It is important for both men and women to know about this unexpected risk factor which has the potential to raise the likelihood of hair loss by 42%.

Hair loss can have various causes, ranging from poor diet to medical conditions. However, some triggers can be modified. Recent research suggests that sugar-sweetened drinks, like lemonade and energy drinks, may contribute to excessive hair loss.

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages occasionally is acceptable, but frequent consumption may increase the risk of hair loss in men by 42%, according to a recent study published in the journal Nutrients.

The research indicated that sweet beverages, including energy drinks, soda, sports drinks, and sweet tea, may lead to accelerated hair loss.

The research team from Tsinghua University in Beijing studied over 1,000 men and asked them to consume 1 to 3 liters of sweet drinks per week.

Consuming more than one sweet drink per day was associated with a 42% higher risk of hair loss, according to the study. Men who reported hair loss also reported consuming an average of 12 sweet drinks per week.

Dr. Balwi, a hair surgeon and medical director at Elithair, a leading hair loss clinic in Europe, warns that men aren’t the only ones who should exercise caution with their sugar-sweetened drink consumption.

The doctor also advised women to exercise caution while using energy drinks.

Energy drink ingredients like sugar and caffeine may affect women just as they do males.

Energy drinks’ caffeine and sugar content may have the same impact on women as it does on males.

The expert said that these beverages’ high caffeine content is one of the factors contributing to their damaging effects on hair.

“Caffeine can reduce blood flow to the hair follicles by constricting the blood vessels in the scalp,” says the doctor, adding, “this can cause the hair to become weak and fall out.

“It’s essential for everyone, both men and women, to be aware of their caffeine intake and not exceed the recommended daily limit of 400mg.”

The current study also warns that extra sugars in these popular beverages are to blame.

“Energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar,” points out the expert, “which can lead to an increase in testosterone levels and DHT, a hormone that is known to cause hair loss.”

Worryingly, no one knows yet how many sugary drinks someone would have to drink to put themselves at risk.

“There is no specific amount of energy drinks,” adds the doctor, “that will lead you to being at risk of losing your hair.

“How caffeine affects your body and your sensitivity to the increase in testosterone and DHT will determine the extent to which any quantity of energy drinks will contribute to hair loss.”

The study team did note that there was a 42% increased risk for people who consumed more than one of these beverages each day.

Balwi suggested other ways to get more energy, like getting enough sleep, working out regularly, and eating a healthy diet with complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats.

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