Zinc: who has not heard about its benefits now? It is becoming more and more popular in the age of fascination in a healthy way life, proper nutrition and power sports.

This natural mineral participates in all the most important processes occurring in the human body. But is it safe and can it be taken without consulting a doctor? Let's find out!

Large-scale studies emphasizing the importance of zinc in immune responses began in the 1980s. How vital necessary functions manages zinc in the body?

Benefit

1. Zinc on guard of immunity.

   Today, its important role in the body's immunity is known (it increases cell immunity, increases the number of protective antibodies and stimulates antimicrobial activity), the synthesis of adrenal hormones and sex hormones, and spermatogenesis.

   In addition, zinc relieves colds. Zinc preparations reduce the intensity and duration colds.



2. Zinc for health.

   Zinc is involved in protecting the body from colds, flu, conjunctivitis and other infections. Observations of 100 patients on initial stages colds showed that those who sucked zinc lozenges every 2-3 hours recovered by about 3 days before those whose lozenges contained a placebo. These same cakes can accelerate the healing of herpetic sores and help with sore throats.

   Preliminary studies have shown that the substance may help with cancer, diseases of the central nervous system, diabetes, papillomatosis, kidney disease, leprosy, menopausal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis and sickle cell anemia in adults.

3. Zinc for your skin.

   Another very important point: preparations with zinc are prescribed for skin diseases(dandruff, rashes, eczema), even with psoriasis or dermatitis.

4. Zinc on the guard of blood sugar levels.

   In addition, zinc is contained in a number of other important enzymes, is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis.
   Zinc provides antioxidant protection to the body normalizes blood sugar levels, as it contributes to the production of insulin and is itself a component of it.

5. Zinc on guard of demography

   Zinc deficiency can even lead to male infertility, because the gonads can atrophy, and the genitals are simply underdeveloped if boys lack this element from childhood.

   
   

   By the way, the higher mortality among male newborns is often explained zinc deficiency, therefore, in the first months of pregnancy, this element should be enough in the diet of a woman. Girls need zinc in smaller amounts, but it is also necessary for the growth and overall development of the body.

6. Zinc on guard of pregnancy.

   Zinc is also necessary for the woman herself during pregnancy in order to maintain hormonal balance. Otherwise, her body may not be able to cope with the increased stress, and complications may arise: miscarriage, difficult childbirth, preeclampsia - dangerous disease associated with protein loss.

7. Zinc on guard of beauty.

   Combining with amino acids, zinc is more easily absorbed in the body: it is concentrated in the pituitary gland, retina, liver and pancreas, bones, hair, skin and nails. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, making it more attractive. Regulates secretion sebaceous glands.

8. Zinc on guard of sight.

   Zinc is an element that maintains and improves visual acuity, prevents myopia and allows the eyes to better adapt to the dark.

9. Zinc on guard of peace.

   A very important point: together with B vitamins, zinc regulates the functioning of the nervous system, relieves irritability, improves attention, memory and mood.

10. Zinc on guard of digestion.

    Providing the synthesis of enzymes necessary for normal digestion, zinc helps the body to digest and assimilate food more easily, facilitates the work of the pancreas, promotes the formation of particles that transport fats to the lymph and blood.

In sports

Zinc in sports, especially in bodybuilding, is essential when recruiting muscle mass, as it is part of anabolic hormones, on which the result in bodybuilding largely depends. In addition, scientists have determined that during sports, zinc is consumed in large quantities, and the diet of people involved in sports, as a rule, contains insufficient amounts of zinc.

That is why it is worth taking zinc in the form of supplements and vitamin-mineral complexes.

When studying the cumulative effect of physical activity, scientists found: zinc in plasma is significantly reduced after 5 months of intensive training.

Zinc is essential for hundreds of processes in the body, including maintaining the proper functioning of taste and smell receptors, regulating growth, and accelerating wound healing.

Zinc is an important mineral for people who experience a lot of physical activity. . In the process of exercising, zinc helps cleanse the blood of lactic acid accumulating in it. In addition, zinc supplements (25 mg per day) protect the immune system during periods of intense physical activity.

