Question : Fat & Hair Loss

Dear Will, I am a chemistry student who regularly reads your stuff and the "Intake Update column." I have noticed that fats and fatty acid metabolism seems like a particular interest of yours as you write so much about flax oil . My question is this, what effects does fat have on hair loss? I am doing research into this and I don't have a clue where to start but it is a topic that really interests me. Thanks for the help and you dont have to print this letter in the cloumn if you dont want to.

What effect does fat have on hair loss? That's a tough one to answer with any certainty. It is known that extremely low fat diets (below 10%) can cause hair loss just as a lack of many nutrients can cause hair loss. There is no doubt in my mind that deficiencies in the essential fatty acids (Alpha-linolenic acid and Linoleic acid) in the diet will hinder optimal growth of hair or muscle for that matter, but research is hard to come by that unequivocally proves it.

There are some fats that have been shown to have 5 alpha reductase (5AR) inhibiting abilities. F.Y.I, 5AR is the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which goes onto make your hair fall out. One study found that Gamma Linolenic acid had strong 5AR inhibiting properties in vitro. It is also interesting to note that they found certain phospho lipids actually stimulated 5AR! Because the various fatty acids they tested had 5AR inhibiting properties that ranged from strong to none at all, they theorized that "unsaturated fatty acids may play an important role in regulating androgen action in target cells (Biochem J.,285:557-562, 1992)."

There are some fats that have been shown to have 5 alpha reductase (5AR) inhibiting abilities. F.Y.I, 5AR is the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which goes onto make your hair fall out. One study found that Gamma Linolenic acid had strong 5AR inhibiting properties in vitro. It is also interesting to note that they found certain phospho lipids actually stimulated 5AR! Because the various fatty acids they tested had 5AR inhibiting properties that ranged from strong to none at all, they theorized that "unsaturated fatty acids may play an important role in regulating androgen action in target cells (Biochem J.,285:557-562, 1992)."

Now before anyone reading this runs out to buy Gamma Linolenic acid, this research is far from proof that it would stop or influence hair loss in a positive or negative way. However, it is interesting research none the less and points to the fact that certain fats do play an essential role in every cell in our bodies, including hair growth and hair loss, so eat your flax oil! On a more theoretical note, being we know that hair loss is ultimately an auto immune reaction brought on by inflammatory processes, and we know that the intake of Omega-3 fatty acid rich oils (i.e. flax oil and fish oils) greatly reduces the production of pro inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, maybe these fatty acids can help with hair loss if taken in large enough amounts for long enough periods of time. All this is conjecture on my part, but its a great place to start your research Tod.

About Will Brink

Will Brink has over 15 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published.Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.

His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.

Will was a former high level trainer with a rep for getting Olympic athletes, bodybuilders and fitness stars into shape and has gained a reputation for being a no "BS" industry insider who's not afraid to reveal the lies and hype found in the fat loss , muscle building & supplement industry.

He has been co author of several studies relating to sports nutrition and health found in peer reviewed academic journals, as well as having commentary published in JAMA. William has been invited to lecture on the benefits of weight training and nutrition at conventions and symposiums around the U.S. and Canada, and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs.

He is the author, of Bodybuilding Revealed which teaches you how to gain solid muscle mass drug free and Fat Loss Revealed. which reveals exactly how to get lean , ripped and healthy completely naturally. Both e-books come with access to his private forums and numerous tools to aid you in either endevour.