TLDR Zinc deficiency increases stomach cancer risk and causes health issues in rats.
The study on Wister rats demonstrated that zinc deficiency, when combined with the carcinogen MNNG, led to several adverse effects, including reduced serum zinc levels, hair loss, hair eating, weight loss, decreased immunity, and stomach mucosal hyperplasia. The incidence of stomach cancer was significantly higher in the zinc-deficient test group compared to the control group, with atypical hyperplasia observed around the gastric glands in two test group rats. The findings suggested that adequate zinc intake could protect stomach mucosa and reduce cancer risk, highlighting zinc deficiency as a risk factor for increased stomach cancer incidence.
134 citations
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December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
Iron and zinc deficiencies may be treated to help female hair loss.
September 2025 in “Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi” Low zinc and folate levels are linked to hair loss in children.
10 citations
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July 2018 in “Our Dermatology Online” Some vitamins and minerals are important for preventing hair loss, but treating hair loss with them without a known deficiency is not proven effective.
63 citations
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May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” People with alopecia areata often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but more research is needed to understand if supplements can help treat it.
114 citations
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October 2009 in “Gastroenterology” Zinc is crucial for nutrition, especially in patients with specific health conditions, and requires careful supplementation and monitoring.