Why Male Pattern Hair Loss May Benefit from Zinc and Biotin

Hereditary hair loss is essentially decided by a person's genetics, however, there are many other influential factors involved.

A range of environmental and lifestyle issues are known to exacerbate, or even prematurely trigger, Male Pattern Baldness, in those with the relevant inbuilt susceptibility to the effects of DHT.

Diet can play an important part in the health of our hair, as well as our body in general, with biotin and zinc being two of the most notable vitamins and minerals necessary for the maintenance of normal healthy hair growth.

In November 2018, researchers from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Basra’s College of Pharmacy found that women with Female Pattern Hair Loss had lower levels of zinc and iron; now a study carried out by the Faculty of Medicine at Egypt's Benha University has discovered that men with genetic hair loss also present with lower nutrient levels - in this case, zinc and biotin.

Concerns regarding zinc and biotin levels

The Egyptian team's aim was to establish the biotin and zinc levels in those with genetic hair loss in comparison to those without, in order to determine whether it may be beneficial for appropriate food supplements to be recommended alongside clinically-proven male hair loss treatments.

Researchers studied 60 men with Male Pattern Baldness, and 60 men without, who were all matched in terms of age and body mass index. Each had their blood levels checked for serum zinc and biotin amounts.

A positive correlation between serum zinc and serum biotin levels was noted, though the relationship between participants' age and how long the men had been losing their hair for was considered "nonsignificant".

A "non-significant relation" was observed between the level of the men's hair loss and their zinc and biotin levels.

"We recommend future biotin evaluation in serum combined with its metabolites in MAGA [Male Androgenetic Alopecia] patients’ urine," the paper, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology on 3rd February 2019, states.

Overall, participants in the men's hair loss group were found to have significantly lower "subnormal" levels of zinc and "suboptimal" levels of biotin compared to those in the control group of men without Male Pattern Hair Loss.

Supplements alongside hair loss treatment

In concluding their research, Benha University study authors state that "adding zinc supplement in MAGA treatment is recommended… Biotin supplement in MAGA treatment may add value to hair quality and texture."

This is very much in-keeping with the approach Belgravia hair specialists often recommend to men looking for advice on regrowing hair and preventing baldness.

Although biotin and zinc are not in themselves hair loss treatments, they have both been shown to contribute to the maintenance of normal healthy hair growth, as has the trace mineral selenium. This is why all three nutrients are included in Belgravia's exclusive and highly-targeted food supplement Hair Vitalics for Men (as well as the Women's version).

Whether it be a receding hairline or a thinning crown, men presenting with genetic hairloss are often recommended a customised course comprising the optimum products for their level and pattern of shedding, as well as their medical profile.

The hair loss solutions included within these programmes will generally revolve around either one or both of the only two MHRA-licensed and FDA-approved medications - one oral, one topical. These are generally used alongside the most appropriate selection of hair growth supporting products, such as FDA-cleared low level light therapy devices to stimulate follicles, including the HairMax LaserComb or LaserBand, and Hair Vitalics one-a-day supplements.

Belgravia superintendent pharmacist prescriber and senior hair loss specialist, Christina Chikaher advises, "Biotin and zinc are both substances essential for many reactions and processes in the body, including supporting healthy hair.

Neither of them on their own would promote hair growth, but almost certainly a deficiency of either would result in hair loss. If you maintain  a healthy diet, it is very unlikely that you would suffer from a deficiency of either zinc or biotin.

Often, however, our lifestyle prevents us from always eating as we should. Other factors such as illness or stress may also contribute to a deficiency of these vital substances.

At such times we can support our diet by taking carefully considered supplements, bearing in mind that trace elements such as zinc and biotin are only required in small amounts to have a therapeutic effect."

It is important to remember that food supplements are not intended to replace a balanced diet and if you are concerned that you may be deficient in any nutrients, your doctor should be able to arrange a blood test.

If it is thinning hair that is concerning you, a consultation with a hair loss specialist can provide a professional diagnosis and personalised treatment recommendations, as well as the peace of mind that comes from having an expert explain everything to you and answer your questions.