From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of zinc for treating hair loss is 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc, taken orally for 3-4 months, as this dosage has been shown to be effective in acquired zinc deficiency. This dosage is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which provides a grade of recommendation GPP with a consensus of 82% 1.
When considering zinc supplementation for hair loss, it's essential to choose an organic compound such as zinc histidinate, zinc gluconate, or zinc orotate, as these have been found to have better tolerability compared to inorganic zinc sulfate and zinc chloride 1.
Key points to consider when taking zinc supplements for hair loss include:
- Taking the supplement with food to minimize stomach upset
- Avoiding foods high in calcium, iron, or fiber, as these can interfere with zinc absorption
- Consistently taking the supplement for at least 3-6 months to evaluate its effectiveness for hair health
- Being aware that excessive zinc intake (over 40 mg daily for extended periods) can lead to copper deficiency and other adverse effects, so staying within the recommended range is crucial 1.
It's also important to note that if hair loss persists despite supplementation, consulting a healthcare provider is necessary, as other factors may be contributing to the condition. Zinc works by supporting protein synthesis necessary for hair growth, regulating hormones that can affect hair loss, and maintaining oil gland function around hair follicles.
From the Research
Zinc Doses for Hair Loss
- The recommended dose of zinc for treating hair loss is not universally established, but several studies provide insight into the effective doses used in various experiments:
- A study published in 1996 2 used Zinc Sulphate 200 mg three times a day to reverse hair loss in patients after vertical gastroplasty, with some patients requiring 600 mg daily to maintain the benefits.
- Another study from 2014 3 focused on the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in patients with atopic dermatitis, but it does not specify the dose used for hair loss treatment.
- Research from 2005 4 explored the effects of high-dose zinc on murine hair growth, using 20 mg/ml of ZnSO(4) x 7H(2)O in drinking water, which significantly affected hair follicle cycling.
- The absorption of zinc can be influenced by the form in which it is ingested:
- These studies indicate that zinc supplementation can be beneficial for treating hair loss, especially in cases of zinc deficiency, but the optimal dose and form of zinc supplementation require further research for definitive conclusions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.