Hair loss affects many people across the globe. But while this condition is extremely common, it can lead to many frustrations. Yes, you can try different treatments to slow down the process, or cosmetic purchases to cover up the loss itself, but ultimately, hair loss can be difficult to control. And now, researchers have found through a new study that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages may actually increase the risk of hair loss in men.
The Mayo Clinic states that there are a number of possible causes of hair loss, such as genetics, certain medications, health complications, hormonal changes, and stress. According to the National Library of Medicine, androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common types of hair loss that—although it impacts both women and men—is a more prominent issue in men; approximately 30 million women in the United States compared to 50 million men. When androgenetic alopecia occurs in men, it is also known as male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) or male-pattern baldness.
However, new research published via Nutrients reveals that researchers may have found a possible link between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages—such as sodas, juices with added sugar, sports drinks, and sugary coffee drinks—and hair loss, particularly in young men.
About the study
Published on January 1, 2023, this new study confirmed a link between increased sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and hair loss in young men. The research analyzed self-reported surveys from 1,028 Chinese adults aged 18-45 from 31 provinces. Nearly half (459) consumed sugary drinks daily, while 25% drank them 4-7 times weekly. Around 18.5% consumed them 1-3 times weekly, and approximately 10% hadn’t consumed any sugary beverages in the past month. The study revealed that higher sugar-sweetened beverage intake correlated with a greater risk of male-pattern hair loss.
How sugary drinks are linked to hair loss
The relationship between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and an elevated risk of hair loss in men involves both direct and indirect effects, as discussed in the study.
Directly, the excessive levels of added sugar in these beverages play a significant role. The study highlights that higher sugar intake can result in elevated serum glucose levels, leading to an overactive polyol pathway. This pathway, responsible for converting glucose to fructose, can have detrimental effects on health and increase the risk of diabetes. The study suggests that the symptoms of hair loss may strongly indicate an “overactive polyol pathway.”
Interestingly, this connection between sugar and hair loss has been observed in previous research. A 2017 study published in Trends in Food Science & Technology also found a link between androgenetic alopecia and diets rich in both sugar and cholesterol.
On the indirect side, there are several potential factors to consider. The study notes that high sugar consumption often accompanies a diet high in fats, which could contribute to hair loss. Additionally, there might be a relationship between the emotional effects of excessive sugar intake and hair loss. For instance, the study references research indicating that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to emotional problems and increase the risk of depression. According to researchers, these emotional issues can further raise the risk of male-pattern hair loss (MPHL).
What this means for you
In a conversation with Dr. Victor Sun, MD & Medical Consultant at SuperPill, regarding the recent research findings on the connection between sugar-sweetened beverages and hair loss, Dr. Sun highlighted the validity of the study while also pointing out some important considerations.
Dr. Sun stated, “Although the recent study suggests a correlation between sugar-sweetened beverages and hair loss, further research is needed to validate the conclusions. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, the complexity of confounding factors, and lack of physical exam measurements, the study is limited in its ability to determine whether sugary drinks contribute mechanistically to hair loss.”
He went on to explain that while the study proposes possible explanations, such as the idea that high sugar levels might affect biochemical pathways related to androgenic alopecia or that high sugar intake may influence mood changes and other chronic diseases indirectly leading to hair loss, more research is necessary to establish these links definitively.
Ultimately, the study’s findings may not warrant immediately eliminating sugary beverages from one’s diet. However, they can serve as a valuable insight for individuals who consume sugary drinks regularly and have noticed issues with hair loss. Lowering sugary beverage intake could be a helpful step to consider in such cases.