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Protein Foods for Thinning Hair

Thinning hair or alopecia as it is called medically is the loss of hair, usually from the scalp. It is a natural part of aging but in some cases maybe associated with other illnesses or treatments. In some cases a poor diet, low in protein may be the source of the problem.

  1. Normal Hair Loss

    • The average adult human loses between 60 and 100 hairs per day. Various circumstances can affect the amount of hair loss. Pregnancy and anemia are common causes as are high-fat diets for men and low-protein diets for women. Humans also lose more hair as they age.

    Protein Keratin

    • Keratin is the protein needed for healthy hair. It is the main part of the cell in skin, hair nails and teeth enamel. Keratin makes up 65 to 95 percent of hair fiber when measured by weight. The keratin protein needed for hair is manufactured in the hair follicle from amino acids carried in the blood.

    Effects of Diet

    • Research indicates that eating foods rich in protein has little effect on preventing or correcting thinning hair. The keratin in foods cannot be broken down and it will pass through the body. A diet high in amino acids, which the follicles use to make keratin, is only beneficial if there is a deficiency of amino acids in the first place. Healthy but thinning hair may not be helped by adding amino acids or keratin to the diet.

    Topical Protein Applications

    • Shampoos, conditioners and treatments containing protein or specifically keratin do not provide lasting effects. Protein is not absorbed through the hair as it is supplied through the hair follicle. Any protein applied this way will be rinsed away during the shampooing process.

    Alternate Treatments

    • A number of medications have shown some success at restoring hair growth. Finasteride, known by the trade name propecia, underwent clinical trials at Merck where it showed an 11 percent increase in hair growth over the first year. Minoxidil has also shown success and is available as Rogain from Upjohn in either 2 percent or 5 percent strengths. Several hormone treatments including estrogen and progesterone also reportedly help reduce thinning hair. Alternative treatments include emu oil, saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds and green tea as natural ways of treating thinning hair. Hair replacement therapy is another option to stop hair thinning.

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