Is Hair Loss caused by zinc deficiency?

One of the reasons that contribute to your hair loss problem may be insufficient nutrients. If our bodies lack the necessary vitamins, then it is not possible to expect that they will be functioning optimally and healthily. In fact, one of the major nutrients that prevents and treats hair loss is zinc. By understanding how this nutrient relates to hair loss, you can ensure a diet that is helpful in stopping hair loss.

It is known that zinc will add the extra proteins into your system that will then affect hair growth, as well as healthy skin and nails. If you do not have enough in your system, it will cause your hair to stop growing and fall out. Zinc works in relation to the several proteins that are located throughout your body in order to create a support system for your body. Zinc is needed for cell division, in the growth and maintenance of muscles, helps to control oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and collagen - which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin.

Zinc deficiency not only produces problems with hair loss, but also with changes in the scalp. The scalp may become too dry or flaky and may often times be irritated because of the lack of nutrients. Many have reported that zinc has been shown to be effective in stopping their hair from turning gray. Even when hair is already gray or becoming thinner and balding, zinc can reverse the effects when taken in proper amounts. It is not surprising that many suffer from zinc deficiency since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking. In addition, a zinc deficiency can result in a poor immune system, heightened sensitivities and allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, white spots under finger nails, skin problems, sleep disturbances etc.


Men with zinc shortage may have a problem with fertility, while women may experience irregular periods. Children with too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual maturity.

Thus, zinc deficiency is a problem that you do not wish to have. In your diet, include a variety of foods that contain this nutrient. Wheat germ, yeast, muscle meat, fish and egg yolks are all known for having a high amount of zinc in them. From here, the proteins will be stimulated in the several areas of your body. It is best to have zinc from natural sources.

If, however, you find that you are not able to consume zinc through natural sources, then you can always buy zinc supplements. Instances where consuming zinc from natural sources is not possible include if you have certain food allergies or intolerances. Zinc supplements are readily available in health stores. They can be effective when you take between fifty to one hundred milligrams a day.

Definitely whether you are having adequate sources of zinc in your diet, is an important factor to consider with regards to your hair loss. This is one vitamin supplement that may just work wonders for your receding hair line.

Kathlene Capelle writes on hair loss solution, female hair loss, male hair loss, cause of hair loss, natural hair loss treatment and hair care tips. Her blog also includes home made recipes for hair loss. For hair loss remedy information and news updates, please visit http://www.hair-loss-remedy-central.com

Hair Loss Study

Hair Loss Treatment Study - courtesy of Dr. Klein

Breakthrough in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia—

Local Application of Combination of Minoxidil and Finesteride

Introduction

Alopecia or hair loss is a chronic skin disorder characterized by loss of some or all of the hair from the scalp and sometimes from the other parts of the body as well. It occurs in various patterns and affects both males and females. The most common type of baldness is male-pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia. It is characterized by a defined pattern of hair loss from the top of the scalp and regression of the hairline. It affects a large proportion of the population. It might start as early as adolescence and increase with age. In the white population, males in their fifties have a 50% chance of exhibiting some degree of androgenetic alopecia as against an overall average of 66%.1

Genetic and endocrinal factors play an important role but the exact cause and mechanism of hair loss is not clearly understood.2

Alopecia, except for mild itching in some cases, is not a painful or life threatening condition. It may affect the psychological wellbeing of the victim. Studies in this regard are not very exhaustive. They suggest that baldness is psychologically damaging and can cause intense emotional disturbance. It can lead to personal social and job-related problems.3 Hair has always been an important aspect of one’s image or identity particularly for women.4 Among the women suffering from alopecia, around 40% experienced marital problems and 63% suffered career related problems.5 Over all such people feel more social discomfort, and suffer from low self-esteem. In more than 30% of the cases specific problems are attributed to hair loss.6

A study revealed that males who had more profound hair loss were more dissatisfied with their appearance and were more concerned with their older look than those with minimal hair loss. This effect cut across all age groups but was more prominent in the younger age group.7

Difficulties in treatment

Androgenetic alopecia is a poorly understood progressive condition. Androgenic hormones are involved in its pathophysiology. This renders treatment difficult and complex. The androgen receptor antagonists used to treat women are not suitable for men because of the potential risks of gynaecomastia, feminisation, and impotence. In the absence of an understanding of the pathophysiology, it is not possible to attack specific areas.

There are four options for androgenic alopecia available to the patient: 8

1. no treatment
2. medical therapy
3. using a wig
4. surgical treatment

Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. As far as medical treatment is concerned, the two that are approved by the FDA in the USA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men are:

1. Topical minoxidil
2. Oral finasteride

Minoxidil is an oral antihypertensive drug which has a side effect of excessive hair growth. It is used topically to treat baldness. Though it results in hair growth in most patients, the hair grown is generally indeterminate rather than true terminal hair. The hair sheds when treatment is stopped.9 Its main benefit is in arresting the progression of balding.

Finasteride is a potent 5á­reductase type 2 inhibitor.10 Its main action is to lower circulating dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting its production by the prostate, rather than affecting the metabolism of the androgen in the hair follicle. Loss of libido is one of the important side effects of this oral therapy.