Daily dose

By eating foods rich in zinc, you can get the amount of zinc you need - for women, this dose is 8 mg per day, and for men - 11 mg.

Zinc: application

Forms of release of zinc

Tablets/Lozenges/Capsules/Liquid/

Features of the use of zinc

• As a general supplement 30 mg in a day.
• For acne - 135 mg per day or 1.2% topical ointment
• At gastrointestinal diseases — 300 mg zinc acexamate per day.
• For taste disorders 100 mg in a day
• With a common cold - 10-23 mg in the form of lozenges every 2 hours, but not more than 150 mg per day. Children should take 10 mg per day or 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight
• For teeth 0.5% zinc citrate.
• Herpes 0.3% zinc ointment
• Take zinc 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after her. If it causes stomach irritation, take it with a low-fiber meal.
• Do not take iron and zinc supplements at the same time
• Take the medicine no earlier than 2 hours after taking antibiotics
• When taking zinc for longer 1 month copper absorption may be impaired, so for every 30 mg of zinc, add 2 mg of copper.

Zinc in products

Foods rich in zinc are! There are a lot of it in beef, pork, liver, poultry meat (especially dark), eggs and seafood (especially oysters). Other sources of zinc include cheese, beans, nuts, and wheat germ, but the element from these foods is more difficult to absorb than from meat. Zinc is found in whole grains. If you have limited your meat intake, then taking a daily multivitamin will help you fill in the nutritional gaps.

Zinc is found in many foods, so it doesn't take much effort to provide your body with this element.

Many plants and products derived from them also contain zinc: these are fruits and berries - citrus fruits, apples, figs, dates, black currant, raspberries; vegetables - asparagus, some types of cabbage, onions, garlic, green leafy vegetables, beets, potatoes, radishes, tomatoes; cereals - brown (brown) rice, oatmeal, buckwheat, barley, wheat bran.
Zinc is found in honey, yeast, nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, legumes, mushrooms, green tea, cocoa, mustard.

The list of products is quite large, but the zinc content in them is sharply reduced, if they are cleaned and processed. So, white rice does not contain zinc, and when heat treatment it breaks down in other products as well. Many plants contain little zinc, as they grow on depleted soils, so it is often not enough in nutrition.

Will zinc help with acne?

In most cases, yes, because zinc improves the functioning of the sebaceous glands, regulates metabolic processes, stabilizes the level of hormones in the blood, removes toxins and substances unnecessary for the body.

Of course, it is imperative to change the diet - in the name of beauty, give up fatty and spicy foods, increase the use of plant foods, cereals, and sour-milk products. And such means as Zinc asset, Zincteral, Zinkit, Vitrum Beauty will help speed up the treatment process.

Precautions in the use of zinc

At overuse zinc may begin serious problems!

Even a completely unbalanced diet cannot provoke a significant excess of zinc. Often the excess of its normal concentration is caused by taking medicines, as well as dietary supplements that contain zinc in their composition.
A clear excess of zinc is observed in patients who took more than 150 mg of zinc per day.

Second probable cause excess zinc in the body is a large amount of zinc entering the body, for example, in the process of contact with trace element compounds in production conditions. In some cases, the packaging of certain beverages and foods may pose a hazard. Thus, cases of zinc poisoning have been recorded as a result of eating food that was stored in zinc or galvanized containers.

Excessive intake of zinc can also be harmful. In this case, it is possible to lower the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and, as a result, increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, an excessive amount of zinc over an extended period of time can lead to a violation of the mineral balance and cause changes in substances involved in calcium metabolism: calcitonin, a hormone that increases calcium stores in bones and osteocalcin, an essential protein needed to strengthen bones.

Symptoms of excess zinc:

1. Decreased functioning of the immune system, development of autoimmune reactions;
2. pathological conditions nails, skin, hair;
3. pain in the stomach, nausea;
4. lowering the level of cadmium, copper, iron in the body;
5. violations of the liver, pancreas, prostate;
6. pressing chest pain, dry cough;
7. chills, drowsiness.

