Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

Abstract

BackgroundIt is well known that some trace elements such as zinc and copper play a significant role in many forms of hair loss. However, the effect of zinc and copper in the pathogenesis of hair loss is still unknown.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the zinc and copper status in each of four types of hair loss.MethodsA study was carried out with 30 health controls and 312 patients who were diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA), male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium (TE) (2008 to 2011; Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital). Zinc and copper serum concentrations were evaluated between controls and each of four types of hair loss patients.ResultsIn all of the hair loss patients, the mean serum zinc was 84.33±22.88, significantly lower than the control group (97.94±21.05 µg/dl) (p=0.002), whereas the serum copper was 96.44±22.62, which was not significantly different (p=0.975). The analysis of each group showed that all groups of hair loss had statistically lower zinc concentration, but not copper concentrations. However, the ratio of the patients with serum zinc concentration lower than 70 µg/dl was significantly high in only the AA group (odds ratio, OR 4.02; confidence interval, CI 1.13 to 14.31) and the TE group (OR 1.12; CI 1.12 to 17.68).ConclusionThe data led to the hypothesis of zinc metabolism disturbances playing a key role in hair loss, especially AA and TE, whereas the effect of copper on hair growth and shedding cycles still needs more study.

Zinc and skin biology

“…In support of this association, some past studies have found no decreased serum Zn levels in AA patients [76][77][78]. In contrast, in the 2000s, several studies found decreased serum Zn levels in AA patients [60,[79][80][81][82].…”

“…Accordingly, patients with telogen effluvium even without AE show lower serum Zn concentrations than healthy controls [59,60], with the condition being cured by oral Zn supplementation [59]. In AE patients, decreased Zn concentration is also observed in hair [61].…”

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

“…Signs of deficiency include growth retardation, delayed puberty, diarrhea, alopecia, glossitis, nail dystrophy, and decreased immunity among others [95]. Low zinc levels have been identified in patients with AA, AGA, and TE [96]. Proposed mechanisms for zinc-associated hair regrowth include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-5α-reductase activity [97][98][99][100].…”

Hair’s Zinc Level on Androgenic Alopecia

“…The idea that zinc deficiency may interfere with hair growth has emerged since the 1990s. [7] Although some studies have reported that zinc deficiency correlates with alopecia areata (AA) and telogen effluvium (TE), there are no studies have examined the relationship between zinc and androgenic alopecia so far. This study is important because there are no studies that examine the relationship between zinc levels with androgenic alopecia.…”