Zinc Deficiency Hair Loss: How to Test For It At Home

Overview

Experiencing hair loss can be distressing, and understanding the underlying causes is crucial. One possible reason for hair thinning and loss is zinc deficiency. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in maintaining healthy hair. This article will guide you on how to test for zinc deficiency at home and provide insights into why zinc is vital for hair health. We will also discuss common symptoms, home testing methods, preventive measures, and explore the connection between zinc deficiency and conditions like telogen effluvium & alopecia areata.

Understanding Zinc Deficiency Hair Loss

What is Zinc Deficiency?

Zinc deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough zinc to function properly. This can lead to various health issues, including hair loss. Zinc is crucial for cell growth, immune function, and the maintenance of hair and skin health. When zinc levels are low, it can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning and hair loss. Zinc plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins and DNA, both of which are necessary for the production and maintenance of hair follicles. Mild deficiency in zinc leads to downstream health challenges because your body needs zinc for many processes such as growth, vitamin A activity, synthesizing metabolic enzymes & digestive enzymes synthesis.

Role of Zinc and other micronutrients in Alopecia Areata (AA) & Telogen Effluvium (TE)

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring form of hair loss caused by an immune-mediated attack on the hair follicles. Research suggests a potential link between micronutrient deficiencies and the development of AA. Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, including zinc, vitamin D, and folate (vitamin B9), are essential for normal hair follicle development and immune cell function. Studies have shown that serum levels of these nutrients may be lower in AA patients compared to healthy individuals. (1)

Recent investigations have explored whether supplementation of micronutrients could serve as a therapeutic option for AA. While conventional treatments often involve steroid injections or immunomodulating agents, which can have side effects, micronutrient supplementation represents a potentially low-risk alternative. Studies indicate that serum levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate are typically lower in AA patients, suggesting a possible role in disease modification.(2)

Telogen Effluvium and Zinc Insufficiency

Telogen effluvium may also be a symptom of zinc insufficiency because it is in essence premature cell death (of your hair cells). Telogen effluvium is characterized by an increased number of hairs moving from a phase where they are “planted” and actively connected to a blood supply, to a phase where they are resting and ready to be shed. While “planted,” the hair matrix in your follicle is still connected to the dermal papilla, where nutrient and oxygen rich blood can influence the diameter and length of the hair for years. In the resting phase however, the hair matrix detaches from the follicle, yet the hair remains on the scalp, as hair stem cells migrate down to create the birth of new hair cells.

In this new resting phase, known as the telogen phase, the strand is destined to fall out in a few months time instead of a few years time, and how thick it can feel will no longer be influenced. When too many hairs do this migration at once, it is a form of premature apoptosis (programmed cell death) for your hair cells, categorized as telogen effluvium.

Apoptosis is a necessary process for human life. Toxins or toxicants may be stored in your cells for safe storage to avoid inundating your blood supply and your detox organs with too many toxicants to process at once. If the extracellular matrix around the cell remains congested, this makes it ineffective for your cell to purge the toxicants or toxins out, for processing & excretion. In this case, early cell death is the only way for your body to defend itself. In the hair follicle, the best opportunity for your body to purge toxicants is to have hair enter the exogen phase, which is when hair naturally falls out.

Every hair analysis mineral test you take will show a positive reading for some heavy metals because heavy metal exposure is a cost of being alive today. Advances in technology do not allow us to escape heavy metal exposure. As organic matter, your hair will pull trace elements of what was present in your body as the hair was growing. In a way, since each strand contains a small amount of heavy metals, which is no longer in your body, it is a secondary method of detoxification.

We can extrapolate that it is possible the body has initiated an episode of telogen effluvium to help the body eject more toxicants at once. Though we may not need to assume this is an absolute truth without exception, we can hypothesize that sufficient zinc at the time may have prevented the occurrence of TE by supporting the body’s immune system, aiding in cellular repair and regrowth, as well as optimizing enzymatic activity involved in effective detoxification processes (3).

Future Directions and Recommendations

Despite promising findings, the current body of literature consists mainly of small case-control studies and case reports. More extensive, prospective studies are needed to establish definitive clinical recommendations regarding routine serum level testing and therapeutic supplementation for AA. Further research could clarify the effectiveness of micronutrient interventions and their optimal use in managing AA and TE.

In our private practice, we find that though it is useful to know if there is a zinc deficiency or not, our reason for inquiring is to gather data on whether or not the gut itself is in need of some support to help repair gut function. We also correlate low zinc with a potential to exhibit telogen effluvium.