Flaw

The lack of such an important element in the body, of course, will not go unnoticed! With zinc deficiency, various lesions of the skin and mucous membranes occur - dermatitis, baldness, parakeratosis. In children, growth is delayed, dwarfism may develop, and puberty may be delayed.

Nervous and mental illness: confusion, depression, symptoms of epilepsy and schizophrenia, impaired vision, hearing, taste perception.

With a lack of zinc, the composition of the blood worsens: red blood cells live less - anemia occurs and clotting is disturbed. The immune status of the body is reduced, because lymphocytes - immune cells - also become smaller.

What is going on? Why is there not enough zinc in the body?

The answer is simple: no matter how much we need zinc, not all of it is absorbed, but only half or even a third of it, and the lion's share is quickly excreted under the influence various factors: diseases, stress, stress, lifestyle, bad habits etc.

Given that the content of zinc in many products today is below the norm, it becomes clear why we often experience a lack of it. Lack of zinc can be associated with protein deficiency, dysbacteriosis, kidney disease, overdose of other elements - for example, calcium or selenium, that is, there are a lot of reasons.

Can you stop it? Undoubtedly! Hypocincosis (zinc deficiency in orgasm) often develops with a diet consisting mainly of unleavened bread made from whole wheat, rich in phytin and fiber. Yeast and those reactions that occur due to them in a regular test make zinc more available for absorption by the body. So do not get carried away with all these fitness breads, very often they do one harm!

Zinc deficiency occurs when dietary levels of calcium, phosphorus, and phytic acid are high, which contribute to the development of zinc deficiency in the body. Foods high in acidic foods can also contribute to a negative zinc balance.

Interesting results were shown by one scientific experiment: If your job/sport requires increased stamina and your diet is high in carbohydrates and low in protein and fat, you may be at risk of zinc deficiency, which can lead to too much weight loss, increased fatigue and bad results.

Deficiency symptoms

Signs of zinc deficiency in the body:

1. skin manifestations, acne;
2. nails become thin, brittle, nail plates ah, old spots may appear;
3. hair also becomes brittle and falls out easily;
4. the work of the immune system worsens, i.e. increased susceptibility to infections;
5. wounds heal slowly;
6. nervous system disorders: fatigue and irritability;
7. the ability to concentrate attention decreases, memory worsens;
8. a large number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, can be associated with zinc deficiency, multiple sclerosis, dementia, depression, etc. By the way, zinc supplements help prevent Alzheimer's disease;
9. complications of pregnancy, such as toxicosis, miscarriage, premature birth in addition, due to zinc deficiency, the growth and development of the fetus may be impaired;
10. perversion of the perception of taste and smell during pregnancy (this phenomenon can occur in anyone with reduced content this trace element in the body, and not only in expectant mothers);
11. inflammatory diseases joints;
12. malignant tumors develop much faster;
13. growth retardation, sexual and mental development in children;
14. poor appetite, reduced body weight;
15. poor performance.

Vitamins containing zinc

1. Vitamins with zinc and selenium

The complex of these minerals is taken to prevent cancer, to improve the functioning of the heart and the immune system. In addition, these microelements will help restore the body after prolonged alcohol intake, smoking, and living in environmentally unfavorable areas.

Bioactive Selenium + Zinc;
Complivit Selenium;
multivitamins Perfectil;
multivitamins Vitrum Beauty;
Vitrum Forize;
Selmevit.

2. Vitamins combined with calcium and zinc

These vitamins have a general strengthening effect, normalize metabolic processes, blood clotting, regulate the functioning of the nervous system and the contractile activity of skeletal muscles, stabilize sleep, eliminate pain in muscles and joints, maintain normal performance blood pressure. Zinc and calcium compounds help improve the condition of hair and nail plates, refresh skin color.
Marine calcium with zinc;
multivitamins Alphabet;
multivitamins Supradin;
multivitamins Vitrum Beauty.

3. Vitamins calcium magnesium zinc

Complex most essential minerals for the body. Calcium serves as a prevention of diseases of bones, teeth, is involved in the processes of blood clotting. Magnesium lowers the excitability of the nervous system, provides muscle function and takes part in enzyme reactions. Zinc is responsible for strong immunity, without it normal absorption of retinol and folic acid is impossible.

