For the maintenance of normal hair, zinc and selenium are especially relevant: both trace elements contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. A hair-growth promise is not meant by this. A balanced diet usually covers the need; supplementary complexes deliver the trace elements purposefully and reliably.
Strong, well-groomed hair is for many an expression of vitality and well-being. Around the topic of hair, countless promises circulate – we approach it soberly here: which nutrients are even linked under EU law to the maintenance of normal hair, and which Scheunengut products deliver exactly these nutrients? This guide sorts that out for you and separates the substantiated statements from the marketing myths.
First an important classification: the appearance of hair depends on many factors that cannot be controlled by a single capsule – from nutrition to care and stress to predisposition and stage of life. Nutrients can only make a contribution where a function is scientifically recognised. This is exactly what we focus on, instead of making beautiful but untenable promises. This way you can make an informed decision about which product suits your needs.
What matters when the goal is strong hair
For the maintenance of normal hair, EFSA lists a few clearly defined statements. Above all two trace elements are decisive:
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Zinc is also involved in normal protein synthesis.
- Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and additionally contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
The classification is important: these statements relate to the maintenance of normal hair within the framework of a normal supply – not to hair-growth promises or the treatment of hair loss. Various plant substances in the complexes mentioned below are additionally traditionally used, without us deriving an effect from them. The most honest path to healthy-looking hair leads via a good basic supply with exactly these trace elements, embedded in a varied diet.
Our product recommendations
The following complexes each have their own focus, but purposefully deliver zinc or selenium – that is, exactly the trace elements with a hair connection. Choose the product whose overall orientation suits you anyway, and you get the hair-relevant component along with it.
An advantage of these complexes is that you get the hair-relevant trace element not in isolation, but embedded in a well-thought-out overall formulation. Choose the product whose further orientation suits your everyday life anyway, and thus at the same time ensure a reliable source of zinc or selenium. The honest framework remains: zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, but they are no cosmetic miracle cure. When comparing, pay attention to the actually declared amount of the respective trace element per daily dose rather than to advertising slogans. Anyone unsure is best to start with one product and observe over several weeks how it fits into their own routine. And remember that a coherent overall picture of nutrition, care and recovery usually achieves more for the appearance of hair than a single product.
T3 T4 Thyroid Complex with Iodine, Selenium and Thyme
This complex combines iodine, selenium and thyme. For the goal of strong hair, the selenium it contains is especially interesting, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function, thyme is traditionally used. A sensible choice if you are looking for a selenium supplier anyway and the thyroid orientation of the complex suits you.
PMS Intenso Cycle Complex
The gentle cycle complex with chaste tree, lady's mantle, saffron, vitamin C, B6 and zinc is aimed at women. The zinc it contains contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, vitamin C and B6 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The plant components are traditionally used. Thus the product combines cycle support with a reliable zinc source in a well-thought-out formulation.
Fadogia Strength Complex with Ashwagandha & Zinc
The Fadogia Strength Complex delivers, alongside fadogia and ashwagandha extract, also zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Fadogia and ashwagandha are traditionally used. If you are interested in a strength complex anyway, you get the hair-relevant zinc component right along with it here – a practical double benefit in one capsule.
Lungenkraft Lungwort Complex with Vitamin C & Zinc
The extensive lungwort complex is optimised with vitamin C and zinc. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. Lungwort is traditionally used. A 14-fold complex with a hair-relevant zinc component, if the broad plant-based orientation appeals to you.
How to make the right choice
Since all the complexes presented deliver the hair-relevant trace elements zinc or selenium, it is above all the remaining orientation of the product that decides which suits you best. If you are looking for a selenium supplier and are at the same time interested in the topic of the thyroid, the T3 T4 Complex is obvious. Women who want to combine cycle support with a zinc source reach for PMS Intenso. Anyone who wants to use a strength complex anyway gets the zinc in the Fadogia Strength Complex right along with it, and anyone who prefers a broad plant-based formulation finds it in the lungwort complex.
Important here is a realistic view: zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair – they are no means of making thinning hair dense again. Anyone already well supplied through their diet achieves no further advantage through additional intake. Supplementation is then sensible when the intake through food is not reliably covered. In case of doubt, the status can be clarified medically before you supplement permanently.
Also observe the maximum amounts: for both zinc and selenium defined upper limits apply, and more is expressly not better here. Therefore do not uncontrollably combine several zinc- or selenium-containing products, but deliberately choose one supplier and stick to the stated recommended intake. This way you supply yourself reliably without exceeding the sensible limits.
And finally, patience pays off. The appearance of hair changes, if at all, slowly over weeks and months, because hair only grows back gradually. Short-term effects should not be expected from a good nutrient supply. Anyone who ensures the basic supply of zinc or selenium permanently and as part of a balanced diet does the most sensible thing possible on the nutrient side.
Fundamentals first
Beautiful hair arises first and foremost through a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, sufficient sleep and gentle care. Anyone who eats variedly usually already covers their need for zinc and selenium through food. Striking or sudden changes to the hair – such as increased hair loss – have many possible causes and should be clarified medically, not covered up with supplements.
External care also plays a role: frequent heat styling, aggressive treatments or constant tight tying can mechanically strain the hair. An all-round coherent picture of good nutrition, gentle care and sufficient recovery usually brings more for the appearance of hair than any single measure. The complexes presented here are no hair-growth agent; they simply deliver zinc or selenium, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. As a complement to a good basic supply they are sensible, as a substitute for a balanced diet not. Anyone who observes this order makes a wise and realistic decision for their own well-being and spares themselves exaggerated expectations of a single preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which nutrients are linked to normal hair?
For the maintenance of normal hair, zinc and selenium are above all authorised: both contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. These statements relate to normal hair within the framework of a normal nutrient supply.
Do these products make hair grow faster?
No. There is no authorised statement on faster hair growth. Zinc and selenium contribute merely to the maintenance of normal hair – a growth promise is expressly not meant by this.
Why do you recommend a thyroid or cycle complex for hair?
Because these complexes contain the hair-relevant trace elements selenium or zinc respectively. It is best to choose the product whose overall orientation suits your needs anyway, and you get the zinc or selenium component with it.
Don't I already get zinc and selenium through my diet?
In many cases yes. A varied diet often covers the need. Supplementation can be sensible when the intake through food is not sufficient – in case of doubt this can be clarified medically.
Can I take the products permanently?
Stick to the recommended intake stated on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For zinc and selenium the permissible amounts are limited, which is why you should not uncontrollably combine several zinc- or selenium-containing products.
Note: Food supplements are no substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. In the case of pre-existing conditions, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or when taking medication, please consult your doctor before use.
Health notice: This guide is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual medical or pharmaceutical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have health concerns, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. How our guides are created →
Sources
- EU Register of authorised health claims — Europäische Kommission, 2024
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) — EFSA, 2024
- Reference values for nutrient intake — Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung, 2024
- Food supplements: consumer information — Verbraucherzentrale, 2024
