Hair Loss Caused by Lack of Protein
Current as of: October 5, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology
Hair loss may occasionally be caused by lack of protein in the diet. Some people who go on crash diets that exclude protein or who have abnormal eating habits may develop protein malnutrition. When this happens, the body will help save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Increased hair shedding can occur 2 to 3 months later.
This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of protein and, when dieting, maintaining adequate protein intake. For adults, this means 2 to 3 servings of protein a day. Protein is found in meat, chicken, fish, eggs, some cheeses, dried beans, tofu, grains, and nuts.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology
Current as ofOctober 5, 2017
Next Section:
Related InformationPrevious Section:
Topic OverviewNext Section:
CreditsPrevious Section:
Related InformationCurrent as of: October 5, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.