If you’ve ever looked for protein supplements, you’re probably aware that whey protein is one of the most readily accessible. Protein smoothies containing whey protein isolate are a cornerstone of many regimens for people looking to gain muscle growth. If taken to regulate hunger, whey protein powder can even aid with weight reduction.
Whey protein users, like those who use other supplements, may have certain unpleasant side effects. Hair loss is one of the most frequent of these ailments. Many gym attendees and those who use whey protein drinks, particularly males, may question if whey protein causes hair loss.
While there is some evidence that whey protein isolate may hasten hair loss in certain people, protein is also an important component of having healthy hair. This article will go through protein’s relationship with hair, why some people may have faster hair loss, and what other options are available to people who are afraid that whey will hasten male pattern baldness.
What Is Whey?
Casein and whey protein are two separate forms of protein found in milk. Casein makes up 80% of the protein, whereas whey protein makes up just 20%.
Whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process, or, to put it another way, the liquid that remains after the staining and curdling process.
It’s also known as protein powder, which leads to the assumption that it’s a synthetic protein supplement. Whey protein is more easily absorbed by our bodies than any other type of protein.
The powdered version may simply be mixed with juice, milk, or any other beverage. Whey protein has been categorised further based on the qualities it contains.
How Whey Protein Is Used?
To summarize its nutritional significance, whey protein is a kind of protein, which is a macronutrient made up of amino acids. Whey protein is found naturally in many dairy products, although isolate versions are also accessible in supplements. Whey protein isolate is a kind of whey protein that has been heavily purified. Lactose is present in whey in extremely modest amounts (less than 1 percent ). Whey protein isolate, on the other hand, is finely filtered and contains almost no lactose.
Whey protein intake has been linked to a number of health advantages, including:
Muscle mass has increased. According to studies, combining protein supplementation with resistance exercise boosts muscle protein synthesis, the process by which the body converts protein into muscle.
Muscle preservation in the elderly. Whey protein helped boost muscle protein growth in older men more than a comparable quantity of casein, according to a 2011 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Weight loss as a result of hunger control. One of the most satiating macronutrients is protein. Increased intake of high-protein meals and supplements can help you feel fuller for longer while lowering your calorie intake.
Whey is also useful as a “fast-digesting protein,” which means it is accessible for muscle growth and repair right after an exercise.
Whey Protein’s Connection With Hair
Protein is necessary for healthy hair, skin, and bones in general. Proteins make up the majority of hair follicles. Maintaining hair health, as well as bone density and muscle mass, requires a proper protein consumption. This is especially true for persons who participate in high-intensity exercise on a daily basis, whether as a result of a physically demanding profession or a strict training regimen.
However, some data shows that some types of whey protein may hasten hair loss and male pattern baldness. A 2017 study revealed that using whey protein isolate as a supplement was linked to a faster rate of hair loss.
Other research has revealed that dietary deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, may have a role in hair loss caused by male pattern baldness and other variables such as natural aging.
Traditionally, high testosterone levels have been linked to hair loss. However, more research is needed in this area, since some evidence shows that adjusting testosterone levels in women might potentially result in increased hair growth.
Alopecia is a kind of baldness that is primarily linked to immune system problems. Hair falls out in patches all over the head with alopecia, rather than the normal thinning or receding hairline seen in other types of baldness.
The bottom line is that there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to determining whether or not there are any possible correlations between diet and hair loss. It’s also crucial to remember that the most prevalent cause of hair loss is hereditary-pattern baldness, which is another word for being born with a genetic tendency to baldness. When compared to your food, hair washing practices, and nutritional intake, your genes are significantly more likely to influence the amount of hair you lose.
Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss?
There is no evidence that ingesting whey protein causes hair loss. This is especially true for persons who didn’t have any hair loss or a receding hairline before starting to utilize protein on a regular basis.
As noted in the preceding section, using whey protein isolate supplements in particular has the potential to accelerate hair loss in men who are already experiencing it. If you suffer from congenital baldness, there are a few things you can do to avoid potentially increasing the condition by ingesting whey protein isolate:
Whey protein concentrate is a good option. Whey protein powder isn’t prepared with the same components in every product. Whey protein concentrate isolate is a finely distilled version of whey protein concentrate. In comparison to whey isolate, there is evidence that using whey in a multi-ingredient mix leads to larger increases in lean body mass.
Change the type of protein you’re using. Although whey protein is the most common, it is far from the only form of protein supplement. Proteins may now be found in a variety of forms, ranging from casein and pea protein to rice and soy protein. Each one has a distinct nutritional profile.
Take into account hair loss remedies. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for stimulating hair growth on the scalp, there are a number of FDA-approved baldness treatments that can at least decrease the rate at which hair falls out.
Certain transplant treatments can also relocate hair from places of your body that have a lot of hair growth to your scalp. To obtain more specific information on hair thinning therapies that could work for you, speak with a hair transplant surgeon or dermatologist.
Keep in mind that any modifications you make to your dietary supplements to accommodate for hair loss or thinning might have unintended consequences. It’s critical to assess your overall nutrition, including macronutrients like protein as well as micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin D.
Should You Stop Taking Whey Protein?
Without a doubt, no. In general, whey protein promotes hair growth. You can switch from WPI to WPC if you don’t think it’s working for you. It will reveal the improvements right away.
Protein and whey protein meals, in general, are claimed to promote hair growth and health. When a person has hair loss or baldness, it is recommended that he eats more protein. However, you must know how to use it correctly. The substantial increase in BCAA might be harmful to your health. As a result, make careful to maintain a healthy balance.
Conclusion
Protein supplements, whether in the form of whey protein powder, BCAAs, or other types of items meant to aid enhance protein consumption, are generally well tolerated by most people. Protein dietary supplements can assist you in losing weight, gaining muscle mass, or simply improving your overall health.
If you have male pattern baldness, alopecia, or hair loss due to any other ailment, you should pick your supplements more carefully. Consider switching to a different type of protein, such as casein or pea, or experimenting with other supplements, such as creatine. To acquire final permission on any new supplement you may be taking, see a healthcare expert such as a registered dietitian, dermatologist, or other doctor.