Hair loss is a well-known concern among men and women, and the quest for prevention and treatment of hair loss includes rectification of various factors such as diet and lifestyle choices.
However, one factor that you may have not considered is energy drinks. According to some experts, energy drinks may be linked to hair loss, especially in men.
The blame goes to the many ingredients in these drinks such as sugar and other additives. (1)
However, hair loss from energy drinks is not a very common occurrence and does not happen to everyone.
Moreover, hair loss risk from energy drinks depends on the type of energy drinks, ingredients in the energy drinks (such as very high sugar and caffeine content), frequency of consumption (such as extremely high consumption), and your lifestyle and genetic factors.
Continue reading to understand the relationship between hair loss and energy drinks.
Are Energy Drinks Related to Hair Loss?
Yes, according to many experts, consumption of energy drinks can be related to hair loss and can increase the risk of hair loss in at-risk populations. The reasons behind this are as follows.
Increases blood sugar levels
In one study, the participants who consumed energy drinks, sweetened tea, coffee, and fast food experienced higher baldness rates. In contrast, the participants who consumed a healthy diet rich in grains, roots, fruit, fish, and seafood showed fewer hair loss issues. (1)
The high sugar content in sweetened beverages such as energy drinks increases blood sugar levels, activating the polyol pathway, a process known to cause alopecia. The polyol pathway, fueled by continuous glucose, affects the hair follicle cells, potentially causing hair loss.
Moreover, the sugar content in energy drinks may lead to increased insulin levels, which influence hormonal changes that affect the hair.
Excessive sugar intake also often comes with high fat consumption, which is known to contribute to hair loss.
Even after considering other dietary factors, the association between sugary beverages and hair loss remains significant, making sugary drinks an independent factor in male-pattern hair loss.
So, cutting back on energy drinks might help maintain a healthy head of hair. (1)
Negatively affects the sleep cycle
Moreover, energy drinks are full of caffeine. The caffeine-induced disturbance in sleep patterns doesn’t just lead to tired mornings, but it can also elevate stress levels, thereby playing a role in the unwelcome issue of hair loss.
A good night’s sleep is not only essential for overall well-being but also crucial in maintaining a healthy head of hair. So, if you’re sipping on that late-night bottle of energy drink, consider its harmful effects on both your sleep and your hair. (2)(3)
Contains harmful additives
In addition to having caffeine and sugar, energy drinks also often contain harmful additives such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives (3) that can damage the hair follicles. The chemical overload may disrupt the hair growth process, leading to potential damage.
Opting for healthier beverage choices can not only boost your overall well-being but also contribute to the maintenance of vibrant and resilient hair.
Causes metabolic disturbance
Energy drinks, often containing 21-34 g of sugar per oz in the forms of sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, pose risks to hair health. Excessive intake may lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, the high sugar content can negatively impact intestinal bacteria, increasing the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. (3) (4)
These health implications may indirectly affect hair health, emphasizing the importance of moderation and a balanced diet for overall well-being, including vibrant hair.
May not be FDA approved
In recent times, the energy drink market expanded, but not all brands are FDA approved. Consuming unapproved drinks can worsen hair health as you cannot trust the ingredients used and the processing involved in producing the drink.
Can You Drink an Energy Drink Occasionally Without Suffering from Hair Loss?
Enjoying an occasional energy drink is unlikely to harm you, but consuming it every day isn’t the healthiest choice.
Moreover, research on its long-term effects is limited, so try not to pick up an energy drink daily. (4) Instead, opt for a well-balanced diet low in sugar and rich in vitamins as it benefits hair health.
According to experts, an advisable intake is 5-7 energy drinks weekly. Surpassing this may pose serious health risks.
Although quitting energy drinks won’t magically reverse male-pattern baldness, reconsider your choices and quit energy drinks if you observe hair thinning and your diet includes these drinks along with nutrient-deficient fast food.
Most-Asked Questions
Can dehydration from energy drinks cause hair problems?
Yes, dehydration can impact hair health.
Can energy drinks affect hair growth?
The potential presence of additives in energy drinks may have indirect effects on hair growth.
Final Word
Energy drinks may be linked to hair loss due to their high sugar content, which negatively impacts blood sugar levels and sleep patterns. Harmful additives can also damage the hair follicles.
Occasional consumption of energy drinks is unlikely to cause harm, but excessive intake may pose health risks.