Taichung doctor links some hair loss cases to zinc deficiency

台中醫師指部分落髮案例與缺鋅有關

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taichung dermatologist says zinc deficiency may be an overlooked cause of hair loss after a 37-year-old male patient with a family history of baldness was found to have low zinc levels.

Dr. Ko Wei-li (柯偉立), director of the Department of Dermatology at Taichung Cheng Ching Hospital, said approximately 30% of the hair-loss patients he treats have zinc deficiency, per CNA.

The patient sought treatment because of his father's history of baldness. Blood tests showed he had insufficient zinc levels, which Ko identified as the primary cause of his hair loss.

Zinc is an essential mineral involved in protein synthesis and cell growth. Ko said zinc deficiency can interfere with keratin synthesis, slowing hair growth and leaving hair thinner and more prone to breakage. Hair loss caused by zinc deficiency can also resemble other forms of hair loss, making blood testing and medical evaluation important.

After the patient increased his intake of zinc-rich foods and took zinc supplements, a follow-up examination six weeks later showed increased hair volume and zinc levels within the normal range.

Ko recommends that patients diagnosed with zinc deficiency consume zinc-rich foods such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds. For severe deficiency, he said supplements can also be used following medical evaluation.

The National Institutes of Health notes a tolerable upper intake level of 40 milligrams of zinc per day for adults from food, beverages, and supplements. Excessive zinc intake can interfere with copper absorption and cause other health problems.

Ko advises people experiencing unexplained or persistent hair loss to seek medical evaluation rather than assuming it is solely hereditary or taking supplements without first determining whether they have a deficiency.