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 mainstay of many regimens for individuals looking to gain muscle growth. If taken to manage hunger, whey protein powder can even aid with weight reduction.
Whey protein users, like those who use other supplements, may have certain undesirable side effects. Hair loss is one of the most prevalent of these ailments. Many gym attendees and those who use whey protein drinks, particularly males, may ask 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 afraid that whey will hasten male pattern baldness.
What Exactly Is Whey?
Casein and whey protein are two distinct kinds 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 categorized further based on the characteristics it contains.
What Are The Different Whey Protein Types?
Whey proteins are divided into three categories. It consists of
- Whey Protein Concentrate WPC
- Whey Protein Isolate WPI
- Whey Protein Hydrolysate WPH
Whey Protein Concentrate WPC: This kind of whey has a low-fat content and a low carbohydrate content. Its concentration determines the proportion of protein in whey. The smallest percentage is 30%, while the greatest percentage is up to 90%.
Whey Protein Isolate: It is a highly refined form of whey protein that has had the lipids and lactose removed. It contains about 90% protein.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH): It is used as a predigested whey protein since it goes through partial hydrolysis (the process that allows the protein to be absorbed). It takes less time to digest than other types of whey protein.
How Whey Protein Affects Hair?
Whey supplements are preferred and recommended by gym lovers and sportsmen since this water-soluble supplement builds muscles quicker than solid meals. A dermatologist and a hair transplant surgeon discovered that a certain kind of whey protein might be the cause of hair loss in research.
WPC and WPI are made up of the same amino acids. The higher the protein content, the higher the concentration of BCAAs (Branched-chain amino acid).
The quantity of Lactose, fat, and proteins in WPC powder and WPI are different. Whey protein isolate is made by removing as much fat and carbohydrate as possible from the mix, leaving around 90% of the protein intact.
Is Whey Protein Linked To Hair Loss?
There is no evidence that eating whey protein causes hair loss. This is especially true for those who didn’t have any hair loss or a receding hairline before starting to consume protein on a regular basis.
As indicated 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 genetic baldness, there are a few things you can do to avoid potentially worsening the condition by taking whey protein isolate:
Whey protein concentrate is a good option. Whey protein powder isn’t manufactured with the same components in every product. Whey protein concentrate isolate is a finely distilled type of whey protein concentrate. In comparison to whey isolate, there is evidence that using whey in a multi-ingredient mix leads to higher 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 reduce the rate at which hair falls out.
Certain transplant treatments can also transport hair from parts of your body that have a lot of hair growth to your scalp. To receive 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 adjustments you make to your dietary supplements to accommodate for hair loss or thinning might have unintended consequences. It’s critical to look at your nutrition as a whole, assessing your consumption of macronutrients like protein as well as micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin D.
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
Creatine is a popular supplement among gym-goers since it may boost energy and help with muscle building, but could it promote hair loss? Creatine, it is thought, raises the quantity of testosterone in your circulation. If you know the answer to the question, “What is DHT and how does it affect hair loss?” then you know that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced when testosterone is exposed to the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase and that those who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness (AKA androgenetic alopecia) will start to lose hair if this reaction occurs within the hair follicle’s structure. Isn’t it true that increased testosterone means more hair loss? Not at all!
There has only been one research on the issue thus far. The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine published a study in 2009 that looked at how three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affected the ratio of dihydrotestosterone to testosterone in college-aged rugby players. The difficulty with this study is that it only included 20 people, and even then, the results were equivocal and urged more research.
Does DHEA Cause Hair Loss?
DHEA is a supplement that some people use to boost their overall athletic performance. DHEA, like creatine, is thought to contribute to male pattern baldness, and the mechanism by which this occurs is the same: DHEA raises the quantity of testosterone in your blood, causing individuals who are susceptible to male pattern baldness to begin losing hair owing to the presence of DHT. The argument is sound, but the proof is lacking.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) serum increase has been linked to male pattern baldness in young males, according to research published in the Journal of the Academy of Dermatology in 1987. The University of Rochester Medical Center writes on Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, explaining that DHEA is converted to DHEA-S by your liver and adrenal glands. The authors concluded that adrenal hyperactivity might be the cause of male pattern baldness in people who are genetically susceptible to androgenetic alopecia since every subject in the research exhibited both male pattern baldness and high DHEA-S. Notice how the scientists used the term “may” to cover all of their bases?
There hasn’t been any research done to see if using DHEA pills alone causes hair loss. Of course, if you find your hairline receding, you may always be your own scientist and stop taking DHEA. If you stop taking DHEA and your hair loss stops, it’s possible that DHEA was to blame.
What Are The Other Side Effects Of Whey Protein Powder?
Whey protein is a natural protein that is thought to be the safest; nevertheless, whey supplements may be hazardous to certain people and produce negative effects.
It can result in low blood sugar, bleeding, and low blood pressure in certain people. Otherwise, the whey protein might harm the liver and kidneys. Bloating, stomach pains, gas, and diarrhea are all possible side effects of powdered supplements. Body rashes, hives, a runny/stuffy nose, and swelling of the face and throat are all symptoms of a cow milk allergy.
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Whey Protein Concentrate VS Isolate
The processing processes used to make whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate differ. Whey protein is collected as a by-product of yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products by the processors. After that, it goes through a series of processing steps to boost the protein content. Finally, it decomposes into a powder.
Whey protein isolate differs from whey protein concentrate in that isolate whey protein is more processed, whereas concentrated whey protein is less processed. This isn’t the case. Even though it is created by decreasing fat and carbs, isolate whey protein powder provides 90 percent more protein by weight.
On the other hand, whey protein concentrate is made up of 20% fat and carbs by weight and 80% by volume. Both whey proteins have the same quantity of amino acids. WPI, on the other hand, has more BCAAs (Brain Chain Amino Acids), whereas WPC contains a balanced amount of BCAAs.
What Are The Benefits Of Whey Protein?
Wherever it is utilized as protein drinks, it is useful in many ways. There are several important pieces of information on whey protein
- Reduces muscle fatigue: Whey has precursors which assist boost the level of the water-soluble antioxidant glutathione.
- Immune system: Whey proteins are amino acids that enhance the immune system and increase it.
- Help During the night: Taking whey before bed improves recuperation and training. This is because the breakdown of muscle protein and the growth of plasma amino acid contributes to keeping the body’s protein balance at night.
- Helps control Cholesterol: Well, sure, it’s right. The whey protein contributes to about 7 percent cholesterol level reduction and a significant 15 percent decrease in blood triglycerides.
- Reduces liver fat: Whey protein has been studied on obese women, and it has been determined that just 60 g has been taken, and 21% of liver fat has been cut by one month.
Conclusion
Any deficit in protein could be the reason for losing hair. It’s not just whey specified. If taken excessively, any protein may not only be detrimental to hair and might even impair body muscles. Whey protein is the water-soluble protein utilized primarily by fitness enthusiasts to develop and strengthen body muscles.
Most people will not have any problem with using protein supplements, whether they whey protein powder, BCAAs, or any other product that helps enhance the consumption of protein. Whether your objective is fat reduction, increased muscle mass, or just better health, dietary supplements for protein can assist.
You may nevertheless want to select your supplements more carefully if you already have to struggle with male pattern baldness, hair loss, or alopecia due to any other problems. Consider selecting an alternate type of protein such as casein or pea or try other types of supplements such as creatine. Check with your doctor to see whether a new supplement that you may be taking is finally approved. This means a registered dietician, skincare expert, or another doctor can use it.