Can Intermittent Fasting Cause Hair Loss? Study Raises Concerns

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular methods for weight loss and improving overall health.

Alongside its many health benefits, a scientific study from China reveals that prolonged fasting may slow hair growth. While the findings in humans aren’t definitive, researchers raise interesting questions about the link between diet, metabolism, and the health of hair follicles.

The study was conducted by a team at Westlake University in China, led by stem cell biologist Bing Zhang. In their experiment, mice were placed under various fasting protocols, including 16-hour daily fasts and alternate-day feeding. The results showed that hair regrowth in fasting mice was significantly slower than in mice with unrestricted food access. After 30 days, the control group mice had regrown most of their hair, while the fasting mice showed only partial regrowth, even after extended periods.

Researchers found that hair follicle stem cells—crucial for hair regeneration—were negatively affected by oxidative stress. During fasting, the body shifts from using glucose for energy to burning fat stores. However, the stem cells in hair follicles are not well-adapted to processing fatty acids, which seems to impair their function.

Interestingly, when the same experiments were conducted on human hair follicle stem cells, the effects were significantly milder. Scientists believe that differences in metabolism and hair growth patterns between mice and humans explain the less dramatic impact.

The researchers also noted that fasting’s effects can vary based on genetics, diet, and lifestyle. They encourage those practicing intermittent fasting to continue enjoying its many benefits, but to stay aware of signals from their bodies. Topical use of antioxidants such as vitamin E may help reduce potential damage to stem cells.

Despite these findings, intermittent fasting remains a popular method linked to benefits such as weight loss, improved metabolic function, and heart health. The researchers plan to further investigate how fasting affects other types of stem cells in the body.