"Frequent Consumption of Carbonated Drinks"… Hair Loss Risk Triples

A new study has found that people who frequently consume carbonated beverages are at a higher risk of hair loss.

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According to the Daily Mail in the UK on August 25 (local time), a team of researchers in Portugal recently published a paper in the journal 'Nutrition and Health' stating that people who often drink carbonated and sugary beverages may face a significantly increased risk of hair loss. The research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of 17 related studies and emphasized that "diet and nutrition have a major impact on hair health." They also highlighted that supplementing vitamin D and iron, while reducing alcohol and carbonated beverage intake, may help prevent hair loss.

In particular, one study included in the analysis found that people who consumed more than 3,500ml (about 11 cans) of carbonated beverages per week had a higher risk of experiencing hair loss, with this trend being especially pronounced among men. The researchers explained that the high caffeine content in these drinks can increase the stress hormone cortisol, while excessive sugar can cause poor blood circulation and inflammation, both of which may contribute to weakening hair follicles.

Previous studies have also pointed out that men who drink more than one sugary beverage per day are at greater risk of male-pattern hair loss. According to a 2023 study by researchers at Tsinghua University in China, which surveyed 1,000 men aged 18 to 45 over four months, men who consumed sweetened beverages more than seven times a week were more than three times as likely to experience hair loss compared to those who did not.

However, the researchers clarified that these findings do not prove that carbonated beverages directly cause hair loss. They explained that further research is needed to confirm the exact causal relationship.

Experts remain divided on the causal link between carbonated beverages and hair loss. Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at Ohio State University in the United States, said, "Diet is an important factor for overall health, but male-pattern hair loss is caused by a combination of multiple factors."

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While hair loss is commonly associated with aging, more people in their 20s and 30s are now visiting clinics for hair loss concerns. In fact, statistics show that one in four men in their 20s shows signs of hair loss, and by age 50, 85% of men experience some degree of hair loss.

Meanwhile, maintaining a balanced diet is important for reducing the risk of hair loss. According to experts, protein, vitamin D, and iron are essential nutrients for hair growth and scalp health. Foods such as eggs, spinach, fatty fish, nuts, avocados, berries, and legumes are considered representative foods that support hair growth. These foods are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which help maintain hair follicle health and reduce inflammation. Additionally, vitamin C aids iron absorption, and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains improve scalp blood flow, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to the hair.

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