Supercalcium with magnesium, zinc and vitamins;
Complivit magnesium;
Vitrum Beauty;
Vitrum Osteomag;
Gravinova.

4. Vitamin E and zinc

A combination of two antioxidants that are used for slow growth and development of a child, for reproductive and sexual disorders, for dermatological problems, allergies, and liver diseases. Such a combination of properties is very useful for improving the condition of hair, skin, for better healing of wound surfaces, as well as for supporting the body in diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic poisoning.




Stone oil with zinc and vitamin E (Sashera-Med);
Alphabet;
Duovit;
Polivit;
Centrum.

5. Vitamins with copper and zinc

Ultimate;
Multi-Tabs Active;
Supradin;
Maevit.

6. Vitamin C plus zinc

The most common combination, which is massively recommended to be taken during the period of the flu and colds. Ascorbic acid in combination with zinc will make immune system practically invulnerable.




Evalar Zinc + vitamin C;
Zinc Lozenge (lozenges);
Blueberry Forte with vitamins and zinc;
Doppelhertz active;
Dubis.

7. Zinc and vitamin B6

Most effective complex to improve metabolism - carbohydrate, protein and fat. This combination is often used as additional method treatment of obese patients, diabetes, violations eating behavior etc. In addition, vitamin B6 calms and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.

MagneZi B6;
Doppelgerz Active;
Centrum;
Stressstabs + zinc;
Prenamin.

8. Vitamins with zinc for hair

This complex is used in cases where a person lacks any substances, which makes appearance hair unattractive. Hair becomes hard, brittle, dull, greasy, begins to fall out, exfoliate, etc. Hair begins to experience a kind of hunger - nutrition and oxygen are supplied to them in insufficient quantities. Vitamins for normal growth hair are considered vit. A, B5, B6, C, E, F, folic acid. Minerals such as zinc and selenium also play a significant role. Complex impact listed substances allows for short time restore the hair structure and renew their nutrition.

Alphabet Biorhythm;
Vitrum Beauty;
Multifort;
Centrum.

All the beauty and remember: our life and a happy future are in our hands! Don't neglect it.

. - S. 7-9.

UDC 340.64: ​​572.524.2

Department of Forensic Medicine (Head - Associate Professor B.I. Sokolov) and Department of Biological Chemistry (Head - Prof. G.A. Babenko) of the Ivano-Frankivsk Medical Institute

Received on January 28, 1965

bibliographic description:
The relationship between hair color, sex and the content of trace elements in hair / Shabelnik D.Ya. // Forensic-medical examination. - M., 1966. - No. 1. - S. 7-9.

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During recent years works on the study of hair using emission spectral analysis appeared in the forensic literature (A.K. Tumanov and A.A. Rozanov, 1959; E.F. Kolokoltsev, 1959; A.P. Zagryadskaya and E.F. Kolokoltsev, 1961; Ya. A. Mikhailovsky, 1964). There is evidence that the content of copper, manganese and iron in black hair is higher than in light hair (A.O. Voinar, 1953; Dutcher and Rothman. 1951; Anke and Schneider, 1962; Cotzias et al., 1964).

However, Saccardi and Giuliani (1935), Goss and Green (1955) consider that in blonde hair contains more copper than black.

In carrying out this work, we set ourselves the goal of studying the absolute content of manganese, lead, titanium and silver in three shades of hair of the inhabitants of the Carpathian region and identifying the relationship between the content of these trace elements in hair, hair color and sex.

We examined 587 hair samples, of which 144 dark blond, 101 blond and 55 light blond male hair samples and 98 dark blond, 98 blond and 91 light blond female hair samples.