Zinc Deficiency Hair Loss And Gut Health

A healthy and well functioning gut is in a way contingent on zinc sufficiency. Anhydrase is an enzyme that maintains proper pH of the bolus (which is the medical term for the combination of chewed food, air and saliva). Anhydrase also preserves taste buds from premature cell death (apoptosis). Bicarbonate & Anhydrase secretion, which are found in saliva, break down food as long as there is not a zinc deficiency. This is why picky eaters typically have lower levels of zinc. They tend to only be able to taste saltier or sweeter foods more easily. Therefore sufficient zinc influences food choices by preventing apoptosis of taste buds, while it also assists the body in its ability to break down food to its chemical constituents, the constituents we need to feed our cells.

Research has found that people with TE tend to have lower levels of zinc, and zinc compounds have been used to treat TE for decades. However, addressing gut function overall is how we find success in our practice, and how we get to the root cause. Apoptosis, correlated with follicular cell death and shedding can be mitigated to successfully enhance hair growth (3). One way of doing this is by ensuring the body has sufficient zinc which could be lacking due to compromised gut function.

Clinically in practice, if one of our clients has lower than optimal zinc levels we will want to influence the pH of their mouth to help correct zinc deficiency. Zinc plays a role in salivary pH and salivary pH helps your body break down food to absorb more zinc from food. Furthermore, salivary pH shares the same pH of your extracellular matrix, the space around your cells that will be used to purge toxins out before your cell self destructs. Influencing your salivary pH will influence the pH around your cells, increasing overall health and enhancing gut function.

We would also be mindful of fiber and phytates which can bind to zinc, limiting absorption. Just enough fiber to help move the bowels along healthily, is ideal, while we remain aware of how much hair is falling out and if results for the zinc assay test improves. The zinc assay test in and of itself (discussed later) can help bridge the gap and decrease zinc deficiency if the liquid testing agent is swallowed.

Lastly we would increase zinc foods, our favorites listed later in this article. It is worthy to note that poor saliva production can equate to zinc deficiency also because the foods that have sufficient amounts of it tend to be dense and in need of extra chewing and saliva (which is full of enzymes) to assist in digestion. At Bellechanics, we also ask our students to chew food slowly so more saliva will be produced which assists in digestion and puts less of a stress on your body, in turn yielding more energy. We also ask them to gargle ½ tsp of potassium bicarbonate 1-2 times a day, which has a positive impact in the pH of the saliva.

If you would like to learn more about how to test your salivary pH, zinc at home, as well as 10 other at home tracking tests you can track to create optimal hair growth conditions, please purchase that course here.

In summary, the body is in need of sufficient zinc to produce anhydrase in the saliva, which prevents early cell death for taste buds (giving us an appetite for healthier foods, vs salty and sweet extremes) and creates a proper pH for the bolus (chewed food with air and saliva). And, foods high in zinc tend to be dense and therefore in need of sufficient saliva to effectively be broken down well enough to feed your cells. It is also worth noting that saliva will chemically alert the rest of the digestive system to start the engine and increase hydrochloric acid, a substance that creates the acid that breaks down food in your stomach. Therefore we can assume, if we support the body in its ability to heal the gut by creating enough stomach acid and saliva to obtain zinc from foods, and positively influence the salivary pH, we can resist the body’s tendency to be low in zinc in the first place. 

Zinc Deficiency Hair Loss: How to Test for Zinc Deficiency at Home

1. Zinc Taste Test

One simple method to test for zinc deficiency at home is the zinc taste test. This involves tasting a solution of zinc sulfate and assessing your taste response. (4) Here’s how to perform the test: 

1. Purchase a zinc sulfate solution we prefer this brand
2. Take a small amount of the solution into your mouth and hold it for 10-15 seconds.
3. Observe the taste:
   • If the solution tastes like water or has no taste, you might be zinc deficient (in which case, swallow it, you need it!).
   • If it has a slightly metallic taste, your zinc levels might be adequate.
   • If it tastes unpleasant or very metallic, your zinc levels are likely sufficient (spit it out in this case!).

2. Dietary Assessment

Evaluate your diet to check if you’re consuming enough zinc-rich foods. Foods high in zinc, preferred for hair growth include:

• Red meat (grass fed)
  
• Poultry (organic chicken & turkey)
  
• Shellfish (like oysters and shrimp)
  
• Nuts and seeds (almond, chia, brazil nuts, cashews, sesame, flax, pumpkin, sunflower are some of our favorites!)
  
