Intermittent Fasting May Stunt Hair Growth, Researchers Find
A new study published in the journal Cell has discovered that intermittent fasting, a popular trend promising improved metabolic health, may have an unexpected side effect: less hair. Researchers found that restricted eating patterns, which involve food restriction to an eight-hour window each day or alternating between feast and fast days, can delay hair regrowth in mice. The study, led by stem cell biologist Bing Zhang from Westlake University in China, suggests that hair follicle stem cells struggle to adapt to metabolic changes, leading to reduced hair growth.
The researchers found that mice subjected to strict eating schedules, such as restricting food to an eight-hour window each day or alternating between feast and fast days, showed significantly delayed hair regrowth compared to mice with unlimited food access. While normal mice regrew most of their hair within 30 days, fasting mice took up to 96 days to show partial regrowth.
The study also included a small clinical trial with 49 young adults, which found that an extreme 18-hour daily fasting regime reduced hair growth speed by 18%.
The researchers believe that the hair-stunting effect may be less severe in human dieters, but note that the study found that antioxidants might help alleviate the problem. Topical vitamin E and genetic interventions that boosted antioxidant capacity helped hair follicle stem cells survive the fasting period.
The study’s findings suggest that intermittent fasting may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and individual responses can vary. As with any health trend, it’s essential to be aware of potential effects and consult healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes. The researchers are planning to explore how fasting affects stem cells in other body systems, potentially uncovering more nuanced insights into this popular dietary approach.
