Zinc and Selenium: Trace Elements with Major Follicle Impact
Understand how two vital minerals protect follicles from oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance.
Trace minerals such as zinc and selenium are small in quantity but essential for follicular health. A 2025 study in Clinical Nutrition Insights evaluated their combined effect on scalp oxidative stress and keratin synthesis across 230 participants with diffuse hair shedding.
- Low zinc correlated with reduced keratin gene activity and brittle shafts.
- Selenium deficiency increased scalp inflammation and sebaceous imbalance.
- Supplementation restored normal antioxidant enzyme levels within 8 weeks.
- Optimal intake came from diet (seafood, eggs, seeds) rather than high-dose pills.
Micronutrient balance underpins the cellular machinery of hair production. Maintaining adequate trace elements can reinforce follicles naturally before pharmacologic intervention is considered.
The study did not control for other dietary factors that could influence results.
Citation & Review Team
Full Citation
Rahimi S et al., Clin Nutr Insights, 2025.Review Team
Author: Student Editor
Fact-Checker: Dermatology Researcher
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.