Decreased Levels of Zinc and Hair Loss.
Alopecia areata (AA) is a condition affecting humans, in which hair is lost from areas of the body, usually from the scalp. Alopecia areata is not contagious. It occurs more frequently in people who have affected family members, suggesting that it could be hereditary and is more likely to occur in people who have relatives with autoimmune diseases. The condition is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles and suppresses hair growth. About 50 percent of patients' hair will grow again in one year without any treatment. In most cases that begin with a small number of patches of hair loss, hair grows back after a few months to a year. In cases where there are more patches, hair could grow back or progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes and, as such, it plays a vital role in an enormous number of biological processes. Zinc is widely distributed in microorganisms, plants, and animals. In humans, the highest concentrations of zinc are found in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, and muscles. Zinc is highly concentrated in parts of the eye, prostate gland, sperm, skin, hair, and nails.
A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology assessed whether trace elements may trigger the onset of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune process that results in recurrent and non-scarring hair loss. The study tested the serum levels of zinc, copper and magnesium in fifty patients with alopecia areata and fifty age matched healthy control subjects. The results revealed that serum zinc levels were significantly decreased in patients with alopecia areata whose disease was extensive, prolonged and resistant to treatment. There were no significant differences in serum copper and magnesium levels between the patients with alopecia areata and the control subjects. These results appear to indicate that decreased levels of zinc may play a roll in triggering the autoimmune response that causes alopecia areata, although further investigation will be needed.
Bhat YJ, Manzoor S, Khan AR, et al. Trace element levels in alopecia areata. IJDVL. 2009;75(1):29-31.