External signs of a possible micronutrient deficiency:

• skin: dry, oily, inflammation, pigmentation disorders, warts, photosensitivity, age spots, inflammation, cellulite
• Hair: brittle, dull, grey, loss
• nails: brittle, spotty, brittle, soft

Which micronutrient deficiencies lead to which symptoms on skin, hair and nails?

• iron deficiency: dry skin, rhagades (cracks in particularly dry skin), paleness, brittle nails, hair loss, susceptibility to infections
• vitamin C deficiency: skin bleeding, insufficient collagen formation, bleeding gums, loosening of teeth (cf. scurvy)
• copper deficiency: Depigmentation, spiral-shaped hair, impaired wound healing, deterioration of iron absorption, disturbance in tissue structure
• vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency: Pellagra (dermatitis with hyperpigmentation and skin atrophy)
• zinc deficiency: skin inflammation, hyperkeratosis (keratinization of the skin), acne, susceptibility to infections, dry, flaky skin (acroderamatitis enteropathica)
• biotin deficiency: Depigmentation, alopecia, brittle nails, hair loss, flaky skin, especially at body orifices (similar to zinc deficiency)

THE SKIN

• The skin is the largest and heaviest organ of the human body (approx. 2 m²), it makes up almost 15% of the body weight (~ 10 kg).
• Over a length of 6-8 meters, the intestine or intestinal mucusskin one of the largest contact surfaces with the outside world. It is a selective and effective filter (cf. tight junctions / nutrient absorption / immune system) → intact intestinal mucosa = positive regulation of skin and mucous membranes!
• The epidermis renews itself every 30 days in young people and every 60 days in older people. Around 80 billion cells are replaced in the process, which shed as horny cells (horny cells are the final differentiation stage of skin cells). 14 grams of dead cell material ("house dust") are produced every day - and billions of intestinal mucosal cells are renewed every hour.
• There are close connections between the skin and the internal organs of the body.

Functions of the skin:

• protective function (barrier between the inside of the body and the outside world)
  • mechanical (injury, irritation, impact)
  • physical (cold, heat, melanin pigment formation in UV radiation)
  • chemical (protection against chemical toxic substances/acid protection)
  • biological (bacterial flora)
• immune organ (protection against germs and allergens)
• Regulation of water balance and absorption of active ingredients
• sensory perception
  • temperatures
  • sense of touch
• communication (Human Appearance)
  • Psychological communication organ (“mirror of health/soul”)
  • body odor via scent glands
• regulation of body temperature (blood circulation and sweating)
• hormone producer (vitamin D synthesis)

structure of the skin

• epidermis (top layer of skin)
  • Despite the small thickness of the epidermis (0.1 - 0.7 mm), five layers can be distinguished. These are located on a basement membrane, which in turn borders on the dermis. The latter penetrates it with small, regular protrusions, the so-called papillae.
  • There are no blood vessels in the epidermis itself - it is nourished by diffusion from the underlying dermis.
  • The epidermis consists of a multilayered, keratinized squamous epithelium. Where the stratum corneum is very thin, the blood shines through from below in a bright pink color.
• dermis (sclera, corium)
  • The dermis consists of a strong network of supple connective tissue fibers and gives the skin the necessary strength and elasticity.
  • It also contains nerves, blood and lymph vessels.
  • It is usually 1 - 2 mm thick and consists of two layers: the papillary body (stratum papillare) and an underlying, fibrous connective tissue layer called the reticular layer (stratum reticulare).
  • It contains larger nerves, blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
  • The largest water reservoir in the body is located in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. About 1/3 of all fluid collects here.
  • There are about 100 sweat glands, up to 40 sebaceous glands, about 200 pain receptors, about 100 receptors for the perception of pressure, 12 for Cold- and 2 for heat reports.
  • Also important components of the immune system are present in the dermis: T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, plasma and mast cells.
• subcutaneous tissue (subcutaneous fat)
  • The subcutaneous tissue serves to attach the skin to the underlying tissue; that is, it is the link between the body and its outer covering.
  • What is characteristic of this layer of skin is the abundance of fatty tissue, which can sometimes reach a thickness of 15 cm or more - especially on the abdominal skin.
  • A muscle, bone, cartilage or other organ is then attached to the subcutaneous tissue and is attached with large fiber bundles.

Which micronutrients are particularly relevant for the skin?

