Hair is made of protein, so it may seem that a diet high in protein would be beneficial for hair growth. In truth, some high-protein diets can actually cause hair loss, according to Michael Eades, M.D., writing on the Protein Power website. To make sense of the connection between high protein diets and hair loss, one should understand how high protein diets work, how hair grows, and the nutrients that contribute to hair growth.
High-Protein Diets
High-protein diets require more than the USDA recommended .8 grams per kilogram of body weight, per day. High-protein diets may restrict carbohydrate intake and, per the Mayo Clinic, could cause nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, the American Heart Association recommends against high-protein diets because most Americans already eat more protein than they need and these diets are often high in fat.
Hair Structure
Hair has two major parts, the root and the strand. The root is the living part of the hair and sits below the skin in a pocket called a follicle. The follicle has a network of blood vessels that provide the root with nutrients and oxygen. The strand is made of a protein called keratin and has three layers, the cuticle, cortex and medulla. The cuticle is the outer layer, and looks like overlapping shingles. The cortex is the middle layer and holds much of the pigmentation. The medulla is a hollow space in the center of the strand.
Hair Growth
Hair grows as much as one-half inch per month and grows continuously for an average of three years. Hair also has a resting phase, where it stops growing for up to three months at a time. When the hair resumes growing, the old strand falls out and a new one grows in its place. According to the Family Doctor website, 90 percent of the hair is in the growth phase and 10 percent is in the resting phase at any given time.
Protein and Hair
The body uses protein to make keratin, a major component of the hair strand. Protein also contributes to the formation of blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. The body also uses protein as a fuel source in the absence of sufficient calories.
Vitamins, Minerals and Hair
The hair needs several vitamins and minerals to grow properly. B vitamins, such as B-12, folate and biotin help the body make proteins and energy, both of which contribute to hair growth, per Kid'sHealth. Vitamins C and E assist in the formation of all tissues, such as the bones, skin and hair. Iron is the primary ingredient in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen on the red blood cells. Protein-rich foods, such as meats, eggs and dairy all have vitamins B, E and iron, but some nutrients, such as vitamin C, are only found in fruits and vegetables.
High-Protein Diets and Hair Loss
If the high-protein diet provides adequate and balanced nutrition, there may be little-to-no risk of hair loss. However, if the diet severely restricts carbohydrates and calories, the resulting deficiencies could result in a condition known as telogen effluvium. Per the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, telogen effluvium occurs when the body cannot support hair production. As a result, an abnormally high percent of the hair goes into the resting phase and the phase occurs earlier, and longer, than usual. When the hair begins growing again, all of the resting hairs fall out, resulting in possible bald patches.
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