Does Excess Sugar Lead to Male Pattern Baldness?

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Highlights:

• Male pattern hair loss is a common, progressive form of baldness that affects up to 50% of men by the age of 50 years
• Male alopecia has been associated with numerous factors, including diet, genetics and hormones
• A recent survey study suggests that excess sugar consumption increased the likelihood of male pattern hair loss by more than three folds

Sugar and Its Negative Impact on Health

The ill effects of high blood sugars have been a matter of public and scientific interest for decades now. It has been concluded through several studies that high intake of sugar is associated with the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Male pattern alopecia is an addition to the list as per recent studies.

Time-trend data over the past decades have shown a close parallel between the rise in the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), obesity and diabetes. SSBs are the single greatest source of "empty" calories and added sugars in the western diet, while in Europe sucrose is the predominant sweetener.

‘Consumption of sweetened beverages with added sugar more likely to cause male pattern hair loss. #Sugarlinkedtoalopecia#Alopecia#sugarsideeffects’

Consumption of SSBs has been shown to cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels which in combination with the large volumes consumed contribute to a high dietary glycemic load and can damage the roots of the hair follicles as well (1^✔).

Male Pattern Hair loss and High Sugars

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a progressive form of hair loss. Its incidence continues to increase mainly among young males while the age of onset continues to decrease. Male pattern baldness is related to several factors including genetics, stress, disease history, physical activities, nutrition, and smoking. Dietary intake is considered to play an important role, and numerous studies have indicated the negative effect of the high sugars on male pattern hair loss. The high consumption of added sugars might influence hair loss by triggering several alternate pathways including scalp inflammation, poor blood circulation and damage to the hair follicles (2^✔).

Health and Diet Tips to Reduce Daily sugar intake

1. Cutting Down on Refined Sugars

   : If you're hungry and need an energy lift, instead of going for "Empty" calories in the SSB's, go for a naturally sweet food options such as fruit instead and combine it with a high protein substitute.

2. Consume Sugar in Moderation

   : Keep a check on your daily sugar consumption and supplement your daily needs with natural sources rather than artificial sweeteners.

3. Switch to Natural Sweeteners

   : Honey is a natural sweetener and has been suggested as alternative to artificial or processed sugar combating the various ill effects of high sugars.

4. Compare Food Labels

   : Choose products with the lowest amounts of added sugars. Added sugars can be identified in the ingredients list.

5. Replace Soda with Water

   : A can of regular soda has about 150 calories and 10 teaspoons of added sugar. Replace Soda with water to keep your sugar levels in check.

6. Consumption of a Balanced Diet with Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:

   Fresh fruit juices could be perceived as a healthy alternative to SSBs, since juices contain some vitamins and other vital nutrients.

7. Micro-nutrient Supplementation

   : Including multivitamins, iron and omega 3 fatty acid supplements contribute at various metabolic levels to supplement body's energy levels.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 100 -150 kcal/d from all added sugar and both the World Health Organization and 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommend an upper limit of 10% of total energy from added sugar (3^✔).

References:

1. Fructose and Cardiometabolic Health: What the Evidence from Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tells Us - (https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592517/)
2. The Association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Male Pattern Hair Loss in Young Men - (https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9824121/)
3. Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar - (https:www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/tips-for-cutting-down-on-sugar)

Source: Medindia

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