Does Whey Protein Isolate Cause Hair Loss

Protein supplements have gained popularity across the world, particularly whey protein for those trying to develop muscle mass. Whey protein isolate (WPI), which is highly processed, is found in most protein supplements, as is whey protein concentrate (WPC), which is less common but less processed. Whey protein isolate is a fast-digesting protein that has several advantages such as weight loss, muscle mass maintenance, beneficial effects on hair and nails, and so on. There are several unfavorable rumors circulating concerning the use of isolate supplements causing hair loss.

Also Read: Difference between Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate

Connection of Whey protein with hair. Does Whey Protein cause Hair loss?

Protein is essential for healthy hair, skin, and bones in general. Hair follicles, in reality, are primarily made up of proteins. Maintaining hair health, as well as bone density and muscle mass, requires proper protein consumption. This is especially true for persons who participate in strenuous exercise on a daily basis, whether through a physically demanding profession or a hard training regimen.

Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, have been discovered to be a contributing factor to hair loss caused by male pattern baldness and other reasons, such as natural aging, according to research.

While genetics clearly has an impact on the most common types of hair loss, there are many foreplay factors involved such as thyroid issues, dietary deficiencies, medications, use of growth hormone‐based supplements during weight training, high testosterone levels, use of steroids for weight training, and use of weight‐loss products and fat burners. The real story is that good quality protein is needed whether its hair, nails, growth, or skin.

Our body can produce 11 of the 20 amino acids, which means you have to get the remaining nine amino acids [essential amino acids] from food. It’s important to keep in mind that hair follicles are mostly composed of a protein called keratin. And the protein which we get through diet can help hair to grow and stay healthy. If the diet is low in complete proteins, which don’t contain all nine essential amino acids, hair damage will be seen.

Genes are much more likely to have an impact on the amount of hair loss when compared to current diet, hair washing habits, and nutrient intake. Hereditary baldness/alopecia is related to defects in the immune system, not whey protein! Correction in protein needs to be considered with the help of a professional.

A combination of biotin, selenium, iron, complete amino acids profile especially isolates, and vitamin D would help to a greater extent in reducing hair damage. Avoiding hair treatments such as hair color, blow drying, keratin treatment, and Sulphur containing shampoos can bring about positive results if excluded.