A new study has indicated that daily consumption of sugary drinks increases the likelihood of baldness in men. Researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing found that those who consumed one sugary drink per day faced a 57% higher risk of developing male pattern baldness compared to those who avoided such beverages. Experts believe that any drink with a high amount of added sugar may contribute to this condition, excluding diet sodas.
Data suggests that half of men typically lose their hair by the age of fifty, and 25% of balding men notice early signs of hair loss before reaching the age of 21. In efforts by scientists to find a cure for hair loss, recent developments may be in vain if men continue to drink sugary beverages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 63% of adults aged 18 and older consume at least one sugary drink daily.
This recent study explored the links between sweetened beverage consumption and male hair loss, surveying 1,028 men aged 18 to 45 in China. Participants answered questions about baldness, their dietary habits, and whether they experienced any psychological issues, as well as how often they consumed certain foods and drinks. This revealed a significant correlation between high sugary drink consumption and hair loss in men.
The researchers concluded that consuming sugary drinks once to three times a week increases the risk of hair loss by 21%, while consuming four to seven sweetened beverages raises the risk to 26%. In addition to hair loss, researchers found a relationship between sweetened beverage intake and mental health, potentially leading to depression and anxiety.