SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION is associated with male pattern hair loss. Researchers recently discovered that men with male pattern hair loss consumed almost double the amount of sugar-laden drinks than those without the condition. Today we look at one way to fight baldness.
This finding is based on correlation and should not imply a causal relationship. Today we look briefly at male pattern baldness, the most common form of male hair loss, and the new research findings.
“Look Mister, I don’t care what you think, you are bald. If the census had a “bald” category, You’d be in it, no problem. If you go to heaven, you’re going to bald heaven. If you go to hell, you’re going to bald hell. Have you got that straight? Then stop looking away from the truth. Let’s go now. I’m taking you straight to bald heaven, nonstop.” ― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84.
Male pattern hair loss
Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is men’s most common hair loss form. The condition will affect 30 to 50 percent of men by age 50. The incidence may be increasing.
It is normal to lose approximately 50 to 100 hairs daily. Most of us don’t notice this loss, as new hairs are growing to replace the lost ones. But, if our hair falls out too quickly (or new hairs stop growing), we see thinning hair or a bald patch. Such hair loss can occur on the scalp or elsewhere on the body.
There can be many causes of hair loss, including the following:
- Medical conditions. Some autoimmune conditions or hormonal problems can cause hair loss. For example, scalp infections, thyroid problems, or a hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania) can be the root causes. Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles with resultant bald patches.
- Inherited genetics. Those with a family history of hair loss are more likely to develop the same condition. Male pattern baldness has a genetic component that can manifest as a receding hairline or thinning patches on the head’s crown.
- Medicines. Medications for cancer, gout, depression, arthritis, and health disease can cause hair loss.
- Stress: Acute or chronic stress can cause temporary hair thinning.
In male-pattern hair loss, the hair loss is typically manifested as a receding front hairline, loss of hair on the crown (vertex) of the head, or both. On the other hand, female-pattern hair loss usually presents diffuse thinning across the whole scalp.
Fight baldness risk: Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in male pattern hair loss, with some research studies suggesting that glucose (sugar) metabolism may influence hair loss.
Tsinghua University (Beijing, China) researchers analyzed the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages consumption and male pattern hair loss. Here are the research findings, as published in Nutrients:
High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages correlates to a high risk of male pattern hair loss.
The researchers surveyed 1028 college students and teachers (with an average age of 28) from 31 provinces in China. The participants provided sociodemographic information, hair, diet, psychological, and lifestyle information.
Sugar-sweetened beverages included soft drinks, energy and sports drinks, sweetened milk, sweetened coffee and tea, and sweetened juices.
Overall, 58 percent reported male pattern hair loss. Those with male pattern hair loss were more likely to be:
- Current or former smokers
- Older
- Less educated
- Less physically active
- Sufferers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Members of families with male pattern hair loss
- Short sleepers
Those with male pattern hair loss also were more likely to have permed, dyed, bleached, or relaxed hair. Those with hair loss were also more likely to have male pattern hair loss-related conditions.
Diet and male pattern hair loss
Those with hair loss also were more likely to consume deep-fried food, sweets and ice cream, sugar, and honey. They also ate fewer vegetables than those without male pattern hair loss.
The male pattern hair loss subjects consumed an average of 4.3 liters of sugar-sweetened beverages weekly, compared to 2.5 liters for those without hair loss. This association remained after the researchers adjusted for potential confounders such as dietary intake, psychological status, and sociodemographic factors.
The association between sugary beverages and male pattern hair loss remained after adjusting for confounders such as sociodemographic factors, dietary intake, and psychological status.
Fight baldness risk – The effect of sugar intake
A study author explains that sugary beverage consumption may influence male pattern hair loss. Higher sugar consumption raises blood sugar levels, triggering polyol pathways. This process converts glucose to other sugars.
This process lowers the glucose amount available to the outer hair follicles, triggering hair loss. Moreover, those with higher sugar consumption may be more likely to have excess lipid intake, another factor linked to hair loss.
Finally, those with mental health problems are more likely to consume more sugar. One meta-analysis found that those who drank the equivalent of three cans of cola per day have a 1.25 times higher risk of depression than those who don’t consume sugary beverages.
My take
The study has significant limitations. It is observational and relies on participant recall. I wish the scientists had gathered data about other sweetened product consumption. In addition, the researchers did not have information about the severity of male pattern hair loss.
The study demonstrates a correlation (but not causality) between sugary drink consumption and baldness. There are many reasons not to consume lots of sugary beverages, but this study is not compelling enough for me to add avoiding baldness to the list. Common sense should prevail: Avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol, and a bad diet.
One more thing — Drop your stress levels. Exercise, practice yoga or meditation, listen to music, and get sufficient sleep.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for joining me for my piece “One Way to Fight Baldness.”