The content of trace elements was determined in the ashes of the samples by the emission spectral method on an ISP-22 spectrograph. The ash was mixed with spectrally pure coal powder in a ratio of 2:1, and 30 mg of the resulting mixture was burned in an alternating current arc in closed electrodes according to the method of G.O. Babenko (1961). For each sample, 2 parallel combustions were carried out. The spectra were photographed on transparencies with emulsin photosensitivity of 0.7 units. The intensity of spectral line blackening was measured with an MF-2 microphotometer. To interpret the spectrograms, calibration curves were built according to 4 standards on a natural basis obtained from hair. To prepare the base from the ashes of hair of 7 primary colors, 0.01 mg were weighed from males and females of all ages studied. The ash mixture was repeatedly extracted hydrochloric acid in a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 hours. The insoluble residue was dried. Heavy metals were precipitated from the hydrochloric acid extract with H2S (pH 30); then, to remove traces of trace elements in trace elements, the resulting filtrate was treated with a 4% solution of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate. Metal diethyldithiocarbamate was extracted into CCl 4 . The organic phase was removed. The metal-free hydrochloric acid extract was evaporated to dryness, calcined, and mixed with the HCl-insoluble residue previously obtained in a Soxhlet apparatus. Traces of elements remaining in the base were determined by the method of additions.

Table 1

The amount of trace elements (in%) added to the hair base

The amounts of trace elements included in the base are given in table. 1.

The results of the research are presented in table. 2.

As can be seen from Table. 2, in women maximum amount manganese is found in dark- fair hair; as you move to light colors the manganese content decreases. The average content of manganese in men's hair is less than in women's. But here, too, the maximum amount of it was contained in dark blond hair and the smallest - in light blond.

table 2

Mean micronutrient data (in mg%) in hair 1 (M±m)

1 In the denominator are the limits of fluctuations.

The content of titanium in the hair of the studied tones is significantly lower than that of manganese and lead. The largest number it is found in male and female hair dark blond color, and in this group, the difference in the content of titanium in the hair of both sexes is almost absent. in blond and light brown hair the difference between the content of titanium in women and men is very small.

Of all the microelements studied, 186 to 128 mg% of copper was found in light brown hair of all shades, with more of it contained in women's hair and less in men's; more in dark blond, less in light blond.

Detected quantitative differences in the content of trace elements in hair various shades undoubtedly indicate that chemical composition hair depends on metabolic processes in the body. People with darker shades of hair color have higher levels of manganese, lead, titanium, copper and silver than people with hair light colors. This gives grounds to assume that some trace elements are related to the formation of melanin. So, manganese takes Active participation in the final phase of auto-oxidative processes during the formation of melanin.

We found lead in all the studied hair samples, while some authors (E.F. Kolokoltsev, 1959; A.P. Zagryadskaya and E.F. Kolokoltsev, 1961) believe that in ordinary human hair not treated with a reducing agent, lead not contained.

There are indications in the literature that more than 6 elements are involved in the formation of hair pigment, the type and quantity of which determine one or another hair color. Combinations of these elements and their quantitative ratio can lead to various color shades. However, the basic hair color always depends on the content of certain elements: white - from nickel, yellow - from titanium, red - from molybdenum, black - from copper, cobalt and iron (Kikkawa, 1956).

Our data on copper content in hair healthy people coincide with the data of most authors involved in the study of hair.

conclusions

1. More manganese, lead, titanium, copper and silver are found in dark blond hair, decreasing as they move to light shades.
2. Women's hair contains more manganese and copper, and less lead, silver and titanium than men's.

From the editor. The usefulness of using lead as an indicator of the sex of hair is debatable. It is known that lead in bones and teeth different people distributed very unevenly, accumulating with age; its concentration varies widely depending on the contact of a person with it in everyday life, at work, etc.

The hair shaft is 80% protein, so our diet must contain enough of it to provide the hair follicle with this building material.

