Can sugary drinks cause hair loss? New research says yes
Key points :
- Sugary drinks and alcohol can increase hair loss risk and cause premature graying by triggering inflammation and nutrient depletion.
- Vitamin D, iron, and protein are essential for supporting hair follicle health, growth, and thickness.
- Plant foods like soy and cruciferous vegetables provide antioxidants that protect against shedding.
- MDhair Restore Supplements deliver clinically backed nutrients—vitamin D, iron, biotin, zinc, selenium, amino acids, and marine proteins—for stronger, fuller hair.
Most of us know that soda, sweetened teas, and other sugary drinks aren’t great for overall health. But recent research shows they may also be harming your hair. High intake of sugar-sweetened and alcoholic beverages has been linked to increased hair shedding and even early graying.
On the flip side, certain nutrients—like vitamin D, iron, and protein—can help keep hair strong, thick, and healthy. Eating the right foods (and avoiding the wrong ones) could be an important part of preventing or slowing hair loss.
How Does Your Diet Influence Hair Health?
A large review of scientific studies examined how specific foods, drinks, and nutrients affect hair growth, texture, and strength. The study included data from tens of thousands of people of various ages and hair concerns.
The findings were clear:
- More sugar and alcohol → Higher risk of hair loss and premature graying
- More vitamin D and iron → Stronger, healthier hair growth
- Adequate protein → Thicker hair shafts and better pigment
- More plant foods like soy and cruciferous vegetables → Less shedding
This shows that everyday diet choices have a direct impact on the health of your scalp and follicles.
Why Are Vitamin D, Iron, and Protein So Important?
Vitamin D helps regulate the hair growth cycle and may protect follicles from damage. Low levels are often seen in people with certain types of hair loss, making this nutrient a key player in hair health.
Iron delivers oxygen to hair follicles and supports cell activity needed for growth. Women with low iron levels frequently notice shedding, and correcting the deficiency can improve thickness and fullness.
Protein is the building block of keratin, the structural protein in hair. Without enough protein, hair shafts become thinner, weaker, and more prone to breakage.
Even mild deficiencies in these nutrients can make a visible difference in your hair’s quality.
What Foods and Drinks Help or Hurt Hair?
Adding more soy-based foods and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts can help reduce shedding. These are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that nourish the scalp.
Cutting back on sugary drinks can make a big difference. High sugar intake may fuel hormonal changes and inflammation that damage follicles. Similarly, too much alcohol can strip the body of hair-essential nutrients and speed up graying.
The takeaway: choose nutrient-rich whole foods and hydrate with water or unsweetened beverages to support your hair from the inside out.
Can Supplements Fill the Gap?
While a balanced diet is the best foundation for healthy hair, supplements can be useful—especially if you have deficiencies or dietary restrictions. Marine proteins, collagen peptides, certain plant extracts, and blends of vitamins and minerals have shown promise in improving thickness and reducing shedding.
However, supplements aren’t magic. They work best as part of an overall hair wellness plan and should be chosen carefully to match your needs.
How Can MDhair Restore Supplements Help?
When diet alone isn’t enough, a targeted hair supplement can help fill in nutritional gaps.
MDhair Restore Supplements are formulated to provide the key nutrients your hair needs to grow stronger and fuller, including:
- Vitamin D for follicle health
- Iron for oxygen delivery to the scalp
- Biotin for keratin production
- Zinc and selenium for antioxidant protection
- Amino acids and marine proteins to strengthen hair structure
By supporting your hair from within, Restore can work alongside healthy lifestyle habits to help reduce shedding and encourage thicker, healthier growth.
FAQ:
Q: Can sugary drinks cause hair loss?
A: Yes. High sugar intake can increase inflammation, disrupt hormones, and deplete nutrients—raising the risk of hair thinning and premature graying.
Q: Which nutrients are most important for healthy hair?
A: Vitamin D, iron, and protein are key for supporting hair follicle function, oxygen delivery, and keratin production.
Q: What foods can help reduce hair loss?
A: Soy products, cruciferous vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods nourish the scalp and protect hair from damage.
Q: How can MDhair Restore Supplements support hair regrowth?
A: They provide vitamin D, iron, biotin, zinc, selenium, amino acids, and marine proteins—clinically backed to strengthen and thicken hair.
References:
- Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51–70.
- Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, et al. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(1):79–86.
- Kim YH, Lee JY, Ko DS, et al. Exploring the association between alcohol consumption and androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Alcohol Alcohol. 2024;59(6):agae076.
- Yang WJ, Lee JY, Ko DS, et al. Association between alcohol consumption and androgenetic alopecia: OR 1.4 in drinkers vs non-drinkers. Alcohol Alcohol. 2024;59(6):agae076.
- Mostaghimi A, Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, et al. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(1):79–86.
- Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tosti A. Vitamins and minerals in non-scarring alopecia: PubMed/Google Scholar review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51–70.
- Iyanda AA. Serum vitamin levels in androgenetic alopecia subjects with smoking and alcohol exposure. Sci Rep. 2012;1:137.
- EurekAlert! (Pusan National University study). Alcohol intake may play a small role in androgenetic alopecia; the evidence is less substantial than previously believed. 2024.
- News-Medical (Hugo F. de Souza). Sugary drinks increase hair loss risk, and vitamin D and iron support hair health. Nutrition and Health. 2025.
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