The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

Effect of Marginal Dietary Zinc on Blood Fractions of Rats

March 1986 in “ Fed. Proc., Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol.; (United States) ”

L.B. Brenckle, Arlette I. Rasmussen

zinc hair loss zinc deficiency

TLDR Marginal dietary zinc intake in rats led to weight loss and hair issues, but no significant changes in blood fractions.

The study investigated the impact of marginal dietary zinc on blood fractions in rats, dividing them into two groups: a low zinc group and a zinc-adequate group, each with 72 rats. Over 8 weeks, researchers measured various blood parameters, including RBC and WBC counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The low zinc group showed decreased food intake, weight gain issues, and 29% experienced hair loss or scaly paws. While RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit increased over time in both groups, WBC count decreased. Despite these observations, significant changes in blood fractions due to marginal zinc intake were not evident, although other signs of zinc deficiency were present in the low zinc group.

View this study on osti.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 910 results

community For hair loss - zinc is your friend

in Chat 42 upvotes 3 years ago

Zinc supplements can make existing hair thicker and fuller but do not cure or slow hair loss. Long-term zinc use requires copper supplementation to avoid deficiencies.

community Has anyone used zinc as a treatment?

in Treatment 25 upvotes 10 months ago

Zinc is not effective for hair loss unless there's a deficiency. Finasteride and minoxidil are recommended treatments.

community Opinion on Zinc Gluconate?

in Product 5 years ago

The conversation discusses trying zinc gluconate for hair loss after biotin showed minimal effect. The user is considering switching treatments.

community Doing everything still losing hair

in Minoxidil 15 upvotes 5 months ago

The user is experiencing hair loss despite using 1 mg finasteride, 2.5 mg minoxidil, a multivitamin, and a topical finasteride-minoxidil solution. Suggestions include increasing minoxidil dosage, addressing vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin D, and considering lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

community Insane hair regrowth 5 weeks on zinc, Vitamin D, Biotin (PLEASE READ CAPTIONS AND POST) - My zinc deficiency caused a receding hairline as well as diffuse miniaturization similar to DUPA

in Progress Pictures 47 upvotes 2 years ago

A user experienced significant hair regrowth after 5 weeks by taking zinc, vitamin D, and biotin supplements, correcting deficiencies that were contributing to hair loss and thinning. They report a decrease in hair shedding, faster hair growth, and a thickening of their hairline without using common hair loss medications like Minoxidil or Finasteride.

community Severe copper deficiency, and also zinc deficiency. Looking for testimonials.

in Research/Science 2 upvotes 3 weeks ago

A 36-year-old man with androgenetic alopecia suspects copper and zinc deficiencies may be accelerating hair loss and is supplementing copper to address this. He is also monitoring blood sugar levels due to previous prediabetes concerns and plans to test for insulin resistance.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research Hair Loss and Zinc Deficiency: A Cross-Sectional Study

November 2025 in “Healthcare”

Zinc levels don't significantly affect hair loss, so testing for zinc isn't necessary.

Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Hair Loss in Pregnant Women

research Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Hair Loss in Pregnant Women

June 2022 in “International Journal of Health Sciences (IJHS) (En línea)”

Pregnant women with hair loss often have low zinc and iron levels.

Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia

research Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia

56 citations , January 2013 in “International journal of trichology”

Zinc supplements may be needed to treat hair loss in hypothyroidism.

Trace Element Zinc and Skin Disorders

research Trace Element Zinc and Skin Disorders

4 citations , January 2023 in “Frontiers in Medicine”

Zinc is important for skin health, and supplements can help treat various skin and hair disorders, but more research is needed for conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.

Hair Loss Diagnosis Using Artificial Neural Networks

research Hair Loss Diagnosis Using Artificial Neural Networks

7 citations , January 2012

Neural networks can effectively predict hair loss.

Does Zinc Have a Role in Alopecia Areata? A Clinic-Biochemical Study

research Does Zinc Have a Role in Alopecia Areata? A Clinic-Biochemical Study

February 2023 in “Global journal of health sciences and research”

Zinc levels are not significantly linked to the presence or severity of alopecia areata.