Today, athletes use supplements to build muscle, which will significantly affect muscle growth, along with proper exercise and a balanced diet. These supplements have many benefits, but side effects are also possible. If you decide to start using these supplements, you may have concerns about their possible side effects. Are you worried that whey protein, glutamine, creatine, BCAA, beta-alanine, and other bodybuilding supplements will cause hair loss? Can supplements play a role in this? What supplements cause hair loss? Join us in this article to answer these questions.
Side effects of glutamine for hair
In general, glutamine cannot be a direct cause of hair loss. Still, in addition to all the benefits that glutamine has on the body, it sometimes has side effects that allow you to start using it with an open mind. If you use glutamine more than the body needs, there will be a possibility of symptoms such as hair loss. In addition, sometimes excess glutamine can affect the body’s natural hormones and have the opposite result.
What points should be considered to prevent glutamine side effects and hair loss?
To minimize the possible side effects of glutamine consumption, we recommend paying attention to the following points.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to glutamine or any other medications.
- Do not change the dose recommended by the doctor. As mentioned, to maintain body health and prevent the side effects of glutamine for hair, it is necessary to follow the specified dosage and not change it by your own will.
- People with kidney and liver disease should not use glutamine.
HMB and hair loss
Studies have been conducted in this field to show that taking HMB supplements may increase hair loss by regulating the secretion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is one of the important hormones in hair growth, and increasing its level can lead to hair loss. Therefore, this complication may occur if you take more than the dose specified by your doctor or trainer.
Can drinking protein shakes cause hair loss?
Does drinking protein or soy shakes cause hair loss? Hair loss is mainly related to protein deficiency, so in theory, protein shakes can help strengthen hair. The problem arises when you experience adverse reactions such as boils, diarrhea, nausea, etc., by consuming protein shakes. In this situation, the shake consumed may affect the health of the digestive organs and, as a result, the absorption of consumed nutrients. These ingredients are among the ingredients that strengthen your hair. Malabsorption of nutrients, especially when the intestines are not in optimal condition, can cause hair loss because our bodies are not absorbing the nutrients in the foods and supplements we eat.
Can whey or casein protein supplements cause hair loss?
When a person cannot consume lactose or is allergic to cow’s milk proteins, whey protein usually weakens his intestinal flora. Hence, the absorption of nutrients through the intestine decreases, and the person becomes susceptible to disease. In some cases, this malnutrition causes hair loss. When you, as an athlete, notice your hair loss and find that this unfortunate incident started when you started taking whey protein or casein supplements, it is better to stop using them. After that, you can find out whether the cause of hair loss is the whey protein supplement.
If you are sure that hair loss will decrease after stopping whey protein, try using beef or soy protein. However, in some people, soy also causes discomfort in the digestive system, malnutrition, and hair loss.
Does keratin cause hair loss?
Keratin supplementation may cause hair loss, although this is not always true. Creatine is a phosphate-storing nitrogen compound often found in protein shakes and other sports supplements such as glutamine and BCAAs. According to various studies, the consumption of creatine helps to build muscle. It increases strength and muscle recovery for the athlete. These features make creatine an ideal supplement for people who have done hard sports training and are trying to achieve their dream body in a reasonable amount of time.
So far, it’s so good, but can keratin cause hair loss? Creatine helps increase the amount of testosterone in the bloodstream, especially in men. This process produces a hormone called DHT, which can affect hair loss and speed it up. (This hormone causes hair follicles to become thinner by shrinking them.)
In general, creatine increases the production of testosterone and, therefore, DHT, which in large amounts equates to excessive hair loss. (Although this does not always happen, the hair loss problem is primarily genetic.). So, suppose there’s a history of hair loss in your family, and you want to keep your hair as long as possible. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to stop taking keratin and see how your body reacts.
Does Gainer cause hair loss?
Some studies have shown that increasing testosterone levels due to gainer consumption may cause hair loss. Testosterone is one of the essential hormones in hair growth, and increasing its level may lead to hair loss. Also, some ingredients in Gainer may act as steroid hormone stimulants, which can also lead to hair loss.
Do BCAA supplements cause hair loss?
These supplements cannot cause hair loss because they are amino acids that help your body function and muscles recover better. In addition, these supplements can strengthen the nervous system so that you don’t feel sleepy the rest of the day. Besides, they help your immune system to always remain in optimal conditions. So, if you’re taking BCAAs, don’t worry. This supplement is not the cause of your current hair loss. It may be best to eliminate creatine or whey protein supplements because you may have an allergy to cow’s milk proteins.
Can taking DHEA cause hair loss?
Yes, DHEA can weaken hair roots and eventually cause them to fall out. Dihydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, supplements have many positive effects on the body. For example, they help improve muscle and bone strength, muscle endurance and recovery, and immune system function. DHEA is often found in bodybuilding supplements due to its ability to burn fat and increase metabolism.
Although DHEA supplements are great for helping to reduce body fat levels, they may not be as good for your hair. Taking DHEA by increasing the amount of testosterone in the blood causes the production of DHT (similar to creatine), which can cause hair loss. If you see the effects of hair loss, it is better to stop taking this supplement.
final word
Supplements, along with all the favorable properties they have, can also show some adverse side effects. However, these side effects differ from person to person. Most hair loss problems are caused by genetics or an unhealthy diet. Still, supplements sometimes accelerate the process, so if you notice any, it’s best to stop taking them. Do not forget that increasing the intake of vitamins and minerals through supplements and a healthy diet will help improve hair growth or prevent hair loss in bodybuilding.