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Protein is the major component of hair; therefore, a protein deficiency results in hair loss and hair thinning. Understanding the cause of protein deficiency hair loss can help correct the problem and reverse the outcome. There can be several causes of protein deficiency, which we will understand better in this article. We will also understand the connection between hair and protein, and why this nutrient is absolutely crucial to healthy hair growth.
If you are wondering what protein deficiency hair loss looks like, then this article is for you. You will not only get a better understanding of the causes but also what signs to look out for, and what your treatment options could be. We will take a closer look at how diet restrictions, chronic and autoimmune disease, and even certain medications could all lead to protein deficiency and why identifying the deficiency correctly will be the key to your successful treatment and recovery.
The main component of hair is a protein called keratin. This protein, like all other proteins, is made up of building blocks called amino acids, which we get from the food we eat. Our bodies break down the proteins we consume into individual amino acids, then use them to make the proteins the body needs. As you can see, our hair growth depends on us getting sufficient protein in our diet. If, for some reason, you are unable to get the appropriate amount of protein and the right types of amino acids, you could experience a protein deficiency. This, in turn, can lead to hair loss along with a number of other symptoms.
Hair Structure and Protein Composition
Hair consists of three layers. The outermost layer, or the cuticle, is transparent and made up of cells that overlap. The cuticle covers the second layer, which is called the cortex. The cortex makes up the main volume of the hair and consists of a fibrous protein called keratin. Keratin fibres form bundles and contain the hair pigment, which gives hair its colour. Keratin is also responsible for the texture of hair and determines whether it will be straight, wavy or curly.
The innermost layer of hair is called the medulla. The medulla has keratinised cells and lipids that are loosely packed and form a spongy core. It is interesting to note that not all types of hair have a medulla. Thinner hair might only have a cuticle and cortex. Each strand of hair also contains some amount of moisture and oils that help keep the hair moisturised.
At the base of the hair strand is the root, which is the part within the hair follicle. At the base of the root is the papilla, which has blood vessels and nerves that are connected to the hair follicle. It is through the papilla that the hair receives the nourishment it requires to grow. It is also because of the nerves in this area that you can feel pain when your hair is pulled. However, as the nerves do not extend into the hair shaft, it does not hurt when you get a haircut.
Hair grows in stages, and when it is in the anagen or growing stage, it actively receives nutrients through the hair follicle. In the next two stages of the hair growth cycle, the hair starts to detach from the follicle, and the root starts to get shorter and club-shaped. Finally, the hair enters the exogen stage, where it falls out to make space for a new hair to take its place.
Why does protein deficiency cause hair loss?
Protein is not only required for the main structural protein of hair, keratin, but also for the various enzymes and other functional proteins required for the process of hair growth. When you don’t get sufficient protein in your diet, you start to experience a protein deficiency, which will lead to hair loss.
As mentioned earlier, the protein keratin is a major component of hair. Therefore, the body uses protein to produce new hair. This protein is obtained from the food we eat. After eating a meal, the body breaks down protein into smaller components called peptides and amino acids as part of the digestive process. The cells then absorb these amino acids and use them to make all the proteins the body requires. When there is a protein deficiency, the body will use whatever protein is available for more important functions, like brain, heart and liver function, as well as the immune system.
If there is insufficient protein left over, the less important functions, like hair growth, take a back seat. This is why one of the earliest signs of a protein deficiency is hair loss. Other symptoms also include hair looking dull and lifeless, nails becoming soft and breaking easily, and skin getting rough and losing its flexibility. Protein deficiency hair loss can be difficult to deal with, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, it can be completely reversible.
Diagnosis of protein deficiency hair loss
To get a diagnosis of protein deficiency hair loss, it would first help to understand the symptoms of protein deficiency. Here are some of the symptoms other than hair loss that you can look out for:
- Rough and dry skin that is prone to rashes and itching.
- Swelling due to fluid retention in the legs and stomach.
- Tiredness and muscle fatigue.
- Low immunity and frequent infections.
- Feeling hungry more often.
- Mood swings.
