Globally, there is an alarming increase in the number of men and women suffering from hair loss. It has been estimated that 80% of men and 50% of women around the world will lose their hair during their lifetime. Due to the fact that hair loss affects a significant proportion of the population, it is easy to understand why people are concerned about the reasons behind the issue. It is important to note that hair fall can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalance, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, etc.
Moreover, gym goers may wonder whether low protein intake is a major cause of hair loss. In order to prevent hair loss, you should consume whey protein powder daily. Hold on! I have heard that whey protein causes hair loss as well, is that myth? Hence, this is the reason that we are here to find out the truth & discover the connection between whey protein & hair.
What is Whey Protein Powder?
Whey protein is a type of milk protein found in cow’s milk. It has high nutritional value and contains essential amino acids required for the growth and repair of tissues. Whey protein also helps in building lean muscle mass and improving overall health.
There are two types of whey protein; concentrate and isolate. The concentrate is the whole whey protein while the isolate is just the BCAAs. Both types of whey protein are great additions to any diet plan.
Whey Protein Concentrate: Concentrate is the easiest way to consume whey protein. You simply need to mix 1 scoop of concentrate with 8 ounces of water. Mix well before drinking.
Whey Protein Isolate: Isolate is much easier to use than concentrate. Simply add 2 scoops of the isolate to 16 ounces of cold water. Stir until dissolved then drink immediately.
What’s the Connection Between Whey Protein & Hair Fall/Growth
The connection between whey protein and hair fall/growth comes down to the fact that these BCAAs are involved in the production of testosterone, which helps maintain the balance of hormones in the body. Testosterone is responsible for maintaining the growth of hair follicles and promoting hair growth. When levels of testosterone drop, hair loss occurs.
In addition to its role in hormone regulation, testosterone is also involved in the synthesis of keratin, the protein that makes up our hair. Keratin is what gives hair its structure and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less keratin, leading to thinning hair.
What Does Research Say?
The effect of high BCAA levels is an increase in testosterone levels. According to scientists, high levels of testosterone, specifically in men, can result in damage to the hair as well as hair loss. According to Dr. Shapiro’s study, those who consumed WPI (Whey Protein Isolate) suffered from accelerated hair loss, while those who consumed WPC (Whey Protein Concentrate) saw an improvement in their hair.
WPI’s high concentration of BCAAs increases testosterone levels; the hormone is then broken down into dihydroxy testosterone (DHT) which is known to cause hair loss and baldness.
Protein-rich foods generally promote healthy hair and can even help stop hair loss. However, BCAAs can cause hair loss if testosterone levels are significantly increased.
What Whey Protein Powder Can Do for You?
Whey protein is a great supplement for athletes looking to build muscle mass, increase endurance, improve recovery time after workouts, and even help maintain lean body mass. There are many different types of whey protein supplements out there, including whey protein powders, whey protein shakes, bars, and liquids. The following are some of the benefits of whey protein powder.
- Helps build lean muscle mass
- Contains all 8 essential amino acids
- Promotes muscle recovery after exercise
- Easy to digest
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Aids in weight loss
Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Fall? Final Result!
In spite of this, there is no factual evidence to support the claim that consuming whey protein cause hair fall. A protein supplement can be especially helpful for people whose hairline has not receded due to protein use.
However, if you are already managing hair loss due to male pattern baldness, alopecia, or other conditions, you may want to be more cautious when choosing your supplements. As an alternative, you should try different types of protein powder such as pea protein powder, whey protein powder (isolate) & other best organic protein powders.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to seek medical advice before taking any new supplement to make sure it is safe for you to take.