Zinc for Androgenetic Alopecia

Based on 33 studies (2 meta-analyses, 3 RCTs) with 49,138 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

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The Bottom Line

Research on zinc for androgenetic alopecia is mixed — while zinc is important for hair follicle health, supplementation alone has not been clearly shown to improve pattern hair loss.

Mixed results across 29 studies, including a meta-analysis showing inconsistent findings
Some studies find lower zinc in people with pattern hair loss, others do not
Zinc is usually studied as part of multi-ingredient formulas, making its individual contribution unclear
Supplementation may only help if a zinc deficiency is confirmed

Key Study Findings

animal study

Protective mechanisms of zinc and/or selenium supplementation against BPA-induced male and offspring reproductive toxicity: Insights …

Dose: zinc and/or selenium supplementation; doses not specified in abstract vs: Placebo Effect: None None

Review

Minerals and Trace Elements: Key Protectors of Skin Health and Defenders against Skin Disorders.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

review

[Nutrition in improving sleep quality and fighting insomnia].

Dose: tryptophan, carbohydrates, omega-3, vitamins (B6, B12, folate, niacin, D, C, beta-carotene), mineral vs: Placebo Effect: None None

cross-sectional study

Zinc Status in Kurdish Adults With Hair Loss.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

systematic_review

Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review.

Dose: variable across included studies vs: Placebo Effect: vitamin B, D, iron, zinc deficiencies associated with increased AGA risk; supplementation showed pot None

in vitro study

Regulatory Effects of Thai Rice By-Product Extracts from Oryza sativa L. cv. Bue Bang 3 …

Dose: not specified vs: Placebo Effect: melanin production 130.18 ± 9.13% of control; NO secretion 1.43 ± 0.05 µM p > 0.05 (vs theophylline, no

Key Statistics

Studies

49138

Participants

↔

Mixed

Grade

Referenced Papers

Protective mechanisms of zinc and/or selenium supplementation against BPA-induced male and offspring reproductive toxicity: Insights from multiomics analysis. Other

Environment international 2026

Minerals and Trace Elements: Key Protectors of Skin Health and Defenders against Skin Disorders. Review

Current medicinal chemistry 2025 5 citations

[Nutrition in improving sleep quality and fighting insomnia]. Review

Nutricion hospitalaria 2025

Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Systematic Review

Molecular nutrition & … 2024 7 citations

Zinc Status in Kurdish Adults With Hair Loss. Other

Cureus 2024 1 citations

Regulatory Effects of Thai Rice By-Product Extracts from Oryza sativa L. cv. Bue Bang 3 CMU and Bue Bang 4 … Other

Plants (Basel, Switzerland) 2023 14 citations

Oral supplementation in female telogen effluvium: a clinical and instrumental objective evidence of efficacy and tolerability of new oral cosmetic … Other

Italian journal of … 2023 3 citations

Zinc supplement use and risk of aggressive prostate cancer: a 30-year follow-up study. Other

European journal of … 2022 34 citations

Reduction of telogen rate and increase of hair density in androgenetic alopecia by a cosmetic product: Results of a randomized, … RCT

Journal of cosmetic … 2022 11 citations

The role of micronutrients in the management of COIVD-19 and optimizing vaccine efficacy. Review

Human nutrition & … 2022 9 citations

Supplementation and hair growth: A retrospective chart review of patients with alopecia and laboratory abnormalities. Other

JAAD international 2022 6 citations

Association between serum zinc levels and androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

Journal of cosmetic … 2022 5 citations

Possible relationship between poor skin disorders prognosis and serum zinc level: A narrative review. Other

Dermatology reports 2022 4 citations

A new combination of molecules for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium: a double-blind randomized, monocentric, placebo-controlled study. RCT

Italian journal of … 2022 2 citations

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp: causes and treatments. Review

International journal of … 2021 23 citations

Plasma Zinc Levels in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia as Possible Predictors of the Subsequent Conservative Therapy's Effectiveness. Other

