Hair loss is widespread worldwide among men and women. Approximately 80% of men and 50% of women around the world will experience hair loss in their lifetimes [1]. With the issue affecting a significant proportion of the population, it is easy to understand why people worry about the causes of hair loss [2]. Enthusiastic gym goers may wonder whether whey protein causes hair loss.
Other athletic supplements like creatine have been linked to hair loss, and anabolic steroids are also known to cause hair loss. So it’s understandable to worry about the link between whey protein and hair loss too.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Whey protein is one of the most widely available protein supplements. Many people use whey protein in their protein shakes to help them build muscle mass and lose weight.
Whey protein is isolated from cow’s milk. It is available naturally in many dairy products as well as supplement forms. There are many health benefits to consuming whey protein, including muscle growth and muscle retention in older adults [3]. It is also quickly digested and absorbed by the body, which means the muscles can use it immediately.
It is often said to be the best kind of protein supplement available. This is because it contains all of the nine essential amino acids you need. However, like many supplements, it has side effects, some of which may be deemed negative.
There are two common forms of whey protein powder: whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI).
The concentrated form has a higher carbohydrate and fat level than the isolated form. However, WPI has a higher protein content. Whey protein isolate is made by reducing the fat and carbohydrate content of the concentrated form.
Some scientific evidence suggests that the isolated form of whey protein may accelerate hair loss in those already experiencing it. A study by Dr. Larry Shapiro discovered that whey protein isolate could aggravate hair loss [5]. However, other studies also found that whey protein concentrate aided hair health and regrowth [6].
It does seem that those who weren’t experiencing hair loss before using supplements won’t begin to lose their hair after. A whey protein isolate is a concentrated protein that bears high quality and purity, but it also may cause hair loss [7].
The key factor and association between hair loss and whey protein is the level of testosterone. Whey protein (especially the isolate with an increased level of amino acids, particularly branched amino acids) can contribute to the rise of testosterone level. This rise is probably not particularly high, but it may be substantial enough to accelerate hair loss in those people who already experience hair loss linked to their normally high level of testosterone. In those who have a relatively low testosterone level, its slight increase won’t cause much trouble.
It is important to note that the cause of hair loss can be related to something else. For instance, smoking can negatively affect hair health and double the chance of experiencing hair loss. Connections have also been made between hair loss and a lack of sleep, as well as stress-related hair loss
If you are experiencing hair loss after consuming whey protein, you should consult with a professional. It is unlikely that you will see hair loss from consuming whey protein if you have had no previous hair loss problems. However, you might see an accelerated amount of hair loss if you were already predisposed to it.
You should consider halting your intake if you take whey protein isolate and increasing your consumption of whey protein concentrate. You can also make sure you are getting your daily allowance of protein from food sources and not relying on supplements as your primary source.
It is also important to remember that there may be other factors causing your hair loss. Alopecia areata, for example, is often mainly associated with issues in the immune system where white blood cells attack healthy hair follicles. Sometimes testosterone levels correlate with hair loss too, which is why testosterone replacement therapy is a risk factor for hair loss.
A consultant with a trichologist will be able to give you information on your hair loss and advice on the options you have. Many hair loss medications such as Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Dutasteride have shown great results in promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss.
Additionally, there are always surgical options for hair restoration such as FUE or FUT hair transplants. In fact, most patients have preventative hair loss treatment before having a hair transplant for optimal results.
If you’re interested in getting a hair transplant, always check the hair transplant clinic reviews and before and after hair transplant photos of your chosen clinic. It’s an excellent way to ensure they can provide the results you’re looking for.
Needless to say, if exercise is important to you, ask your clinician when you can start working out after a hair transplant.
Since whey protein doesn’t seem to cause hair loss, it is doubtful that stopping its consumption will help regrow your hair. Multiple factors may impact your hair loss. Therefore, you can only speculate about the impact of whey.
However, to play it safe, it is also advisable to speak to a professional and seek treatment, especially if you have a genetic hair loss condition (such as female pattern hair loss or male pattern hair loss). Depending on the treatment taken, it may slow hair loss, and you may see a little hair regrowth. However, there is no guarantee.
You may require treatment for your hair loss especially. Medical intervention may slow the hair loss down whilst a hair transplant will give you a thicker head of hair once more. You might consider switching from whey protein isolate to whey protein concentrate as this may slow the rate of hair thinning.
It is unlikely that protein supplementation will cause hair loss if you haven’t experienced hair loss before taking it. This supplement could be very beneficial to you.
However, if you already suffer from male pattern baldness or another hair loss condition, you may want to reconsider your intake. An alternative protein may be just as good for you – a health professional will be able to advise you more on this matter.
If you’re worried about hair loss, talk to a Harley Street hair clinic like the Wimpole Clinic. Our expert trichologists will diagnose the cause of your hair loss and help you restore your hair. Book your free consultation to learn more.
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