxidsmouth (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme that protects the cell from damage by free radicals. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of various diseases, including hair loss. Zinc helps neutralize free radicals and protect the hair follicles from damage.

B. Zinc and immune function

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining a normal immune function. It is necessary for the development and functioning of immune cells, including T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and natural killers (NK cells).

Regulation of T cells: Zinc is necessary for differentiation and activation of T cells that play a key role in cellular immunity. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in the quantity and activity of T cells, increasing the susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
Cytokine production: Zinc affects the production of cytokines, signal molecules that regulate the immune response. It can modulate the balance between pro -inflammatory and anti -inflammatory cytokines, which is important to prevent chronic inflammation.
Infections protection: Zinc strengthens the barrier functions of the skin and mucous membranes, preventing the penetration of pathogens. It also has direct antimicrobial properties, suppressing the growth of some bacteria and viruses.

Violation of the immune function associated with zinc deficiency can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as an area of an area in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss.

C. zinc and hormonal balance

Zinc affects the hormonal balance, in particular, on the level of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DGT), hormones, playing an important role in the development of androgenic alopecia (male baldness).

Inhibiting 5-alpha reductase: Zinc can inhibit an enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DGT. DGT is more powerful androgen than testosterone, and its excess can lead to a decrease in hair follicles and hair loss in genetically predisposed people. A decrease in the activity of 5-alpha reductase due to zinc can help reduce the concentration of DGT in hair follicles and slow down the hair loss process.
Testosterone secretion regulation: Zinc is necessary for the normal secretion of testosterone. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, which can cause various problems, including a decrease in libido, fatigue and hair loss.
Synthesis of thyroid hormones: Zinc is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and energy metabolism. Hypothyroidism (insufficient function of the thyroid gland) can lead to hair loss, so the adequate level of zinc is important to maintain the normal function of the thyroid gland.

II. Zinc and hair structure

Hair consists mainly of keratin, protein rich in sulfur. Zinc plays an important role in the synthesis of keratin and maintaining its structure.

A. Ceratin synthesis

Zinc is a cofactor of enzymes involved in keratin synthesis. It is necessary for the proper formation of peptide connections and disulfide bridges that give keratin strength and stability. Zinc deficiency can lead to a violation of keratin synthesis, which affects the quality of the hair, making it brittle, weak and prone to loss.

B. Maintaining hair structure

Zinc helps to maintain the structure of the hair, protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution and chemical treatment. It also helps to retain moisture in the hair, preventing their dryness and brittleness.

C. The role of zinc in hair growth

Zinc plays an important role in the hair growth cycle, which consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), katagen (phase of transition) and hebogene (rest phase).

Anagen (growth phase): Zinc is necessary for the active division of cells in hair follicles, which provides rapid hair growth. Zinc deficiency can reduce the anagen phase, leading to the fact that the hair becomes shorter and thinner.
Katagen (Phase of Transition): Zinc helps to regulate the transition from the anagen phase to the catagen phase. It is involved in the processes of apoptosis (programmable cell death), which are necessary for the normal end of the anagen phase.
Telogen (Phase Salm): Zinc is necessary to maintain the health of hair follicles in the heterogene phase. It helps to prevent premature hair loss and promotes the transition to the new phase of anagen.

III. The connection between zinc deficiency and hair loss

Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss. It can manifest itself in various forms, including diffuse hair loss (heterogene alopecia), focal hair loss (an area of the area) and androgenic alopecia.

A. Telogene alopecia

Telegnum alopecia is characterized by diffuse hair loss throughout the head. It occurs when a large number of hair follicles prematurely passes into the heterogene phase (resting phase). Zinc deficiency can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to an anagen phase and an increase in the amount of hair in the heterogene phase. As a result, the hair falls more intensively than usual.

B. Alopecia Areata

An alopecia of the area is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing focal hair loss. Zinc deficiency can worsen the immune function and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, including the alopecia of the area. Zinc can have an immunomodulating effect, helping to restore the balance of the immune system and reduce inflammation in the hair follicles.

C. Androgenic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia (baldness according to the male type) is a genetically determined condition in which the hair gradually thin and falls out, starting from the temples and crown. Zinc can play a role in the regulation of hormonal balance and inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that turns testosterone into DGT. A decrease in the level of DGT can help slow down the process of hair loss with androgenic alopecia. However, it must be borne in mind that the role of zinc in this case is more auxiliary than decisive.

D. Other forms of hair loss

Zinc deficiency can also aggravate other forms of hair loss, such as hair loss caused by stress, hormonal changes (for example, after childbirth) or taking certain drugs.