You might not experience all of these symptoms, but if you notice hair loss along with dry skin and tiredness, there is a good chance that you have a protein deficiency. You can visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and get started on the treatment.
When you go to your doctor, they will first ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. The doctor might also ask you to do some blood tests to check for certain proteins in your blood. Based on the examination and the test results, your doctor will be able to determine if you have a protein deficiency. You and your doctor can now plan your next course of action.
Protein Deficiency Hair Loss Treatment
Treatment of protein deficiency hair loss will usually start with increasing your protein intake through your diet. Healthy adults require about 0.8-2.00 grams of protein for each kilogram of their body weight, based on age and level of physical activity. On average, you should have about 1.00 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight a day; this means that if you are a woman who weighs 50 Kgs, you need to consume 50 grams of protein every day.
The best way to get your required protein is to eat three protein-rich meals a day and, if required, one or two snacks. Here are some of the foods that are good sources of protein:
- Eggs: This is one of the best sources of protein and contains all the amino acids required by the body.
- Meat, fish, poultry: These foods are also high in protein, and this form of protein is more easily absorbed by the body.
- Milk and dairy products: A glass of milk or a bowl of curd could give you 8-20 grams of protein.
- Legumes, beans and pulses: These are a good source of protein, especially for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Soy products: Soya chunks, tofu and edamame are all great sources of protein and can be easily incorporated into a vegetarian or even vegan diet.
The important part of incorporating more protein in your diet is to divide your intake across your meals. Have eggs or dal chillas for breakfast. Chickpeas or chicken for lunch or dinner, and a bowl of yoghurt or a sprouts salad as a snack.
Furthermore, if your doctor finds it necessary to treat protein deficiency hair loss with additional supplementation, they might recommend a protein powder that you can add to shakes and smoothies. You can also support your hair growth journey with Traya’s hair supplements.
It can take up to a few weeks or even months for protein deficiency hair loss in women to be reversed. This is because the body needs time to start assimilating the protein and rebuilding. A Little patience and consistency will go a long way in achieving healthy hair growing back as it should.
Hair loss, especially due to protein deficiency in women, can be a daunting experience. Hair starts to thin all over the scalp and can get to the point where the thinning is visible. However, there are definite signs and symptoms that could point to a protein deficiency, including oedema or swelling in the legs and stomach, skin rashes, and muscle weakness. If you do notice these symptoms, you can work with your doctor or dietitian to increase your protein intake and solve the problem. Taking a calm and well-planned approach to protein deficiency hair loss is the best way to reverse the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When does hair loss take place due to protein deficiency?
Hair thinning can take place at any time if you have a protein deficiency. You might find hair on your pillow when you wake up in the morning, or you might notice more hair in the shower or on your comb. It is important to remember that protein deficiency hair loss is temporary and can be completely reversed with the right treatment.
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How long after increasing my protein intake will it take for my hair to grow back?
Once you have increased your protein intake for protein deficiency hair loss, you will start seeing the results between 3 and 6 months, although it could take up to 9 months to a year to see your hair completely return to normal.
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Do I need a protein supplement to prevent hair loss?
A protein supplement can help prevent hair loss only in the case of a protein deficiency. If, however, you feel like you might not be getting sufficient protein through your diet, you can consult with a dietitian regarding using a protein supplement.
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Can protein deficiency be caused by an illness?
Yes, there are several illnesses that can cause protein deficiency. Some of these include malabsorption disorders, where the body is unable to absorb proteins from the food we eat. This could have several causes, ranging from autoimmune and chronic diseases to prolonged use of certain medications. Another disease that can affect blood protein levels is kidney disease. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, certain proteins can be excreted from the body through urine.
Liver diseases like hepatitis can also cause protein deficiency, as the body is unable to make certain proteins. Stomach infections that cause vomiting and diarrhoea can also result in temporary malnutrition and protein deficiency. And finally, if your body’s demand for protein increases and you don’t match that demand through your diet, this could also lead to protein deficiency. This can happen when you start working out and building muscle, or when a woman is pregnant or lactating.
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5315033/
- https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/eat-healthy/nutrition-basics/protein/dairy
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4201279/
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