Synergistic effect of the local application of minoxidil finasteride

1.

1. In view of the different mechanisms of action, it was hypothesized that the simultaneous administration of both the molecules should have a synergistic action.

2. The side effects associated with the oral administration would also be reduced.

3. If the dosage of the individual drug could be reduced, it will further improve the safety profile of the therapy.

Clinical Study

The effect of the novel combination was observed in a study. The subjects were divided into three groups.

Group I (Placebo Group) plain lotion was applied

Group II (Minoxidil Group) 5% Minoxidil lotion was applied

Group III (Combination Group) 5% Minoxidil lotion, 0.025% Tretinoin and 0.1% Finesteride were applied.

The important aspect of the study was the fact that none of the parties involved viz. the clinical / research staff, the study sponsors or the subjects in the three groups were aware of the various groups until the data was collected in the verified database.

The subjects were evaluated every six months with the help of a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs.

Results

In the Placebo Group, there was neither any improvement nor deterioration. In the Minoxidil Group 25% of the subjects showed hair growth. In the Combination Group as much as 75% of the subjects showed improvement. Further, the quality of the newly grown hair was also better in the combination group.

This study indicates that topical application of Minoxidil and Finasteride leads to better hair growth. Combination therapy was thrice as effective as any one of them. These results were documented in a triple-blind clinical trial using a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs. The findings are statistically significant. The study design and objective evaluation rule out observer bias, a common source of error in clinical trials. The two drugs have different route of action and combined use allows for a dual action. It may also be possible to reduce the dose of each drug, decreasing their individual side-effects.

Conclusion

A combination therapy of Minoxidil and Finasteride shows great promise in the treatment of hitherto difficult condition Alopecia androgenetica. It may potentially become the main stay therapy in this condition.

More Info

More info available at Dr. Klein's website

References

1. Hamilton JB. Patterned loss of hair in man: Types and incidence. Ann NY Acad Sci 1951; 53:708-11.
2. Anjiki T, Suzuki S. An injection-corrosion study on the angioarchitecture of the rat skin. Jikken Dbutsu. 1991; 40(4):439-46.
3. Hunt N, McHale S. Reported experiences of persons with alopecia areata. J Loss Trauma 2005;10: 33-50.
4. Weitz R. Rapunzel's daughters: what women's hair tells us about women's lives. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2004.
5. Hunt N, McHale S. Understanding alopecia. London: Sheldon, 2004.
6. Passchier J, Donk JV, Dutree-Meulenenberg PO, Verhage F. Psychological Characteristics of Men With Alopecia Androgenetica and Effects of Treatment With Topical Minoxidil An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Dermatology.1988:27(6):441-446.
7. Girmana CJ, Rhodesa T, Lillyb FR, Guob SS, Siervogelb RM, Patrickc DL, Chumleab WC. Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men. Dermatology 1998;197:223-229
8. Sinclair R. Fortnightly review: Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. BMJ. 1998;317;865-869
9. Olsen EA,Weiner MS. Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: effects of discontinuation of treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 1987;17:97­101.
10. Olsen E. Finasteride (1 mg) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men . Aust J Dermatol 1997;38;A316.

Stress and Hair Loss

Hair loss is of concern to most people at one point in their lives. When the time comes they want to know how to stop hair loss. Stopping hair loss can become an easy solution when you first notice that you are losing hair. If you ignore this condition hoping it will go away, you are making a big mistake.

Hair loss is a reflection of your general health. It is a major warning that you have poor health. The poor health condition that you might have can be complex and to reverse it will require some work, since this condition has taken a while on your part to create. The other thing that complicates your poor health condition is that there might be a psychological or stress problem that needs correction.

The first thing you need to look at is if you have a lot stress going on. This stress can come from a recent or past change is your personal relationships. These relationships can be at home, with relatives or at work. You could be working late hours working on difficult problems that create a lot of pressure on you. It could be a divorce you going through or a financial crisis. These problems can be worked out but it takes patience and sometimes courage.

Psychological problems are more difficult to work through. These types of problems create a complete imbalance in your body's chemistry and over time create hair loss. Stopping hair loss from this condition requires therapeutic help and a good nutritional and diet program.

Any stress or psychological problems requires a base line of good nutrition and diet, if you want to stop their effects on hair loss. These problems create a massive depletion of vitamins and minerals that are needed for hair health. Some times it is difficult to get into the habit of eating food that you need to stop hair loss. Changing habits that have been instilled in you since birth are not easy to change. You have patterned you eating habits based on your psychological issues and the stress you have in your life.

If you are experiencing stress, than you need to start changing your diet to replace the depleted nutrients caused by stress. The first vitamin you need to supplement with is the B-vitamins. These vitamins are always used up when you are stressed and they are critical in providing you with good hair. Then, you need to supplement with anti-oxidants. Stress and psychological problems create a lot of free radicals in your body. These free radicals lead to poor blood circulation throughout your body and including your scalp.