IV. Symptoms of zinc deficiency

Symptoms of zinc deficiency can be diverse and non -specific, which complicates its diagnosis. In addition to hair loss, zinc deficiency can manifest itself in the following symptoms:

Dermatological problems: Dryness of the skin, eczema, acne, slow healing of wounds.
Reduced immunity: Frequent infections, colds, herpes.
Violation of taste and smell: Reducing sensitivity to tastes and smells.
Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea.
Delayed growth and development in children: Violation of growth and development.
Fatigue: Constant fatigue and weakness.
Cognitive disorders: Reducing memory and concentration.
Libido decrease: Decrease in sex drive.
White spots on the nails: The appearance of white spots on the nails.

V. Diagnosis of zinc deficiency

Various methods are used to diagnose zinc deficiency, including:

Blood test: Measuring the level of zinc in the blood serum is the most common diagnostic method. However, the level of zinc in the blood serum may not always be an accurate reflection of the general level of zinc in the body.
Hair analysis: Measurement of zinc level in the hair can give a more accurate picture of the general level of zinc in the body.
Functional tests: Functional tests, such as measuring the activity of alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme depending on zinc), can help evaluate the degree of zinc deficiency.

VI. Sources of zinc

Zinc can be obtained from various food sources, as well as in the form of food additives.

A. Food sources

The richest sources of zinc are:

Seafood: Oysters, crabs, shrimp.
Meat: Beef, pork, lamb.
Bird: Chicken, turkey.
Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, cedar nuts, almonds, cashews.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas.
Whole grain products: Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain bread.
Dairy products: Moloko, cheese, yogurt.

B. Food additives

In cases where it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of zinc from food sources, you can use food additives containing zinc. There are various forms of zinc in food additives, including:

Zinc Gluconate: A well -absorbed form of zinc.
Qing sulfate: The most common and affordable form of zinc.
Zinc Citrate: A well -absorbed form of zinc, especially suitable for people with a sensitive stomach.
Zinc picolinat: It is considered one of the best assumed forms of zinc.

VII. Recommended zinc doses

The recommended daily dose of zinc depends on the age, floor and physiological state.

Men: 11 mg per day.
Women: 8 mg per day.
Pregnant women: 11 mg per day.
Women’s nursing: 12 mg per day.
Children: The doses depend on age and are indicated on packages of children’s vitamins.

VIII. Cautions and side effects

Taking too much zinc can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Long -term intake of high doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency, which can also cause health problems. It is important to observe the recommended doses of zinc and consult a doctor before taking food additives containing zinc.

IX. Zinc in hair care products

Zinc is often added to shampoos, air conditioners and other hair care products due to its antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

A. Advantages of using zinc in hair care products

Reducing dandruff: Zinc Pyrithion is a common ingredient in dandruff shampoos. It has antimicrobial properties and helps to suppress the growth of the malassezia globosa fungus, which is one of the main causes of dandruff.
Improving the health of the scalp: Zinc helps reduce the inflammation and irritation of the scalp, which can contribute to the growth of healthy hair.
Hair protection from damage: Zinc has antioxidant properties and helps to protect the hair from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollution.
Hair strengthening: Zinc helps to strengthen hair and prevent their fragility.

B. How to use hair care products containing zinc

Choose shampoos and air conditioners containing zinc pyridion or zinc gluconate.
Use shampoo against dandruff with zinc pyrithion two to three times a week.
Apply air conditioning containing zinc on the hair after washing with shampoo.
Leave the air conditioner on your hair for a few minutes before washing it with water.

X. The interaction of zinc with other substances

Zinc can interact with other substances, affecting its absorption and effectiveness.

A. Substances that improve zinc absorption

Amino acids: Amino acids, such as histidine and cysteine, can improve zinc absorption.
Organic acids: Organic acids, such as citric and apple acids, can improve zinc absorption.

B. Substances worsening zinc absorption

Fitat: Fitates contained in whole grain products, legumes and nuts can bind zinc and impede its absorption.
Calcium: High doses of calcium can reduce zinc absorption.
Iron: High doses of iron can reduce zinc absorption.
Copper: Zinc and copper compete for absorption, so taking high doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency.

XI. Conclusion

Zinc is an important trace element necessary for the health of hair. Zinc deficiency can lead to various forms of hair loss. Maintaining an adequate zinc level in the body using a balanced diet and, if necessary, food additives can help prevent hair loss and improve their health. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dose of zinc and excluding other causes of hair loss.

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