The Hidden Link Between Zinc Deficiency and Hair Loss
There are few things more frustrating than running your hands through your hair or brushing after a shower, only to see clumps of hair falling out.
If you’re experiencing excessive shedding or thinning hair, don’t panic—there may be a simple explanation.
Hair loss is often one of the first signs of low zinc levels or a zinc deficiency.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy hair.
And without enough zinc, your body struggles to produce the proteins needed for hair growth and follicle strength.
How Zinc Supports Hair Growth
Your hair is primarily made up of keratin, a protein that provides structure, strength, and elasticity to each strand.
While your body naturally produces keratin, it requires specific nutrients—much like a plant needs the right fertilizer—to do so effectively.
Zinc is one of the key nutrients that activates keratin production.
When you have adequate zinc levels, your body efficiently produces keratin, helping to:
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Strengthen hair follicles
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Improve elasticity and shine
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Reduce hair thinning and breakage
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Support new hair growth
Conversely, when your body is deficient in zinc, keratin production slows down.
This can lead to weakened hair strands, increased shedding, and, over time, noticeable thinning.
Real Results: A Customer’s Experience with Zinc for Hair Health
To illustrate how vital zinc is for hair health, here’s a firsthand experience from one of our customers, Daniela:
“My hair loss had gotten pretty bad, so I decided to try zinc to see if that was the issue. I’ve been taking zinc for over six months now, and my hair loss has completely stopped. My hair is thicker than it has been in years—definitely a zinc deficiency! I only wish I had addressed it sooner.”
Daniela’s story isn’t unique. Many people who struggle with unexplained hair loss find that simply replenishing their zinc levels can make a significant difference.
How to Get Enough Zinc for Healthy Hair
1. Dietary Sources of Zinc
Zinc is naturally found in a variety of foods, but not all sources are equally effective.
The richest whole-food sources of zinc include:
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Oysters
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Red meat (beef, lamb, bison)
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Seafood (crab, lobster, shrimp)
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Poultry (chicken, turkey)
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Dairy products (cheese, yogurt)
While plant-based foods like rice, oats, nuts, seeds, and whole grains contain zinc, they also contain phytates, compounds that can block zinc absorption.
This means relying solely on plant-based zinc sources may not be the most effective strategy.
2. Zinc Supplementation: Choosing the Right Form
For those who struggle to get enough zinc through diet alone, high-quality supplements can be a game-changer.
Not all zinc supplements are created equal, though—bioavailability matters (meaning how well your body absorbs and uses the mineral).
The best forms of zinc for absorption are:
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Zinc glycinate
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Zinc picolinate
Both of these forms are highly bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb and utilize them more efficiently than other forms like zinc oxide or zinc sulfate.
3. When and How to Take Zinc Supplements
To maximise absorption, follow these best practices:
✅ Take zinc on an empty stomach – Ideally, one hour before or two hours after a meal for optimal absorption.
✅ Avoid zinc-blocking foods – If you need to take zinc with food, avoid phytate-rich foods like rice, oats, nuts, seeds, and grains, as phytates block zinc absorption.
✅ If zinc causes nausea – Some people experience mild nausea when taking zinc on an empty stomach. If this happens, take it with a meal that does not contain high levels of phytates.
The Bottom Line: Zinc Is Essential for Hair Health
If you’re struggling with hair thinning or shedding, addressing potential zinc deficiency is a smart first step.
Since our bodies don’t store zinc, we need to consume it daily through food or supplements to maintain optimal levels.
Hair health isn’t just about what you put on your hair—it’s about what you put in your body.
And ensuring you get enough bioavailable zinc can help strengthen your hair from within, reduce thinning, and support healthy new growth.
- HONOUR HEALTH
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only & should not be considered as professional medical advice or a substitute for consulting with a healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.