Woman preparing a protein shake

Protein Shakes Cause Baldness: Truth or Myth?

Showing off an athletic body requires a good diet and physical exercise, although the consumption of food supplements is also widespread today. An example of this is protein shakes, which help recovery after physical exertion by strengthening the muscles. However, there are many rumors that point to protein shakes cause baldness: is this true?

What are protein shakes?

We understand as protein shakes those nutritional supplements that contain a high percentage of protein and are low in calories. It is very common to find them in soluble powder format with a wide range of flavors.

There are multiple types of shakes depending on the origin of the protein, as well as its digestibility. Thus, they can be of animal or vegetable origin. Choosing one or the other requires the opinion of a nutrition expert.

Composition of protein shakes

To know if protein shakes really cause baldness or alopecia, it is essential to look at the ingredients. In this way it can be demonstrated if they harm capillary health or, on the contrary, it is a false myth.

Below we tell you what are the main ingredients that are included in these food supplements.

Proteins

The main component of protein shakes is, as the name suggests, protein. As we have mentioned before, it can have several origins: whey protein, animal or vegetable.

Whey protein is the most widespread for these products, which is obtained from animal milk. That which has animal origin is usually obtained from the egg or gelatin. However, the plant-based one comes from peas, hemp or rice, so this is usually the option chosen by vegetarians.

Lecithin

Emulsifiers are also part of the ingredient list of protein shakes. Lecithin is one of the most common as it helps the powder dissolve as easily and quickly as possible.

thickeners

To provide texture and consistency, gums, carrageenan or maltodextrin are usually used.

Sweeteners

To add flavor, artificial sweeteners and sugar are not lacking in the list of ingredients of these products. 

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Is it true that protein shakes cause baldness?

Once the most common components of protein shakes have been reviewed, it is time to solve the big question: protein shakes cause baldness, true or myth?

The truth is that protein shakes have not been shown to cause baldness or alopecia. Although it should be noted that, especially those of animal origin, may contain creatine, an amino acid suspected of accelerating baldness.

Creatine is an amino acid that men and women naturally have. However, it is also found in the animal proteins that are often found in protein shakes. This compound helps to repair tissues after physical exercise while increasing muscle mass, so it would fulfill the main objective of these products. But does the creatine in protein shakes cause baldness?

According to our medical equipmentIn no case does creatine, and therefore protein shakes, cause alopecia or baldness. But there is a possible hormonal relationship to raise testosterone levels in the body. When testosterone increases, it is possible that it comes into contact with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, contained in the hair follicles, generating the dihydrotestosterone, hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia. However, it cannot be said in any case that protein shakes cause baldness. Although, it is true that in cases of incipient alopecia it could accelerate this hair loss, but not cause it.

Factors that cause hair loss

As we have already seen, protein shakes are not the cause of any alopecia or hair loss. However, there are certain factors that cause hair loss, although normally reversible.

Stress

La stress hair loss is one of the best known. It is not a myth that when you suffer from high levels of stress for a prolonged period of time, your hair suffers and ends up falling out.

This hair loss is usually reversible and does not require any treatment. However, when the loss persists, it is essential to go to an expert doctor who can assess each particular case.

Seasonal fall

La seasonal hair loss It is another type of fall that can occur more frequently. In the changes of season, especially in autumn, the hair falls out due to the hair's own life cycle. However, as with stress-induced hair loss, it is reversible and hair will grow back normally.

Covid-19

Lately the current pandemic has caused hair loss due to covid-19. This is known as telogen effluvium and it has been shown that at the end of the infection, even after 9 months, there are people who experience considerable hair loss.

Bad nutrition

Diet and hair loss yes they are related. The lack of nutrients affects the proper functioning of the scalp. This is why it is very important to follow a balanced diet to keep your hair in the best condition.

patient area of Hospital Capilar Madrid

Stops hair loss Hospital Capilar

En Hospital Capilar We are experts in medicine and hair surgeries. We have the most effective treatments in the sector with which to stop hair loss. If what you are looking for is a hair graft to put an end to baldness, contact us! The first diagnosis is completely free. 

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