Protein is the main agent which acts as a building block for the human body. On the other hand, low-carb diets help to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
That’s why the high protein low carb diet is very popular. However, some people tend to lose hair during dieting.
So, does a high protein low carb diet cause hair loss? Well, there is no scientific evidence that a diet that is high in protein and low in carbs can cause hair loss.
However, in certain circumstances, you may lose your hair after consumption of high protein and low carb diets. Let’s check why.
Hair Loss Causes of High Protein Diet
Protein plays an important role in hair growth and strengthens it. In fact, protein-energy malnutrition is the major cause of hair fall (1).
Then how does a high protein diet cause hair loss? Well, high protein intake is not good for health. It can cause several health disorders like:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Kidney problems
- Cardiovascular diseases
All of these health disorders can indirectly promote hair loss by affecting our immune system. That’s why too much protein may cause hair loss but through other protein-overload-related diseases.
How Low Carb Diet Cause Hair Loss
Studies have shown that low carb diet can cause hair loss (2). Because of this carb-restricted diet is a very common reason behind hair fall.
The most essential nutrients for healthy hair growth are riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12. Deficiencies of these vitamins are associated with hair loss (3).
A carb-restricted diet can cause a deficiency of these important micronutrients. It’s because the majority of foods that are high in these nutrients are also rich sources of carbs.
On the other hand, there are limited high vitamin C foods allowed in the low-carb diet plans. Vitamin C helps the intestinal absorption of iron (4). That’s why a limited intake of vitamin C may indirectly cause hair loss by promoting iron deficiency.
Zinc malnutrition is another cause behind hair fall on a carb-restricted diet. Several high zinc foods like cashews and legumes are high in carbs and you cannot consume them in a low carb diet. This indirectly causes zinc deficiency which leads to hair fall.
