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A US research team believes the link between sweetened beverages and hair loss can be explained by a simple theory: these drinks interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients essential for healthy hair.
A US research team has found that drinking large amounts of sweetened beverages is linked to hair loss, while adequate intake of iron and vitamin D supports healthy hair growth, Al Rai newspaper reported.
“Nutrients play a key role in either promoting or preventing hair loss, so these findings are not surprising,” said Julia Zumpano, a nutritionist at Cleveland Clinic. She told the medical research website Health that the study provides a clearer understanding of the nutrients essential for maintaining hair health.
The researchers reviewed 17 studies conducted globally covering 61,332 participants aged 7 to 77, with women making up 97% of the sample.
Researchers believe the link between sweetened beverages and hair loss can be explained by a simple theory: these drinks interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients essential for healthy hair.
Zumpano explained, “The most likely reason for the connection is the effect these substances have on the gut microbiome—the microbes and fungi that naturally live in the digestive system—and on nutrient absorption. This means people who consume these beverages may end up eating less food.”
She also highlighted the importance of vitamin D and iron for hair growth, noting, “Vitamin D is vital for forming the cells that develop into hair follicles, while iron helps deliver oxygen to those follicles.”
