Chinese researchers have reported a link between sugar-sweetened drink consumption and male pattern hair loss (MPHL).
The scientists from Beijing’s Tsinghua University, whose findings were reported in the journal Nutrients, found men with MPHL consumed almost double the sugary beverages of those without the condition.
The study team recruited 1,028 college students and teachers from 31 provinces across China (average age 27.8 years) who completed a survey re: socio- demographic information; hair status; dietary intake; lifestyle; and psychological status.
Sugar-sweetened drink consumption – assessed via a 15-item questionnaire examining beverages swallowed in the last month – included sweetened juices, soft drinks, energy and sports drinks, sweetened milk and sweetened tea and coffee.
Among the participants, 57.6% reported MPHL. These men were more likely to: be older; be current or former smokers; have a lower education level; engage in less physical activity; have a shorter sleep duration; have experienced severe anxiety or PTSD; have a positive family history of MPHL; have MPHL-related conditions; have dyed, permed, bleached or relaxed hair; and have consumed more deep-fried food, sugar and honey, sweets and ice cream, and fewer vegetables than those without the condition.
Overall men with MPHL also consumed an average 4.3 litres of sugar-sweetened drinks per week, compared to 2.5 litres among those without the condition. The researchers also found disease history influenced the link between sugary drink consumption and MPHL; and they noted a link between frequency of sugary drink intake and anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorder and MPHL.
Asked how sugary drink intake may influence MPHL, study co-author Professor Ai Zhao told medicalnewstoday.com that higher sugar consumption increases blood sugar concentration, which triggers polyol pathways which convert glucose to other sugars.
She noted other studies have shown this process reduces the amount of glucose in the outer parts of hair follicles, which may lead to MPHL; she also noted sugar intake is often accompanied by excessive lipid intake, which is also linked to MPHL.
Elsewhere, a study by UK and US scientists in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology also suggests glucose metabolism may influence hair loss.
And commenting on the latest Chinese study, US hair surgeon Dr Ken Williams told medicalnewstoday. com: ‘Traditionally most physicians or hair restoration surgeons understand that nutrients and diet play a key role in the overall health and wellbeing of our patients.
‘Exercise, avoidance of tobacco products and illicit drugs, good nutrition and a balanced diet are key to our patients’ health and longevity.’