• vitamin A
  • Important for the structure and function of the skin
  • Improves collagen formation, regulates cell differentiation and keratinization of the skin
  • Protects against cell damage as an antioxidant
  • Activates genes that particularly reduce the risk of light-induced tumors
  • Deficiency leads to dry skin with hyperkeratosis (increased keratinization of the skin) and hair loss
  • Can have a positive effect on acne and psoriasis
  • dosage recommendation
    • preventive (DGE 2000): Men: 1.0 mg, Women: 0.8 mg
    • therapeutic (Pauling 1986): 6.0 mg (men & women)
• gamma-linolenic acid (e.g. in hemp seed oil contain)
  • Is incorporated into the membranes and maintains their fluidity
  • Binds moisture
  • Reduces inflammatory mediators (high doses of the omega-6 fatty acids linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid as well as the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid inhibit the pro-inflammatory (= inflammation-promoting) arachidonic acid, which is contained in relevant quantities in meat, for example)
  • Therapeutic dosage: 2-4 g gamma-linolenic acid per day; effect after about 3 months of therapy (long-term therapy recommended)
• beta-carotene
  • antioxidant
  • Accelerates tanning of the skin by increasing skin pigmentation
  • Reduction of skin redness (erythema intensity)
  • UV light absorber (photoprotective according to sun protection factor 2)
• zinc
  • Zinc deficiency reduces vitamin A availability
  • Has an antimicrobial effect (e.g. against Staphylococcus aureus, Pityrosporium orbiculare and Propione bacteria, which produce acne-promoting free fatty acids)
  • Reduces sebum secretion (fewer pimples)
  • Can inhibit the replication of herpes viruses
  • Proven in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo
  • Faster wound healing
  • Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase activity of the skin à less conversion of testosterone into pore-clogging (comedogenic) dihydrotestosterone
  • Therapeutic use especially for acne and neurodermatitis:
    • acne
      • Influence on testosterone metabolism by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase and inhibiting sebum production; effect on inflammatory processes
      • Typical dosage recommendations:
        • Acute: 30-50 mg/day
        • Duration: 15 mg/day
    • neurodermatitis
      • Effect on the inflammatory process, support of lipid synthesis in the epidermis, suspected effect on itching
      • Typical dosage recommendations: 40-45 mg/day

Relevant micronutrients regardingAesthetics / skin aging and their typical dosages:

• hemp seed oil → moisture / 1-2 g per day
• vitamin B9 (folic acid) → Pigment disorders / 400 mcg per day
• beta-carotene → Sunscreen / 15-30 mg per day
• amino acids-Complex → Regeneration
• vitamin C → Collagen building / 500- 2000 mg per day
• vitamin E → Cell membrane protection / 400-1000 IU per day
• vitamin B complex → Regeneration (especially biotin improves keratin structure)
• coenzyme Q10 → Building, strength / 30-100 mg per day
• vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) → wound healing, moisture / 10-20 mg per day
• Phytoestrogens such as Ashwagandha / for hormone-related skin aging during menopause / 60 mg per day
• zinc à Oxidation protection à Wrinkles and age spots / 15-30 mg per day
• OPC from grape seed extract → strong antioxidant effect of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC); good against fine Wrinkles and couperose (vasodilation, which is noticeable through redness in the face and décolleté)
• Green tea: the polyphenols in tea are called catechins. Epigallo-catechin gallate has an antioxidant effect that is around 100 times stronger than vitamin C, for example in relation to fibroblasts (the main component of connective tissue) and keratinocytes (cells of the epidermis that produce the horny substance keratin). In addition, NF-kB and interleukin-6 (involved in inflammatory processes) are inhibited in keratinocytes.

Micronutrients for typical skin diseases:

• acne
  • Collective term for diseases of the sebaceous gland apparatus and hair follicles, which initially produce non-inflammatory blackheads (comedones), but which later on can also give rise to a series of inflammatory, pathological skin changes (efflorescences) such as papules (nodules of < 1 cm diameter), pustules and nodules - especially on the face, in the upper section of the chest and back, and in the neck area.
  • Typical dosage of relevant micronutrients for acne:
    • Zinc / 30-50 mg (short-term up to 100 mg, long-term 15 mg) per day
    • Vitamin A / up to 20,000 IU per day
    • Vitamin C / 2-3 g per day
    • Vitamin E / 400-800 mg per day
    • Vitamin B complex / high dose
    • Gama-linolenic acid / 2-3 g per day
    • Omega-3 fatty acids / 1-1.5 g per day
    • Chromium / 200 mcg per day (metabolic regulating)
• neurodermatitis
  • Vitamin C: increases the limited activity of natural killer cells (NK), normalizes lymphocyte blastogenesis and lowers the concentration of IgE (immunoglobulin E) and eosinophils (indicators of the need/consumption of white blood cells) / 2-3 g (or approx. 50-75 mg/kg body weight) per day
  • Vitamin E: lowers inflammatory prostaglandins and also IgE / 400 IUper day
  • Calcium / 1000 mg per day
  • Magnesium / 400 mg per day
  • Zinc / 30 mg per day
  • gamma-linolenic acid / 2-3 g per day
  • Omega-3 fatty acids / 1-1.5 g per day
  • Panthenol / 100-200 mg per day
  • Beta-carotene / 20-30 mg per day

