Sugary Drinks Increase The Chance Of Male Hair Loss, Study Suggests

For a good portion of men, hair loss is inevitable. Drinking beverages with a lot of sugar may make men more likely to acquire hair loss, according to a new study.

Research from China analyzed the relationship between sugar-sweetened drinks and male pattern hair loss among young men. The research was published on New Year’s day in the journal MDPI.

In the United States, there are several treatments for male pattern hair loss currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other lifestyle measures exist to prevent hair loss.

What is male pattern hair loss?

Male pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in men, sometimes occurring as early as the late teens or early adulthood. In the majority of cases, male pattern hair loss happens later in life. Symptoms include noticeable thinning, a receding hairline, or balding.

The American Hair Loss Association says male pattern hair loss accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. By the age of 35, nearly two-thirds of American men will have some form of hair loss. Around 25% of men under 21 years of age suffer from male pattern hair loss.

Sugar-sweetened drinks affect hair loss

The Chinese probe titled The Association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Male Pattern Hair Loss in Young Men highlights the growth of male pattern hair loss within the country. The prevalence of male pattern hair loss has increased from 21.3% in 2010 to 27.5% in 2021.

Chinese researchers reviewed data from the U.S. which showed high amounts of intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show 63% of young Americans and 49% of adults drink sugar-sweetened beverages daily.

Sugar-sweetened beverages include regular soda (pop), fruit-flavored drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and coffee along with tea beverages having added sugars. In most cases, sugar-sweetened beverages feature different types of sugars, including brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay or cavities, gout, and arthritis, the CDC says.

The study evaluated 1020 participants across 31 different provinces in china within the age range of 18 to 45 years. Individuals containing male pattern hair loss numbered

592, and were more likely to be older, current or former smokers, alcohol consumers, lower education level, and less physically active.

Individuals whose dies diets consisted of fried foods, sugary desserts, and fewer vegetables were more likely to have male pattern hair loss. Participants who retained their hair had diets featuring cereals, roots, fruits, fish, and other forms of seafood.

Data shows participants with male pattern hair loss consumed significant amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages compared to normal participants. The weekly consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was 4293 mL in male pattern hair loss individuals versus 2513 mL among normal participants.

Ultimately, researchers conclude that sugar-sweetened beverages increase the chance of male pattern hair loss. They believe young people falling for sugary drinks should be wary due to the possible effect on their appearance.

FDA-approved hair loss treatments

Topical minoxidil is widely available and can be purchased without a prescription. It is the most common medication for male pattern hair moss and is applied to the scalp twice each day. Finasteride is a prescription medication that is a pill taken each day for a long period.

Other treatments include laser devices to use at home. Many of these methods are only FDA-cleared, a less rigorous process than FDA-approved products. Hair transplants have also become a permanent fix for hair loss. It is important to consult a dermatologist for specific questions about the right method to treat hair loss.

Ways to avoid sugary drinks

1. Drink more water, it can be from the tap, bottled, or sparkling water.
2. Resist the urge to drink sugar-sweetened beverages, and replace them with different forms of water.
3. Consume other forms of low-sugar beverages including unsweet teas, small amounts of 100% real fruit or vegetable juice, and healthy forms of milk. The Nutrition Facts Label will provide the sugar content on all drinks.
4. Remove added syrups or other flavorings for coffee or teas when out and about.