Keto Diet: Alopecia Treatment And Prevention?

The ketogenic diet is a popular weight loss strategy that involves eating a low-carb, high-fat diet. While it can be an effective way to lose weight, it can also lead to hair loss, which can be distressing for many people. Hair loss on keto is usually temporary and often occurs due to reduced calorie and protein intake, as well as increased stress on the body. Interestingly, recent research has found that a ketogenic diet may also be a promising treatment for alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes unpredictable hair loss.

Alopecia is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its hair follicles, and it can affect the scalp, beard, eyelashes, armpits, and even inside the ears or nose. While the exact causes are unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. A 2020 report in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease examined the effects of a mild ketogenic diet on a child with alopecia and mitochondrial disease, and it showed promising results in improving hair growth.

While more research is needed, the initial findings suggest that a keto diet could be a potential treatment for alopecia, providing hope for those struggling with this condition.

Keto and alopecia: A 2020 report found that a child with alopecia and mitochondrial disease experienced improved hair growth after four months on a mild ketogenic diet

Keto and Alopecia: Can a Ketogenic Diet Help?

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that involves unpredictable hair loss when the body attacks its own hair follicles. While researchers and doctors are unsure what causes alopecia, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Typically, people with alopecia develop an oval or round bald patch on their scalp and sparse patches. The condition usually begins during childhood or adolescence, and a family history of alopecia increases the risk of developing it.

In a 2020 report published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease (JIMD), researchers examined the case of a 7-year-old child with alopecia and mitochondrial disease (Björnstad syndrome). Since birth, the child had sparse and brittle hair. However, after four months on a mild ketogenic diet that included 30-40 grams of carbohydrates daily, hair growth showed significant improvement.

The Ketogenic Diet and Mitochondrial Function

The mild ketogenic diet provided the child with 10% of energy from carbohydrates, 25% from protein, and around 65% from fat. This diet was not only well-tolerated by the child but also resulted in measurable blood ketone levels of 2-4 mmol/L. Unfortunately, the child was switched back to a regular diet after four months due to cravings for carbohydrates, and a follow-up six months later revealed a return of hair loss. The researchers suggested that continuing the mild ketogenic diet could have led to further improvements and enhanced hair growth.

Mounting studies have highlighted the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet as a therapeutic intervention for mitochondrial disease. The mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of our cells, generating chemical energy for their functioning. Researchers believe that most diseases involve a lack of mitochondria and poor mitochondrial function. By improving mitochondrial biogenesis, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing mitochondrial function, ketogenic diets may positively impact hair loss associated with alopecia.

The Role of Ketosis in Autoimmune Conditions

The ketogenic diet has shown promise in other autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. While more research is needed, specifically on the effects of a ketogenic diet on alopecia, there seems to be potential for ketosis to improve overall outcomes associated with autoimmune diseases.

It is important to note that while the mild ketogenic diet showed positive results in this case, individual results may vary. Additionally, seeking medical advice from a healthcare provider before starting any new diet, especially in the case of children or those with pre-existing health conditions, is always recommended.

Micronutrient deficiencies: A keto diet may cause micronutrient shortfalls, including biotin, which promotes healthy hair

Micronutrient deficiencies are a common occurrence on the keto diet, and biotin is one of the micronutrients that may be lacking.

Biotin, also known as vitamin H, helps the body convert food into energy. A study on mice found that a low-carb, high-fat regimen caused biotin deficiency. The authors suggested that individuals who follow a ketogenic diet should supplement with biotin.

Other studies have also found that the ketogenic diet provides sub-optimal levels of many micronutrients. The potential for micronutrient deficiency on a ketogenic diet is significant. This is because the balance of some micronutrients can become disturbed due to an increase in their excretion, and a decrease in the consumption of micronutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Biotin specifically, is usually found in fruits and legumes, which are typically avoided or consumed in small portions on a keto diet. This can lead to a shortfall of biotin, which in turn can cause hair loss, also known as alopecia.

To prevent biotin deficiency while on a keto diet, it is recommended to include organ meats like liver and kidneys, and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts in your diet. These foods are good sources of biotin and fit well into a keto diet.

Additionally, biotin supplements can be taken to ensure adequate intake. Experts recommend a daily intake of 30 micrograms of biotin, which is typically the amount found in one biotin supplement capsule.

Calorie deficits: A large calorie deficit can cause hair loss as the body spends less energy on non-vital systems like hair growth

Calorie deficits can cause hair loss. When you reduce your calorie intake, your body responds by prioritising vital functions, such as cell growth and organ function, over non-vital systems like hair growth. This means there may be less energy for hair growth, which can lead to hair thinning or hair loss.

Large calorie deficits are often the result of restrictive diets that involve reducing carbohydrate intake. These diets can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as many nutrient-rich foods are high in carbohydrates. For example, a keto diet restricts carbohydrate intake, which can lead to a reduction in nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables in one's diet.

In addition to nutrient deficiencies, restrictive diets can also cause physical and emotional stress, which can further contribute to hair loss. Telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss caused by stress, is a well-known side effect of sudden weight loss and restrictive diets.

To prevent hair loss caused by calorie deficits, it is important to ensure that you are consuming adequate calories and nutrients. A balanced, healthy diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

It is also worth noting that hair loss due to calorie deficits is typically temporary, and a return to a balanced diet should reverse hair loss within six months.

Protein deficiencies: A keto diet may cause protein deficiencies, which can lead to hair loss as the body doesn't have the necessary building blocks for hair growth

A keto diet can lead to hair loss due to protein deficiencies. While a keto diet typically includes plenty of protein sources, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, vegans and vegetarians may not be getting enough protein. This can lead to hair loss and other serious complications like loss of muscle mass and an impaired immune system.

If you're following a keto diet and are vegan or vegetarian, it's important to include a good amount of plant-based protein sources in your diet. Some keto-friendly options include:

• Soybean products like tofu, edamame, and tempeh
• Nuts and nut butters
• Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts

In addition to ensuring adequate protein intake, it's also important to address any nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to hair loss. For example, a deficiency in the mineral zinc has been associated with hair loss and can be treated through zinc repletion. Biotin, a B vitamin long associated with hair growth, may also be lacking in a keto diet. This is because many biotin-rich foods, such as fruits and legumes, are avoided or limited on a keto diet.

To prevent hair loss, it's crucial to address any nutritional deficiencies and ensure you're consuming enough calories and protein. Taking a multivitamin can help cover any potential deficiencies, and including high-quality protein sources, such as eggs and poultry, in your diet can ensure adequate protein intake.

Stress: The stress of major dietary transitions can cause alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania, which can lead to hair loss

While the keto diet can be an effective weight-loss strategy, it can also lead to hair loss due to reduced nutrient intake and lower calorie consumption. This can be stressful and emotionally challenging for individuals experiencing it.

Indeed, stress is a significant factor in hair loss. The stress of major dietary transitions can cause alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania, which can lead to hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that occurs when up to 70% of hair prematurely enters the telogen (shedding) phase of the hair growth cycle due to stress or a change in the body. Trichotillomania, an impulse-control disorder, can also be triggered by stress and involves pulling out one's hair, leading to hair loss.

While the exact causes of alopecia areata are unknown, it is believed that triggering events such as stress, illness, or vaccines can cause the condition to develop in genetically susceptible individuals. Similarly, trichotillomania can be triggered by stressful life events, and those affected may not even be aware they are pulling their hair.

To address hair loss caused by stress, it is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause. In the case of dietary transitions, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and managing stress levels can help mitigate hair loss.

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