HANGZHOU: Intermittent fasting, a popular dietary trend, may have an unintended side effect: slower hair growth. A new study published in the journal Cell has found that this eating pattern, which involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, impacts hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), potentially disrupting the hair growth cycle.
The research, conducted using both human and animal models, highlights how oxidative stress during fasting may impair HFSC function. In a mouse model, researchers observed that mice subjected to intermittent fasting regrew hair at a significantly slower rate compared to those with unrestricted access to food. After 90 days, fasting mice showed only partial hair regrowth, whereas the control group had nearly full regrowth within 30 days.
A clinical trial involving 49 healthy adults mirrored these findings. Participants following an 18-hour daily fasting regimen experienced an 18% reduction in hair growth speed compared to those on a regular diet.
Dr. Bing Zang, senior author of the study from Westlake University, explained that metabolic shifts during fasting — from glucose to fat utilization — create oxidative stress, which some HFSCs struggle to withstand. While the effect in humans is less pronounced than in mice, it remains significant.
Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand intermittent fasting’s broader implications. Dr. Hans Schmidt, a bariatric surgery expert, noted that disruptions in the hair growth cycle due to hormonal and metabolic changes could explain the slower regrowth.
For individuals concerned about hair health, dietitian Monique Richard recommends a nutrient-rich diet, including protein, vitamins, and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron, to support overall hair growth.
While intermittent fasting offers benefits like weight loss and reduced disease risk, this study underscores the importance of personalized nutrition to minimize potential downsides.