What is zinc?
Zinc is a trace mineral which cannot be produced by the body, so needs to be ingested.
Why is zinc good for hair health?
Zinc not only helps to maintain the normal function of the hair growth cycle, but also plays an important role in keeping the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so ensuring optimal zinc levels can help to prevent thinning hair from this issue.
What else is zinc good for?
The National Health Service in the UK (the NHS) advises that zinc can help the body with “making new cells and enzymes, processing carbohydrates, fat and protein in food” and “wound healing”. It has also been shown – though not conclusively proven – that zinc may help the common cold to clear up quicker.
Which foods contain zinc?
There are many good food sources of zinc, including shellfish, cheese, bread and cereals such as wheatgerm.
How much zinc do I need a day?
Your recommended dietary intake depends on various factors. At the time of writing, the current UK recommendations are 9.5mg per day for men aged 19 to 64 years of age, and 7mg per day for women. The NHS advises that men and women do not take more than 25mg of zinc supplements per day unless specifically advised to do so by a doctor.
How much zinc is in Hair Vitalics supplements?
Each one-per-day tablet of Hair Vitalics for Men and Hair Vitalics for Women contains 10mg of zinc.
What are the side effects of zinc?
Regularly taking high doses of zinc may reduce the amount of copper the body is able to absorb. The NHS advises this “can lead to anaemia and weakening of the bones”.
Please remember: Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and always consult your doctor or take professional advice before taking any supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under medical supervision, have a medical condition, suffer from food allergies or are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Last updated January 2020