Most of us have stress and psychological issue we need to take care of. Start looking at how you can reduce these issues and start supplementing with B-vitamins and anti-oxidants so you can prevent or stop hair loss. You can learn what foods contain the B's and anti-oxidants, but you need therapeutic levels of the B's and anti-oxidants and you can not get these levels from food. You need to get them from supplements.


About The Author
Rudy Silva, natural nutritionist, has just introduced his new hair loss e-book call "New Hair Loss Treatments." To find out more details on this e-book, go to: www.hair-loss-remedies.

Crinagen: Alternative Hair Loss Treatment

Crinagen is a natural topical spray created by Dr. Nassar Razack.
The latest formula of Crinagen now includes Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6, Zinc acetate, Niacin, Saw Palmetto extract, Ginkgo Biloba extract and Proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract. Crinagen is water based which means it's not likely to penetrate as fast and as effective than if alcohol is used as the solvent. Including emu oil in your Crinagen regimen may solve the problem. It does not contain any of the clinically proven treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride. The topical is said to have a bad smell which is due to the saw palmetto. Also it stays greasy on the scalp.

The product’s two most main ingredients are Proanthocyanidins and azelaic acid. The manufacture alleges that both of these ingredients reduce DHT content and nourish the scalp’s hair follicles.

Cost: About $20 for 1 months supply (bottle)
Side Effects: 1%-5% of users experience some burning on the scalp.
Clinical Studies: N/A
FDA Approved: No
How long in market: 5 years
Guarantee: Full Refund
Conclusion: Since there are no clinical studies, testimonials or pictures on his site it's difficult to determine how well the product works. If you're on a tight budget and don't like the idea of taking pills you might give it a try.

Try this contraption to grow hair

As usual I was doing my weekly research on the web when I came across this page.

They are selling a helmet which is supposed to massage your scalp and regrow your hair. The guy even has a patent on it. Here's the site if you don't beleive me. It seems you can only contact him by email.

I guess if you're really desperate send him an email. Maybe he'll give you a few complimentary massages to test it out.

Using Dong Quai as a hair loss remedy

Today we look at the natural Chinese herb Dong Quai. This herb has been used traditionally in China to prevent the hair loss and graying that come with age. The exact mechanism is unknown, but may be related to a mild estrogenic effect.



Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens that have been known to stabilize and even reverse genetic hair loss. Scientists believe phytoestrogens work by blocking androgen-receptor sites and reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Androgens are produced by the male sex organs and are a major factor in inherited baldness.

Dong Quai is believed to be nontoxic. Allergic reactions and mild gastrointestinal distress have been noted in a small percentage of people using Dong Quai. In some cases, Dong Quai can cause sensitivity to sun. One case report has shown Dong Quai to interact with Coumadin (warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. Although it is not certain, conceivably, Dong Quai could interact with any blood-thinning products, natural or otherwise. If you are taking Coumadin, heparin, Trental, or aspirin, you could be at risk for increased bleeding when using Dong Quai.


Clinical Research: I counld not find any clinical study that provides evidence that Dong Quai actually cures hair loss.

Price: You can get 50 capsules for around $10.00

Summary: Ancient Chinese secret. Only your neighborhood Asian doctor really knows if the stuff works. So use it at your own risk.

Combat hair loss with anti-inflammatories

Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids are used for the treatment for alopecia areata. In mild cases of alopecia areata, a corticosteroid cream is applied only to the regions of hairloss. An alternative treatment is the intralesional injection of corticosteroids into the inflamed patches of scalp. A corticosteroid such as triamcinolone or kenelog is injected, approximately once per month, below the skin near the hair follicle. This treatment is often used for eyebrow hair loss.


Systemic corticosteroids are often prescribed if the hairloss is widespread. The drugs are administered by injection into the muscle of the buttock or arm once every four to six weeks. Sometimes this treatment brings a spontaneous recovery and the treatment is stopped as the hair returns. Oral cortisone is sometimes given by tablets but has all the side effects of injections.

Short term effects are weight gain, mood changes and acne. Long term treatment with corticosteroids causes thinning of the skin and scalp damage, immune system suppression, increased cancer, bone degeneration, and cataracts. Folligen may be tried as an alternative to steroid use. Folligen is very safe and has anti-inflammatory actions as well a scalp repair properties.






Cyclosporin - is an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplants to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. It is used topically in the treatment of immune-associated severe skin conditions. In humans, cyclosporin is very effective orally (80% positive hair growth response) but only marginally effective (20%) when used topically for aiding hair growth. It promotes hair growth in animal models and promotes human hair growth in vitro.

Like corticosteroids, it has toxic side effects such as renal toxicity when used long term and a generally poor choice for as a hair treatment.

And last

FK506 is an new immunosuppressant, like cyclosporin, used to prevent organ rejection. It is in a class of drugs similar to cyclosporin. When applied in a topical ointment, it is more effective in stimulating hair growth than cyclosporin. It is a strong immunosuppressant and its safety in long term use for hair growth is questionable. It may produce neural damage.


My advice is stay away from these. The health risks are far greater than the benefits. A good option is RK19. It's a combination of FDA regulated high potency vitamins and an anti-inflammatory. No side effects. And you are guaranteed to see results or your money back.