Oral zinc therapy for zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium

In a study from 2012, five female patients with zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium were treated with 150 mg daily of oral zinc in the form of polaprezinc for 6 to 12 months. All patients had normal thyroid function and negative hair pull tests prior to treatment. The study found that hair loss was cured or improved in all cases after zinc supplementation. The treatment appeared to support hair growth by enhancing metalloenzyme activities, hedgehog signaling, and immunomodulation. Serum zinc levels increased post-treatment, and in one instance, hair loss that returned after ceasing treatment was reversed upon resuming zinc supplementation. The study concluded that oral zinc therapy is effective for hair loss associated with zinc deficiency.