- Researchers looked at the association between consumption of sugary drinks and male pattern baldness.
- They found that men with male pattern baldness consumed about twice as many sugar-sweetened beverages as those without.
- They noted that their findings were based on correlation, not causation, and further research was needed to confirm the link.
Male pattern baldness (MPHL) is the most common form of hair loss in men and affects those around them. 30-50% Percentage of men by age 50.
Recent studies suggest that rates of MPHL may be increasing.A survey from China found conditions affected 21.3% 2010 Men’s 27.5% 2021 years.
Studies show that nutrition plays an important role in MPHL. Some studies suggest that glucose metabolism may affect hair loss.
Further research on the association between MPHL and sugar consumption may help guide lifestyle choices for men at risk for MPHL.
Recently, researchers at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, examined the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and MPHL.
They found that the higher the SSB intake, the higher the risk of MPHL.
medical news today We spoke with Ken L. Williams Jr., DO, FISHRS, ABHRS, Surgeon, founder of Orange County Hair Restoration in Irvine, CA, and author of Hair Transplant 360 – Follicular Unit Extraction, Dr. Ken L. Williams Jr. MNT.
“Traditionally, most physicians or hair restoration surgeons understand that nutrients and diet play an important role in a patient’s overall health and well-being,” noted Dr. Williams. Avoidance of products and illicit drugs, good nutrition and a balanced diet are key to patient health and longevity.”
This research nutrients.
Researchers recruited 1028 university students and teachers with an average age of 27.8 years from 31 provinces in China.
Participants received a questionnaire in which they filled out information on:
- Basic socio-demographic information
- hair condition
- dietary intake
- Lifestyle
- state of mind
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was determined from responses to a 15-item beverage intake questionnaire that measured beverage consumption in the previous month. Sugar-sweetened beverages include:
- sweetened juice drink
- Soft drink
- energy drinks and sports drinks
- sweetened milk
- sweet tea and coffee
Overall, 57.6% of participants reported MPHL, while the rest did not.
Researchers found that individuals with MPHL were more likely to:
- get older
- are current or former smokers
- poorly educated
- reduce physical activity
- short sleep
- Have experienced severe anxiety or PTSD
- – Has a positive family history of MPHL
- Has an MPHL-related condition
- dyed, permed, bleached or relaxed hair
They also found that people with MPHL consumed more fried foods, sugar and honey, sweets and ice cream, and less vegetables than those without.
Those with MPHL also consumed an average of 4.3 liters of sugary drinks per week, compared to just 2.5 liters for those without.
They further found that medical history influenced the relationship between SSB intake and MPHL. They also noted associations between frequency of SSB intake and anxiety disorders, and anxiety disorders and her MPHL.
The researchers noted that the association between SSB consumption and MPHL remained even after adjusting for possible confounding factors such as sociodemographic factors, dietary intake, and psychological status.
When asked how SSB consumption affects MPHL, Dr. Ai Zhao, assistant professor at Tsinghua University Vanke School of Public Health, one of the study’s authors, said: MNT Increased sugar consumption raises blood sugar levels, which trigger the polyol pathway that converts glucose into other sugars.
She pointed out that in vitro and in vivo studies show that this process reduces the amount of glucose in the outer part of the hair follicle, which can lead to MPHL. is often associated with excessive lipid intake and is also associated with MPHL, he added.
Dr. Zhao said previous research has shown that high sugar intake is associated with mental health problems. For example, in one meta-analysis, a person who drank the equivalent of three cans of Coke per day twenty five% They have a higher risk of depression than those who don’t drink sugary drinks.
Dr. Zhao noted that their findings are limited because they rely on self-reported data rather than clinical diagnosis. She also did not collect data on consumption of other sweetened products and was unable to distinguish between MPHL severity.
Dr. George Kotzarellis, professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the University of Pennsylvania Hair and Scalp Clinic, who was not involved in the study, said: MNT:
“This study only shows a correlation between sugary drinks and baldness. Furthermore, among the men they surveyed, the bald group had a higher proportion of men with a family history of baldness.
“This means that the incidence of baldness was higher in that group, so perhaps coincidentally, there were more bald men in the sweet group.” But in general, I’m not going to change the way I practice or the advice I give my patients based on this research,” he added.
Dr. Williams said the study was detailed and well-designed. However, he added that he doesn’t necessarily recommend eliminating all beverages that contain sugar.
“It concludes with the idea that in matters of overall health and nutrition, advancing common sense is a priority. Always eat a balanced diet and consume healthy food groups and sources of nutrients. Avoid tobacco products, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption,” he concludes.