Male hair loss is a common problem, especially as a man reaches middle age. Most of the time, the explanation is genetic, as some men are more sensitive to the effects of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) than others. This causes the hair follicles to shrink and die, leading to a receding crown and hairline, and maybe even complete baldness.
This is classic male pattern baldness, and the good news is that in many cases, it is treatable with products such as cheap finasteride. However, sometimes there are other causes of hair loss. The most common reasons for hair loss in males besides genetics are nutritional deficiencies, stress, weight, and overall health and lifestyle.
Recently, scientists at Tsinghua University in Beijing have suggested that there may be another hidden cause for thinning hair. According to a new report in Lad Bible, the researchers found that consuming energy drinks may be associated with losing your locks sooner than you expected.
The scientists studied 1,028 Chinese men between the ages of 18 and 45 during 2022, who were asked to record various details about their diet and exercise habits, including how many sweetened drinks they consumed each day. The researchers found a significant correlation between men who drank one or more sugary drinks per day and hair loss.
The report stated: “It seems clear that energy drinks, some beverages, and some supplements that include stimulants might lead to critical and rarely irreversible cardiovascular events in the young population.”
It went on: “There was no significant past medical history and family history was not suspicious for cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death.”
“Given the history of chronic energy drink consumption, lack of significant past medical or family history, cardiac imaging findings and improvement with ceasing intake, energy drink-induced cardiotoxicity was felt to be the most likely cause.”
The authors of the report, which is published in the journal Nutrients, are keen to stress that there is not enough conclusive evidence to draw direct conclusions from the findings and that more supporting research is needed. However, there is an established link between a good diet and healthy hair.
The Sun quotes dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong: “Hair follicle cells are the second fastest dividing cells in the body and require all the nutrients of a well-balanced healthy diet. This includes lean proteins, good carbohydrates and fats, vitamins and minerals, but there is no one superfood for hair.”
“As hair is not an essential structure for survival, the body does not prioritise the use of nutrients for hair growth. Nutritional deficiencies and crash diets are a common cause of hair thinning and shedding.”
Hair loss can be the result of poor physical health, but it can also cause damage to the self-confidence and self-esteem of many men, even if they are reluctant to talk about it. The best way of dealing with it is to tackle it in the early stages, when a doctor or pharmacist can recommend the most effective course of treatment.
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