Plasma Zinc Levels in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia as Possible Predictors of the Subsequent Conservative Therapy's Effectiveness.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
non-randomized prospective prognostic cohort study
PubMed 32456296 · doi:10.3390/diagnostics10050336
What was done
Forty-eight male patients with androgenetic alopecia (Norwood-Hamilton stages I–IV) received 4 months of 5% topical minoxidil combined with corrections for detected trace element and vitamin imbalances. Baseline genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and micronutrient parameters (Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Se, vitamins B12, E, D, and folic acid) were analyzed as potential predictors of treatment response, assessed by changes in hair density and diameter in parietal and occipital areas.
What was found
Baseline genetic, hormonal, and metabolic parameters showed no differences between patients with positive versus negative treatment outcomes. Among tested nutrients, only baseline plasma zinc differed significantly between outcome groups. A baseline plasma zinc concentration above 10 µmol/L correlated with increases in parietal hair density and diameter. The integral predictive accuracy of baseline zinc level was 72.3%, with a positive predictive value of 88% and a negative predictive value of 55%.
Why it matters
Baseline plasma zinc status may help identify male androgenetic alopecia patients more likely to benefit from combined conservative minoxidil and nutritional therapy.
Limits
The study had a small sample size (48 males) and lacked a control or minoxidil-only comparator group. Because minoxidil was combined with individualized micronutrient supplementation, the isolated effect of minoxidil cannot be determined. Follow-up was limited to 4 months.
Cited by
- supports In a study of 48 males with androgenetic alopecia treated with 5% topical minoxidil, zinc deficiency was the most common predictor of treatment failure or success.