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) 2020 13 citations

Dietary zinc supplement militates against ketamine-induced behaviours by age-dependent modulation of oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase activity in mice. Other

Pharmacological reports : … 2020 7 citations

A Matched Case-Control Study of Zinc Levels in Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata: Is There a Need to Do Routine … Other

Skinmed 2020

Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee. Meta-Analysis

The Journal of … 2019 101 citations

Serum biotin and zinc in male androgenetic alopecia. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2019 15 citations

Estimation of Zinc and Iron Levels in the Serum and Hair of Women with Androgenetic Alopecia: Case-control Study. Other

Indian journal of … 2018 26 citations

Prevalence of Nutritional Deficiencies in Hair Loss among Indian Participants: Results of a Cross-sectional Study. Other

International journal of … 2017 43 citations

Low plasma zinc levels in androgenetic alopecia. Other

Indian journal of … 2017 10 citations

Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Referral Center. Other

International journal of … 2016 28 citations

Trichotillomania: Bizzare Patern of Hair Loss at 11-Year-old Girl. Case Report

Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica … 2016 6 citations

BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia. Other

Journal of trace … 2014 62 citations

Evidence for supplemental treatments in androgenetic alopecia. Other

Journal of drugs … 2014 26 citations

Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Other

Annals of dermatology 2013 114 citations

The role of psychological factors and serum zinc, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the aetiology of trichodynia: a case-control … Other

Clinical and experimental … 2009 34 citations

[Effectiveness of the treatment plan for androgenetic alopecia]. Other

Georgian medical news 2007

The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. Review

Journal of the … 2006 255 citations

Nudging hair shedding by antidandruff shampoos. A comparison of 1% ketoconazole, 1% piroctone olamine and 1% zinc pyrithione formulations. Other

International journal of … 2002 53 citations

Juvenile versus maturity-onset alopecia areata--a comparative retrospective clinical study. Other

Clinical and experimental … 1989 140 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

general:: 8-11 mg/day
hairloss:: 15-30 mg/day

Upper limit: 40 mg/day

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
zinc and/or selenium supplementation; doses not specified in abstract	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	--
tryptophan, carbohydrates, omega-3, vitamins (B6, B12, folate, niacin, D, C, beta-carotene), mineral	--	Positive	--
None	--	Neutral	--
variable across included studies	--	Mixed	--
not specified	--	Positive	--
Daily tablet (L-cystine, L-methionine, liposomal glutathione, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, ubidecar	24 weeks	Positive	20
Topical lotion containing zinc and arginine (concentration not specified)	23 weeks	Positive	40

Best taken: With meals to minimize stomach upset; separate from iron and calcium by 2 hours

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Nausea and vomiting (especially on an empty stomach)
⚠ Metallic taste in the mouth
⚠ Copper depletion with chronic high-dose use
⚠ Headache and diarrhea

Known Interactions

● Copper supplements (zinc inhibits copper absorption at doses >40 mg/day)
● Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics (mutual absorption reduction)
● Penicillamine (zinc reduces absorption of this rheumatoid arthritis drug)

Tolerable upper intake: 40 mg/day

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Zinc help with Androgenetic Alopecia?

Based on 33 studies with 49,138 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Zinc may support Androgenetic Alopecia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Zinc should I take for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 8-11 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Zinc?

Reported side effects may include Nausea and vomiting (especially on an empty stomach), Metallic taste in the mouth, Copper depletion with chronic high-dose use, Headache and diarrhea. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Zinc and Androgenetic Alopecia?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 33 peer-reviewed studies with 49,138 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Androgenetic Alopecia

Minoxidil A Finasteride A PRP Therapy A Dutasteride A Omega-3 Fatty Acids A Microneedling A

Zinc for other conditions

Alopecia Areata F Telogen Effluvium F

Quick Verdict

Based on 33 studies (2 meta-analyses, 3 RCTs) with 49,138 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (2)Meta (2)Other (29)

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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.