Research conducted in China sheds new light on the potential risks associated with regular consumption of energy drinks. The results indicate that consumers of these drinks may be as much as 42% more susceptible to hair loss, which particularly affects men.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the relationship between energy consumption and hair loss. We will also present available methods of treating this disturbing phenomenon.
Alopecia from energy drinks – researchers test the connection
Hair loss is a difficult topic. It affects many men and women, even at younger ages. The factors that cause hair loss are diverse and include genetics, stress and eating habits. And based on this last factor, Chinese scientists in a recent study identified another potential factor causing hair loss: energy drinks and other highly sweetened drinks.
Read more: Hair loss – causes, diagnosis, effective methods
Sweet legal highs are especially popular among young people, but doctors have been warning about their potential health risks for years. Now, researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing have found that men who consume large amounts of energy drinks, soda, sports drinks and even sweetened tea or coffee are more likely to develop male pattern baldness. The results of the study, in which Chinese men volunteered, were published in the scientific journal “Nutrients”.
Male pattern baldness – rates are rising
Male pattern baldness has become a global public health problem in recent years. The incidence of this condition is constantly increasing as it affects younger and younger people. Previous studies of China’s population showed that the rate of hair loss among men increased from 21.3% in 2010. up to 27.5% in 2021 It is worth adding that hair loss is a serious problem, especially among young people, for whom it often causes mental problems. That is why the research conducted by Chinese researchers is so important.
Highly sweetened drinks, especially energy drinks, are very popular among young people. Both in the US and in some European countries, about 60 percent of young people drink them regularly, and in China, consumption is over 22 percent and is also highest among people aged 13–29.
How was the study conducted?
The anonymous study involved 1,020 Chinese people aged 18 to 45. Hair loss was diagnosed in 592 people, most of whom, according to the study, were older, smoked or had smoked in the past, consumed alcohol, had a low level of education and avoided physical activity. Study participants recorded their eating habits and fluid intake, and provided information about their mental well-being. Almost all subjects who consumed energy and sweetened drinks and whose diet consisted of fried foods, sweets and small amounts of vegetables suffered from alopecia. However, participants without hair loss problems ate a healthy, balanced diet containing grains, root vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood. The data shows that balding people consumed 4,293 ml of sweet fluids, and people without hair problems consumed 2,513 ml.
Based on their assessment, the researchers concluded that the risk of hair loss in participants consuming sweetened beverages was 42% higher compared to other men who drank nothing similar at the time. It also found that men who reported anxiety problems were also more likely to experience hair loss.
Are energy drinks always harmful?
Energy drinks are rich in ingredients that may affect the condition of your hair. They contain sugar, caffeine, aneurin (vitamin B1), carbohydrates, electrolytes, herbal ingredients such as ginseng, and amino acid derivatives, for example carnitine. These substances may play a role in hair growth by accelerating cell division, supporting the development of hair follicles, and protecting them from oxidative damage.
Although energy drinks may seem beneficial to people struggling with baldness, consuming them is not without risk. The side effects associated with their consumption may not only contribute to hair loss, but also negatively affect your overall health and mental well-being. Therefore, it is important to approach them with caution and consider their impact on the body in a broader health context.
Scientists have discovered why energy drinks worsen baldness?
The relationship between nutrition and hair growth has been known for a long time. The current study by Chinese scientists confirms previous conclusions that an unbalanced and inappropriate diet can cause hair loss. Based on the experiment, researchers from Tsinghua University found two possible links between regular consumption of energy drinks and hair loss in men. High sugar content in drinks leads to increased glucose concentration, which in turn triggers the metabolism of polyols as one of the factors promoting baldness. Polyols are a group of chemical compounds whose structure resembles an alcohol molecule. They are used as natural, healthier sugar substitutes because they provide fewer calories and have a lower glycemic index.
Unlike sugar, polyols do not ferment in the mouth, which means they do not contribute to tooth decay. They also have antibacterial properties. They are only partially absorbed in the small intestine, and the remaining part is fermented in the large intestine. This makes them safe for people with diabetes because they do not cause a sharp increase in blood glucose levels. However, please remember that excess polyols (except erythritol) may cause flatulence, gas, abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort. Excessive sugar consumption is often accompanied by increased fat intake, and a high-fat diet has also been linked to hair loss.
However, this does not mean that all possible factors related to the effects of energy drinks on hair have been mentioned. The scientists responsible for the study also point out that excessive sugar consumption affects chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid dysfunction, as well as autoimmune diseases, which may also have a negative impact on hair growth. Additionally, long-term consumption of sweetened foods can impact mental health and cause depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can be another cause of hair loss in men.
Other reasons why it is better to avoid energy drinks
Excessive consumption of energy drinks may lead to poisoning with some of the elements they contain, such as caffeine and selenium and vitamin A. The toxic daily dose of caffeine is 3 mg/kg/g. Additionally, you should not exceed 700 mcg of vitamin A and 55 mcg of selenium per day because in large doses they can cause alopecia areata.
Let’s not forget that excessive consumption of energy drinks is associated with an increase in the level of stress hormones, which are designed to prepare the body to act in a “fight or flight” situation. The additional caffeine content and stimulating taurine and guarana may further intensify the body’s reaction to stress, which promotes hair loss.
Finally, energy drinks contain many types of sugar. These include corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar and sucrose. Their consumption is associated with health problems such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney dysfunction, non-alcoholic cirrhosis, tooth decay, arthritis and gout.
Instead of reaching for energy drinks, consider healthier alternatives. Water, natural fruit juices and herbal teas can provide the body with the energy it needs without negative side effects. And if you are already suffering from thinning hair, do not hesitate to contact an experienced hair transplant specialist.
