BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2014 Mar 16. pii: S0946-672X(14)00021-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.03.003. [Epub ahead of print]
BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
Ozturk P1, Kurutas E2, Ataseven A3, Dokur N4, Gumusalan Y5, Gorur A6, Tamer L7, Inaloz S8.

OBJECTIVE:
Male pattern androgenetic alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss from the scalp. It is known that imbalances of some trace elements play a role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of zinc and copper in hair, serum and urine samples of Turkish males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and to compare with healthy controls.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
116 males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and 100 controls were involved in this study.
RESULTS:
Levels of zinc and copper in hair were decreased significantly in the patients (p<0.05), although zinc and copper levels of serum and urine were not different between patients and controls (p>0.05). Body mass index of patients were higher than control group. In addition, in the group with body mass index of 25 and lower zinc level in hair and urine, copper level in serum were significantly higher (p<0.05). Body mass index was negatively correlated with hair zinc levels.
CONCLUSION:
We thought that decreased zinc and copper levels in hair may play a role in the etiology of male pattern androgenetic alopecia. In addition, obesity by making changes in the balance of the trace elements in hair, serum and urine may play a role in male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Hence, assessing the levels of trace elements in hair of male pattern androgenetic alopecia patients may be more valuable compared to serum and urine for treatment planning.

Since both minerals are relevant, a decent balance can be found with something this.

http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Zinc-Balance-100-Capsules/278

what do you think the most accurate way of assessing copper levels is CS?

NYJets wrote:what do you think the most accurate way of assessing copper levels is CS?

I've asked this before and no one could answer it but is the Spectracell test accurate?

http://www.spectracell.com/patients/patient-micronutrient-testing/

I've seen some doctor's say they aren't convinced there is much value to it.

http://chriskresser.com/adrenal-fatigue-glutathione-status-and-rheumatoid-arthritis

"I’m not certain of the validity of the NutraVal or Spectracell micronutrient tests."

-Chris Kresser

I'm guessing serum levels or a hair test could measure it.

CausticSymmetry wrote:J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2014 Mar 16. pii: S0946-672X(14)00021-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.03.003. [Epub ahead of print]
BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
Ozturk P1, Kurutas E2, Ataseven A3, Dokur N4, Gumusalan Y5, Gorur A6, Tamer L7, Inaloz S8.

OBJECTIVE:
Male pattern androgenetic alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss from the scalp. It is known that imbalances of some trace elements play a role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of zinc and copper in hair, serum and urine samples of Turkish males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and to compare with healthy controls.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
116 males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and 100 controls were involved in this study.
RESULTS:
Levels of zinc and copper in hair were decreased significantly in the patients (p<0.05), although zinc and copper levels of serum and urine were not different between patients and controls (p>0.05). Body mass index of patients were higher than control group. In addition, in the group with body mass index of 25 and lower zinc level in hair and urine, copper level in serum were significantly higher (p<0.05). Body mass index was negatively correlated with hair zinc levels.
CONCLUSION:
We thought that decreased zinc and copper levels in hair may play a role in the etiology of male pattern androgenetic alopecia. In addition, obesity by making changes in the balance of the trace elements in hair, serum and urine may play a role in male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Hence, assessing the levels of trace elements in hair of male pattern androgenetic alopecia patients may be more valuable compared to serum and urine for treatment planning.

Since both minerals are relevant, a decent balance can be found with something this.

http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Zinc-Balance-100-Capsules/278

Hi CS (and everyone)

Wanted to ask why hair levels are low but serum and urine levels are OK - what causes that? Would it not imply that we're getting enough, but that it's not getting to where it's needed?

Thanks!

Seems like a topical zinc copper formula would be great??

It's easier to test for zinc for example: Testing for a zinc deficiency is as simple as taking a sip of zinc sulfate. If there's no apparent taste to the zinc sulfate, you're deficient and should supplement. If the zinc sulfate tastes metallic, or begins to after supplementation, you’re now have sufficient zinc.

Copper is much more complicated. It requires a number of tests or (a knowledge of medical history) to really understand if an imbalance exists.

For example, those who thrive on higher protein (fast oxidizers generally require more copper. However, those who thrive on more of plant based diet (especially vegans or slow oxidizers) usually have an excess of copper.

How well copper is transported depends on the availability of copper binding proteins such as ceruloplasmin and metallothionein.

A hair analysis can be more accurate than blood testing, however it too is not enough. Other factors have to be considered.

Brian Clement is a big proponent of the Spectracell test. It's covered in part by insurance. Some holistic doctors in my area use it and others don't. Like I said before, Chris Kresser isn't convinced and Mercola doesn't mention it on his website. I'm trying to find a trusted, impartial 3rd party to say it's legit before I spend $400 on it. I did it years ago and found low zinc and B12. If you get off of all supplements for a few months, take the Spectracell and find out you only need a little zinc or B12 then you can save a lot of money in the long run even if you retest every year or two.

http://www.therealtruthabouthealth.com/interviews/moreinfo/interview/display/_/8458#9311
http://www.hippocrateshealthlifestyle.com/2681/nutritional-supplements-tips/

Paul Jaminet mentions it here in the comments section and he's specifically talking about copper and iron.

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2010/12/micronutrient-deficiencies-an-underappreciated-cause-of-hypothyroidism/

http://www.spectracell.com/patients/patient-micronutrient-testing/

Anybody have any opinions on it?

Tim Ferriss uses it as well. He says Lance Armstrong used it.

http://fourhourworkweek.com/gear/

averagejoe001 wrote:]
Hi CS (and everyone)

Wanted to ask why hair levels are low but serum and urine levels are OK - what causes that? Would it not imply that we're getting enough, but that it's not getting to where it's needed?

Thanks!

Bump.. anyone?

Doing some research on my very low hair copper levels and less-than-optimal hair zinc levels and came across this. +1 for this study.

CS, looking at the following link below which explains the liver's function, the liver metabolizes T4 to T3 and makes nutrients bio-available could AGA be a result of the liver not correctly functioning properly??? Maybe heavy metals hampering the livers function????

http://www.anzltr.org/theLiver/your-liver-questions.html