TLDR Biotin is important for keeping zinc levels balanced in the skin and its lack can cause hair loss.
In 2019, a study on mice found that a deficiency in biotin, a type of B vitamin, led to a decrease in zinc levels in the skin, resulting in hair loss. Biotin-deficient mice showed symptoms similar to those seen in patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica, a condition caused by inherent zinc deficiency. These symptoms included reduced serum zinc levels, disappearance of epidermal Langerhans cells, enhanced ATP production in the skin, and significantly enhanced and prolonged irritant contact dermatitis. The study also noted a connection between reduced serum biotin and zinc levels in patients with male androgenetic alopecia. The study concluded that biotin is crucial for maintaining zinc homeostasis in the skin, and its deficiency can lead to hair loss. However, the exact mechanisms of how dietary biotin deficiency leads to zinc deficiency were not fully understood.
11 citations
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February 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Low zinc and biotin levels linked to male hair loss; supplements may help.
166 citations
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November 2008 in “Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism” Biotin and biotinidase are essential to prevent health issues, and deficiencies require lifelong supplementation.
43 citations
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April 2005 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Biotin supplements improved skin and hair in a biotin-deficient infant on amino acid formula.
29 citations
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July 1996 in “Acta Paediatrica” Biotin should be added to Japanese amino acid formula to prevent deficiency.
26 citations
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May 1984 in “Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition” Biotin supplements restored hair and resolved symptoms in a woman with biotin deficiency.
10 citations
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January 2016 in “Global Dermatology” Zinc helps manage skin disorders and deficiencies can worsen some conditions.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” The document is a detailed medical reference on skin and genetic disorders.
19 citations
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January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” Ultraviolet rays damage hair, smoking may cause hair loss, and good nutrition is important for hair health, but genetics mainly decide hair thickness.
May 1991 in “Current problems in dermatology” Skin issues can indicate immune system problems.
January 2022 in “Dermatology Review” Higher IL-31 levels are linked to worse itching in chronic kidney disease patients.
