Most people know that soda and other sugary drinks aren’t great for weight, teeth or blood sugar. A study published in the journal Nutrients points to another possible downside: young men who drank sugar-sweetened beverages often were more likely to report male pattern hair loss.
Male pattern hair loss is common, and starting earlier
Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, usually starts as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. It’s strongly influenced by genetics and hormones. According to Cleveland Clinic, most men experience some hair loss by age 50, and about a quarter notice the first signs before they turn 21. The study’s authors noted that the condition appears to be becoming more common and starting at younger ages.
At the same time, sugary drinks have become a regular part of many young people’s diets. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that a majority of U.S. adults drink at least one sugar-sweetened beverage on a given day. Because few studies had looked at whether these two trends are connected, the researchers set out to investigate.
How the study was done
Researchers in China conducted an online survey from January to April 2022. They recruited men aged 18 to 45 from 31 provinces across mainland China. After screening, 1,028 men were included in the final analysis.
Participants answered questions about:
- Their hair status and any hair loss
- How often they drank sugary beverages, including soda, sweetened tea and energy drinks
- Diet and lifestyle, such as sleep, exercise and smoking
- Stress and other psychological factors
- Background details such as age, education and family history
What the researchers found
Men who drank sugary beverages more often were more likely to report male pattern hair loss, even after the researchers accounted for other factors. The link was stronger among men who drank the most.
The researchers proposed a possible explanation. High blood sugar can activate a chemical process in the body called the polyol pathway. In hair follicles, that process may reduce the glucose available to the cells that support hair growth, which could contribute to hair loss. This is a theory, though, and the study didn’t test it directly.
Important limits
This study shows an association, not cause and effect. It relied on what participants reported in a survey, and hair loss was not diagnosed by a doctor. Men who drink a lot of soda may also differ in other ways, such as diet, sleep or stress levels, that could affect their hair. And because the study included only young men in China, the results may not apply to everyone. The authors called for further research to confirm the link.
What this means for you
Cutting back on sugary drinks is good advice for overall health, whether or not it turns out to protect your hair. Some practical tips:
- Swap gradually. Replace one soda a day with water, sparkling water or unsweetened tea.
- Watch hidden sugar. Sweetened coffee drinks, energy drinks and juices can contain as much sugar as soda.
- Support your hair with overall health. A balanced diet with enough protein and iron, good sleep and stress management all support healthy hair.
- See a professional for hair loss. A doctor or dermatologist can check for other causes, such as thyroid problems or nutrient deficiencies, and discuss proven treatments that work best when started early.
The bottom line
A survey of more than 1,000 young men found that frequent sugary drink consumption was linked to a higher chance of male pattern hair loss. The study can’t prove that soda causes baldness, but it adds one more reason to cut back on sugary drinks.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
