The carnivore diet, a restrictive eating pattern consisting primarily of animal products, has gained popularity in recent years. Proponents tout its potential benefits, drawing parallels to the diets of bodybuilders from the Golden Era, such as Larry Scott, who, under Vince Gironda's guidance, reportedly used low-carb diets for bulking and cutting. Shawn Baker's advocacy for the carnivore diet further fueled interest. However, like any significant dietary change, the carnivore diet can have unintended consequences, including potential hair loss. This article explores the relationship between a carnivore diet and hair loss, examining the potential mechanisms involved and providing insights for individuals considering or currently following this dietary approach.
The Carnivore Diet: A Modern Take on Ancient Eating
The carnivore diet is a dietary approach that involves consuming primarily animal products, such as meat, eggs, and sometimes dairy. Some variations, like the one described by the user, include experimentation with heavy cream, seafood, and different types of meat like kangaroo and lamb.
Personal Experiences with the Carnivore Diet
The user's experience with the carnivore diet highlights both potential benefits and drawbacks. Initially, the user reported positive effects such as improved strength, muscle fullness, and even hair regrowth. However, adverse reactions to dairy, specifically lactose intolerance, led to the elimination of cream from the diet. Despite consuming a high-calorie diet consisting of meat, eggs, and seafood, the user found it difficult to gain size without dairy. However, the user also experienced pain-free workouts, improved range of motion, and the ability to eliminate stimulants and supplements. Mental clarity and mood stability were also reported as benefits.
Hair Loss: A Common Concern
Hair loss is a widespread issue, affecting approximately 50% of men and women by the age of 50. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Hair Loss
Nutritional deficiencies can significantly impact both hair structure and hair growth. Deficiencies can manifest as acute telogen effluvium (TE), a condition characterized by sudden hair shedding, or diffuse alopecia, as seen in niacin deficiency. Given the well-recognized link between nutrition and hair health, it is essential to consider the potential role of nutrient deficiencies in hair loss.
Read also: The Carnivore Diet: An Autoimmune Solution?
Potential Links Between Carnivore Diet and Hair Loss
While the carnivore diet may offer some benefits, it also carries the risk of nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to hair loss.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and a well-known cause of hair loss. Hair follicle matrix cells are rapidly dividing, and ID may impair DNA synthesis, contributing to hair loss. Populations at higher risk for ID include premenopausal women, vegans, and vegetarians. While some studies have suggested a link between low serum ferritin (storage iron) and hair loss, the results have been conflicting.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in numerous enzymatic reactions and gene expression. Zinc deficiency can result in hair loss, among other symptoms. Individuals at risk for zinc deficiency include those with malabsorption syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric bypass surgery, malignancy, liver or renal dysfunction, alcoholism, and vegetarians.
Other Nutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in other nutrients, such as niacin, essential fatty acids, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, and biotin, have also been linked to hair loss. Over-supplementation of certain nutrients, including selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E, can paradoxically lead to hair loss.
The Ketogenic Diet and Hair Loss
The carnivore diet is a very low-carbohydrate diet, making it a form of ketogenic diet. Telogen effluvium is the most common hair condition at the start of the ketogenic diet. A study performed on mice found that a low-carb, high-fat regimen caused biotin deficiency.
Read also: The Carnivore Diet's Impact on Sleep
Addressing Hair Loss on a Carnivore Diet
If you are experiencing hair loss while following a carnivore diet, several steps can be taken to address the issue:
Medical Evaluation
Patients presenting with hair loss should be screened by medical history, dietary history, and physical exam for risk factors for nutrient deficiency. If risk factors are identified, laboratory studies may be performed to assess nutrient levels.
Correcting Deficiencies
If nutritional deficiencies are identified, they should be corrected through dietary modifications or supplementation.
Monitoring Supplementation
Patients who take supplements should be monitored to measure their response and avoid potential toxicities.
Individualized Approach
Patients must be approached on a case-by-case basis, considering their individual risk factors, medical history, and dietary habits.
Read also: Troubleshooting Carnivore Diet Diarrhea
The Role of Supplementation
While many nutritional supplements are marketed as hair loss treatments, there is limited evidence to support their use in the absence of documented deficiency. Over-supplementation can even be harmful.
Iron Supplementation
Insufficient evidence exists to recommend iron supplementation to all hair loss patients with iron deficiency in the absence of anemia.
Zinc Supplementation
Limited information is available on the effects of zinc supplementation on hair growth in those without documented deficiency. Zinc toxicity can occur with excess supplementation.
Other Supplements
Physicians must counsel their patients on the lack of research supporting the use of supplements in the absence of deficiency and discuss the potential toxicities of some supplements.
Alternative Strategies
In addition to addressing potential nutrient deficiencies, other strategies may help mitigate hair loss on a carnivore diet:
Collagen Supplementation
Collagen is a protein that is part of hair follicle stem cells (HFSC) - the cells that create new hair.
Bone Broth
Bone broth has been coined "liquid gold" due to its profound health benefits.
MSM Supplementation
MSM helps form links in the structural tissue in your body, including skin, nails, and hair.
Ensuring Adequate Calorie Intake
Many people who are new to the ketogenic diet don’t replace the calories they would usually get from carbohydrates with healthy fats and protein.