HAIR

• The visible hair consists mainly of dead horny cells and has 3 layers:
  • marrow cells
  • hair cortex made of keratin (hair and nails consist of ~90% keratin)
  • cuticle
• Hair grows about 1 cm per month, a little faster in warm weather. Men's hair grows a little faster than women's hair.
• Contrary to popular belief, cutting has no influence on hair growth.
• Losing about 60-80 hairs a day is normal.
• If a hair has fallen out, a new hair usually grows back in that place within 6-12 weeks.

4 types of hair loss:

• scarring alopecia
  • Causes: Usually a concomitant or secondary symptom of diseases or inflammations of the scalp

• circular hair loss (alopecia areata)
  • A rather rare form of hair loss - inflammatory, usually reversible hair loss (autoimmune reaction), tinea capitis ("head fungus"), secondary syphilis, trichotillomania (affected people repeatedly pull out their own hair, which leads to hair loss), lupus  erythematosus etc
  • therapy and typical dosages (laboratory controls of the individual parameters):
    • Zinc initially 250 mg, then 10 - 40 mg per day
    • Iron: according to laboratory findings
    • B-complex: high dose
    • Folic acid: 800 µg per day
    • Vitamin A: 5,000-max 20,000 IU per day
    • L-methionine: 500 mg per day
    • Vitamin E: 400 - 800 mg per day

• Androgenetic or hormonal hair loss
  • local therapeutic agents
    • Alfatradiol (17-alpha-estradiol) = weak estrogen and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor
    • Minoxidil 2% (potassium channel blocker, active ingredient from the group of antihypertensives)
  • Systemic Therapy
    • For women: appropriate gestagen supplement for hormone therapy (chlormadinone, dienogest, cyproterone)
    • For men: Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor)
• Diffuse hair loss
  • Various triggers:
    • psychological problems (stress, shock, fear of loss)
    • environmental toxins (mercury, pesticides, etc.)
    • Chemical products (hair care or hair dyes)
    • metabolic disease (diabetes, thyroid diseases)
    • Hormonal changes (postpartum, breastfeeding, menopause, age)
    • Medications (heparin, macumar, antibiotics, antiepileptics, chemotherapeutics)
    • iron deficiency
    • Malnutrition or malnutrition (diets, hyperacidity) → Neutralization occurs with the help of alkaline minerals, which are added to the various mineral deposits of the body (e.g.the scalp) → hair loss can be the result
  • Therapy:
    • dietary change
    • intestinal cleansing and building up the intestinal flora
    • healing clay shampoo
    • ginger tonic to improve blood circulation
    • anxiety and stress management
    • Supplementation with the following typical dosage:
      • Vitamin B7 (biotin) / 2.5-5.0 mg per day
      • Acetylcysteine ​​(ACC) / 100 mg per day (essential for hair keratin)
      • Zinc / 10 mg per day (important in cysteine ​​metabolism)
      • Vitamin B complex / high dose
      • Vitamin C / 500 mg per day (important for hair structure)
      • Vitamin E / 400 mg per day (for blood circulation)
      • Selenium / 100-200 mcg per day
      • Silica / 100-200 mg per day

NAILS

• Possible causes of brittle nails
  • stress
  • diet, one-sided nutrition
  • thyroid disease
  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy)
  • skin diseases (psoriasis), fungal infections
  • circulatory disorders (diabetes)
  • medications (antibiotics, antiepileptics)
  • Contact with detergents and chemicals
• Micronutrients and typical dosages for brittle nails:
  • Zinc / 10-30 mg per day
  • Vitamin C / 500-1000 mg per day
  • Calcium / 500 mg per day
  • Iron / 10 mg per day (better: 40 mg every 2nd day)
  • Vitamin B complex / 5 mg per day
  • (Essential) Amino Acids

General vital substances for hair and nails:

• copper, CoQ10 --> hair color
• Zinc, iron --> structure, build-up (white nail spots)
• Vitamin C, B vitamins --> structure and firmness
• Vitamin B7 (biotin) --> improves keratin
• Vitamin E --> blood circulation
• Amino acids --> structure (longitudinal nail grooves)