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Can Protein Malnutrition Cause Hair Loss?

The human body produces hair and nails using protein. Normally, people shed hair at a rate of 50 to 100 hairs daily. Each fallen hair is replaced by a new one from the same follicle beneath the surface of the skin.

  1. Significance

    • Protein malnutrition can occur in vegetarians, dieters and people who simply do not eat properly. If you do not have enough protein in your body, the protein usually reserved for hair production will be saved and growing hairs will go into a rest stage. A considerable amount of hair will be shed two to three months after the hair begins the resting phase.

    Types

    • A healthy and average amount of protein for an adult is about 50 grams per day, says Dr. Robert Shmerling of Harvard Medical School. This amount of protein can be found in a turkey sandwich, a cup of yogurt or a glass of milk. Other foods containing protein include meat, fish, chicken, eggs, lentils, tofu, grains and nuts.

    Solution

    • A blood test can determine the level of protein in your body. Hair loss resulting from protein malnutrition is not permanent and can usually be reversed by eating the proper amount of protein.

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