Proteins of animal origin are preferred - they contain essential amino acids that are not synthesized in the body. Meat and fish must be included in the daily diet. Fruits and vegetables will contribute to the prevention of hypovitaminosis, and nuts, dried fruits and cereals - microelement disorders. Useful for hair and scalp and polyunsaturated fatty acids: in in large numbers they are found in fish oil (fatty varieties of fish - salmon, halibut). Deficiency of essential fatty acids plays important role in the development of dermatitis of the scalp and hair loss. Hair loss due to deficiency conditions occurs from the entire surface of the scalp (diffuse hair loss), the hair shaft can become dry and thin, and in some cases the color of the hair changes, since melanocytes also suffer from a lack of essential fatty acids. The imbalance of these nutrients is most often nutritional in nature and is most common among those who consume insufficient amounts of fish oil and red meat. The most important among all essential fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids (derivatives of linoleic acid, present in red meat and vegetables) and omega-6 fatty acids (derivatives of alpha-linolenic acid, present in oily fish and seafood). Taking omega-3 and 6 fatty acids pronounced effect with hair loss and flaking of the scalp resulting from a deficiency of these fatty acids. It is also necessary to consume with food minimal amount cholesterol, which is part of cell membranes and promotes cell division.

For hair health, the main trace elements are also important - iron, selenium, zinc, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese and silicon.

One of the main leaders among trace elements, the lack of which can affect the condition of the hair, is iron. With a lack of this element, the hair splits, becomes dry, loses its luster and falls out. Iron deficiency in most cases is observed in women, because a woman loses iron every month during menstruation, iron is consumed during pregnancy and childbirth, and uncontrolled diets and now widespread vegetarianism can cause anemia - a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood. It is worth noting that diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, and especially latent iron deficiency, is not always easy - its symptoms are not very specific, often it is hair loss that causes iron levels in the body to be checked. The source of iron is mainly animal products - liver, red meat, kidneys. The iron found in these foods is called "heme iron" because it is similar in structure to the iron found in hemoglobin. Heme iron is absorbed almost completely. “Non-heme iron” comes from rice, bread, broccoli, beans, spinach, it is absorbed much worse, which is why vegetarians are at the main risk group for iron deficiency. The absorption of iron depends on other components of the diet. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption, and calcium (dairy products), bran, tea can reduce iron absorption. Those at risk for iron deficiency also include those who consume large amounts of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks. Caffeine impairs iron absorption and may contribute to or exacerbate existing iron deficiency.

Another micronutrient that affects hair health is copper. Copper is essential for the absorption of iron. Copper deficiency may indirectly contribute to diffuse hair loss by reducing iron absorption. The lack of this trace element in the diet can also directly affect the quality of the hair. The hair fiber becomes thinner and more brittle, and the hair growth stage is shortened.

Another important micronutrient zinc. Zinc is essential in the production of hair fiber, and zinc deficiency leads to diffuse hair loss on the head and body. Vegetarians are especially often deficient in zinc, since the main source is meat and fish. The lack of this trace element can also be observed in people with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It should be noted that chelated zinc compounds are absorbed much more easily and are better tolerated than inorganic zinc compounds, for example. zinc sulfate.

It is recommended to prophylactically take multivitamin complexes containing high doses of B vitamins, biotin, amino acids. This will help in many cases to prevent hair loss or reduce its intensity.

The B vitamins include several vitamins that are similar in their molecular structure and activity. This group includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), niacin (nicotinic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), folic acid, pantothenic acid, and biotin. Of these, biotin is probably the most important for hair follicle function.

Biotin deficiency can cause inflammation of the scalp, dermatitis, which in turn can cause chronic hair loss. Taking biotin for 2-3 months has been noted to help resolve scalp inflammation resistant to other treatments.

Thiamine and other B vitamins are, first of all, coenzymes of the most important enzymes that ensure the functioning of the cell, especially mitochondria. Mitochondria are the main intracellular organelles that produce energy molecules, ATP. Hair follicle cells are very a high degree metabolic activity. They are one of the most active cells in the body. This exceptional level of activity leads to the fact that the hair follicles become especially sensitive to energy deficiency. Various amino acids are also included in the complexes. L - cysteine ​​- a natural sulfur-containing amino acid, the structural basis of keratin, is found in large quantities in the hair shaft - 15.9%. There are known pathologies of the hair shaft and types of alopecia associated with L-cysteine ​​deficiency (trichothiodystrophy, HIV-associated alopecia). Another very important amino acid is L-lysine, a person receives it mainly from meat food; in this regard, people who do not receive enough animal protein may experience an imbalance of this amino acid. Scientists have found that L-lysine plays an extremely important role in the absorption of iron and zinc. 1.5-2.0 g of this amino acid contributes to more prompt termination hair loss in people with iron deficiency. It should be noted that in order to achieve a greater effect, L-lysine is recommended to be taken together with zinc and iron preparations.