• Gluten Free Grains (we prefer buckwheat and quinoa)
• Legumes (black beans, lentils, fermented tempeh & chickpeas - if they haven't been treated with chemicals to sustain their ability to be transported)

If your diet lacks these foods, you might be at risk of zinc deficiency. Keeping a food diary for a week can help you track your zinc intake and identify any deficiencies. Grab your free resource teaching you how to track your food choices in relation to your symptoms here. This complimentary workbook also teaches what to eat and what not to eat to help reverse hair loss naturally.

3. Nail Health Observation

Examining your nails can also provide clues about your zinc levels. White spots on nails, known as leukonychia, can be a sign of zinc deficiency. Additionally, brittle or slow-growing nails may indicate low zinc levels. Healthy nails should be smooth and pinkish without white spots or ridges. (5)

4. Physical Symptoms Monitoring

Monitoring physical symptoms such as frequent infections, slow wound healing, and changes in appetite can also help identify zinc deficiency. These symptoms, combined with hair loss, can provide a clearer picture of your zinc status.

5. Hair Mineral Testing/ Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

Hair mineral testing, like HTMA, is a reliable method to assess long-term zinc levels non-invasively. It analyzes minerals and toxins accumulated in a small hair sample, offering insights into deficiencies that can affect immune support, wound healing, and overall health. This testing is valuable for those exposed to toxins or with dietary imbalances, requiring accurate analysis by reputable labs for effective intervention. You can purchase a HTMA that tests for zinc here.

Conclusion

So to recap, here’s how to test for zinc deficiency at home:

1. Perform the Zinc Taste Test by using a zinc sulfate solution.
2. Assess your dietary intake of zinc-rich foods.
3. Observe nail health for signs of deficiency.
4. Monitor physical symptoms like frequent infections and slow wound healing.
5. Hair Mineral Testing/ Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

Addressing zinc deficiency hair loss involves incorporating zinc-rich foods into your diet, considering supplements if necessary, avoiding zinc inhibitors, maintaining a balanced diet, and making lifestyle changes. Taking these steps can help ensure your hair remains healthy and reduce the risk of hair loss related to zinc deficiency.

For testimonials from individuals who have benefited from our guidance on hair health, please visit our Testimonials Page. Here are some pictures for your reference on what we were able to do once we addressed the 5 non-negotiables to regrowing hair, optimizing gut function for zinc sufficiency being one of them.

For more information on hair health and whether or not your hair loss type is reversible naturally, based on results we've achieved in our practice, please fill out our hair regrowth quiz. Additionally, you can read further about the role of micronutrients in hair health in studies such as those referenced (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6).

The content provided on this website serves solely for educational and motivational purposes and should not be construed as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. Remember that results from remedies and protocols can vary from person to person, and should be part of a comprehensive approach for maximum effectiveness. Prior to initiating any new therapies, it is essential to seek guidance from healthcare professionals; preferably one that has experience reversing hair loss naturally for his or herself and others. Certain hyperlinks on Bellechanics might be affiliate links, indicating that we may earn a commission, at no extra expense to you. By choosing to shop with associated links, you support the ability of continued articles and blogs that will serve as useful information for those in need. Bellechanics participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Learn More

References

1. Abdel Fattah, N. S. A., Atef, M. M., & Al-Qaradaghi, S. M. Q. (2015). Evaluation of serum zinc level in patients with newly diagnosed and resistant alopecia areata. International Journal of Dermatology, 54(6), e241-e245. doi:10.1111/ijd.12769. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147750/

2. Guo, E. L., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: Effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(1), 1-10. doi:10.5826/dpc.0701a01. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685931/

3. Wang W, Wang H, Long Y, Li Z, Li J. Controlling Hair Loss by Regulating Apoptosis in Hair Follicles: A Comprehensive Overview. Biomolecules, 14(1), 20. doi:10.3390/biom14010020. PMID: 38254620; PMCID: PMC10813359. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14010020

4. Zdilla MJ, Saling JR, Starkey LD. Zinc sulfate taste acuity reflects dietary zinc intake in males. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 11, e21-e25. 2016. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2015.11.004. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2015.11.004

5. Healthline, Year. Healthy Nails: 14 Tips for Stronger Nails. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/healthy-nails#texture 

6. Mi Woo, Y., Lee, S. H., & Choi, S. J. (2013). Zinc deficiency and hair loss: A review of the literature. Annals of Dermatology, 25(3), 405-409. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.3.405. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23901352/