However, one should not assume that dietary supplements and multivitamins are a panacea. Trichologists prefer not to prescribe polymicroelement preparations, since there is a certain antagonism between the elements that make up the complex. Trace elements are preferably taken when their deficiency in the body is detected, taking into account the principles of the interaction of microelements with each other. For example, analyzes revealed a lack of zinc in the body and an excess of copper. Taking a multivitamin containing copper and zinc at the same time will aggravate the condition: there will be even more copper, and less zinc. If the intake of microelement complexes is of a prophylactic nature, then one should opt for those that take into account the principles of synergy and antagonism of the constituent microelements.

Hair loss can also be associated with diets, which women often resort to. Adipose tissue a woman has not just an unaesthetic and unnecessary, according to many, tissue, but an organ that performs a hormonal function. If a woman loses 10% of body weight, not suffering from obesity, but striving for the ideals imposed now, then this, as a rule, leads to protein deficiency and an imbalance of minerals. Prolonged alimentary imbalance can contribute to the occurrence of acute and chronic diffuse hair loss: hair follicle cells have a very high rate of division, which requires adequate supply of protein, microelements, vitamins, in addition, follicles are sensitive to energy deficiency. Hair loss usually begins a few months after the start of the diet and may persist for several months after the diet is completed.

In order for the hair to receive sufficient nutrition, during each meal, you should eat foods rich in vitamins, dietary fiber and proteins, minerals, carbohydrates and trace elements. It must be remembered that in the event of long-term failures in proper nutrition hair can lose its beauty, begin to fall out, become lifeless and dull, with split ends.

Copper (Cu) It is an important essential trace element necessary for normal human life. Copper is needed for correct operation nervous system and brain, metabolism, for the production of red blood cells and the production of hemoglobin.

Determining the level of copper content is especially relevant in the diagnosis of congenital pathologies, as well as occupational or environmentally conditioned diseases.

Hair analysis often carried out to diagnose a violation of the metabolism of a trace element or intoxication of the body with copper. Hair has good information content, is an easily accessible biomaterial, can be stored for a long time, and their collection is painless.

Deficiency and excess of copper in the body

Deficiency in the body of copper contributes to the fact that iron absorption and hemoglobin synthesis are disturbed, anemia develops. Failures are observed in the work of the central nervous system and, a disorder of functions occurs thyroid gland, lipid metabolism disorders, etc. In adolescents, delayed sexual development can be diagnosed, in the fertile period in women, a lack of copper becomes one of the causes of infertility.

Excess copper content in the body is fraught with disruption of the central nervous system, liver,. In hereditary Wilson-Konovalov syndrome, an excess of copper leads to cirrhosis of the liver and brain damage. In addition, individuals diagnosed with excess copper are prone to , anemia, the development of atherosclerosis, memory impairment and depressive states. The toxic dose, life-threatening, is 250 mg of copper per day.

Analysis method

Two months before the analysis, hair coloring and perming should be excluded. You should come to the biomaterial collection with clean hair.

For long hair, a few strands are enough. They are taken from different sites heads. If the hair is short, they cut off approximately 5 g. In the absence of hair on the head, use hair from other parts of the body, and it must be indicated from which specifically.

After the hair arrives at the laboratory, it is degreased with ether and dissolved. The analysis is carried out by the method AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy). AAS is a quantitative analysis method based on the resonant absorption of light by copper atoms.

Analysis results

The copper content in human hair is considered normal in the range from 10 to 25 mcg/g. This takes into account the age of the subject. As a rule, with increasing age, the amount of copper in the hair decreases. The content of the microelement is also characterized by gender: the indicator for women is higher than for men. If the content is above the norm, this means that the body is being poisoned. In addition, deviations from the norm can indicate congenital diseases that can be transmitted genetically.

A reliable conclusion based on the results of research can only be done by a doctor.

Copper in hair is a laboratory test to determine the amount of copper in a hair sample.

Russian synonyms

Hair analysis for copper content.

English synonyms

Copper Hair Test, Cu hair analysis.

Units

µg/g dry weight (micrograms of copper per gram of dry hair weight).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

How to properly prepare for research?

• If you are using recovery tools natural color hair (Antisedin, Stopsedin, Reparex, Dimexide), then it is advisable to conduct a study 3 months after their last use. similar situation should be discussed with the doctor who prescribes the study.
• Dyed hair can be used for analysis at least 2 months after dyeing.
• 10-14 days before giving a hair sample for analysis, it is necessary to stop using anti-dandruff products, medicated shampoos, gels, balms.
• Hair must be washed and dried thoroughly before cutting.

General information about the study

Copper is the most abundant trace element in the human body after zinc and iron. She takes part in many metabolic processes human body, and therefore is a vital trace element. Copper is part of the enzymes and proteins involved in the processes of hematopoiesis (iron metabolism and hemoglobin synthesis), in the formation of connective tissue collagen, the formation of myelin, the main protein of the insulating sheath of nerve fibers. In addition, copper is involved in the catabolism (destruction) of some biologically active substances - norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin. Since copper ions are a source of free radicals, free copper in the human body is contained in negligible amounts, and most of it binds in the liver with special proteins, the main of which is ceruloplasmin, and in this form enters the tissues. The highest content of copper is observed in the liver and muscles.

Like many other trace elements, copper in the hair follicle is irreversibly incorporated into growing hair, without further exchange with other tissues. The amount of copper that is included in the hair is proportional to its concentration in other body tissues per this moment. In addition, if subsequently the concentration of a microelement in the blood can change under the influence of homeostatic mechanisms, the level of copper in the hair will remain the same. Therefore, the level of a microelement in the hair can reflect an excess, deficiency or improper distribution of the element in the body.

Congenital defects in copper metabolism are accompanied by severe disorders in the body: Menkes disease (impaired absorption of copper in the intestine) is characterized by growth retardation and damage to the nervous system, Wilson-Konovalov disease (impaired binding of copper to ceruloplasmin and its excretion with bile) is accompanied by accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. brain and toxic damage to these organs. Manifestations of acquired copper deficiency include neutropenia, anemia, osteoporosis, various bone and joint lesions, cardiac abnormalities, and neurological symptoms. Excess copper can cause signs of poisoning - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

What is research used for?

As a screening test for suspected pathological conditions due to impaired copper metabolism, including hereditary defects and chronic poisoning. Also as part of a comprehensive examination if there is a suspicion of an imbalance in providing the body with microelements.

Retrospective diagnosis - when the levels of copper in the blood and urine have already returned to normal, an area with an increased content of the trace element will remain in the hair. This makes it possible to identify, for example, the fact of copper poisoning, when there is no longer contact with the metal, and its levels in the blood and other biological fluids have returned to normal.

When is the study scheduled?

On initial stage diagnosis of disorders of copper metabolism.

What do the results mean?

• An increase may indicate a high level of copper in the body (including chronic poisoning, hereditary diseases with the accumulation of excess copper in the body), but may also be due to external contamination of the hair.
• A decrease can characterize a persistent copper deficiency, which is most often due to dietary habits, and also occurs in diabetes mellitus.

Serum copper

copper in urine

ceruloplasmin

Basic essential (vital) and toxic trace elements (13 indicators)

Who orders the study?

Therapist, pediatrician, gastroenterologist, neurologist, occupational pathologist.

Literature

Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, 23e by Richard A. McPherson MD MSc (Author), Matthew R. Pincus MD PhD (Author). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, 2016. Pages 424–425.

Clinical laboratory diagnostics: national guidelines: in 1 vol. - T. I / Ed. V. V. Dolgova, V. V. Menshikov. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2012. S. 248-249.