Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether alcohol use influences androgenetic alopecia ( AGA ), the most prevalent form of hair loss. Drinking were 1.4 times more likely to encounter AGA than non-drinkers, according to the study, despite the lack of a statistically significant relationship.
Discrepancies between review types suggest more solid research is needed to confirm any relationship and discover mechanisms, such as acetaldehyde’s possible effects on the scalp’s defense environment. These observations could inform future research, improve public health initiatives, and provide more personal recommendations for hair damage prevention and treatment programs.
Important Information:
- Beer consumption was quietly linked to AGA, but the relationship was inconclusive.
- Alcohol and AGA danger were not linked in strong group reports.
- Experts suggest establishing standard medical conditions for future research.
Origin: Pusan National University
AGA, a typical condition that affects millions of men and women around the world, is a widespread one. As the most common type of hair damage, AGA can affect an individual’s looks and self-esteem, often leading to concerns about aging and cultural views.
While AGA is largely driven by genetic and hormonal factors, life factors such as smoking, eating, and stress have also been explored as potential donors.
Drinking use, a common habits worldwide, is extensively studied for its , health consequences, including risks for diseases such as liver damage and vascular diseases. However, whether alcohol intake could influence or exacerbate hair loss, particularly AGA, remains uncertain.
One hypothesis is that acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, may interfere with the scalp’s immune environment—factors that could potentially contribute to AGA. However, this proposed mechanism remains speculative.
The first systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted under the direction of Professor Yun Hak Kim of the School of Medicine’s Department of Anatomy, under the supervision of Professor Yun Hak Kim.
The findings were published on November 11, 2024 in the journal , Alcohol and Alcoholism.
The study concluded that while alcohol users may have a slightly higher risk of experiencing AGA than non-drinkers, this association is not statistically significant, according to Prof. Kim. The odds of AGA among drinkers were found to be 1.4 times higher than in non-drinkers, but with a wide range of uncertainty.
Cross-sectional and case-control studies have shown a modest association between alcohol intake and AGA, while cohort studies, that are typically more robust, did not find a significant correlation.
This discrepancy suggests that more sophisticated studies are required to establish whether alcohol affects AGA risk.
The researchers advocate for larger, well-controlled , cohort studies , to better understand whether alcohol impacts AGA, and if so, the underlying mechanism.
They also suggest consistent definitions of alcohol use in future research to lead to more definitive conclusions and standard diagnostic criteria for AGA diagnosis.
Prof. Kim concludes with the long-term implications of their study,” Our research could inform public health guidance, patient counseling, and targeted awareness campaigns, helping individuals make informed lifestyle choices regarding hair health.
” Over time, this could contribute to more comprehensive, personalized health strategies, where factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle are better understood and integrated into prevention and treatment plans for , hair loss.”
The researchers believe that this study will provide better and more effective treatments for improving hair health.
About this research on hair loss and AUD.
Author: Yun Hak Kim
Source: Pusan National University
Contact: Yun Hak Kim – Pusan National University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Closed access.
Yun Hak Kim and al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between alcohol consumption and androgenic alopecia. Alcohol and Alcoholism
Abstract
Exploring the association between alcohol consumption and androgenic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Aims
The most prevalent form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia ( AGA ), has a wide acceptance as the most severe form of hair loss that has a significant impact on people’s quality of life. Alcohol consumption and AGA are still subject to debate and uncertainty. Our main goal is to investigate the link between AGA and alcohol consumption.
Methods
We identified studies from multiple databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to March 2024. For alcohol consumption, we included studies where it was defined as a categorical variable, such as Yes/No or classified by grams. For AGA, only cases that were clinically diagnosed were included. The included studies included odds ratios ( ORs ) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted, considering factors such as gender and study design.
Results
Our findings indicated that individuals who consume alcohol had an OR of AGA compared to those who do not drink alcohol ( OR, 1.40, 95 % CI:.95–2.06, k = 6, I2 , = 77 % ). In the subgroup analysis focusing on men, an OR for alopecia was observed ( OR, 1.31, 95 % CI:.85–2.01, k = 4, I2 , = 78 % ). Additionally, a subgroup analysis based on study design revealed ORs of 1.93 (95 % CI: 1.32–2.82, k = 3, I2 , = 47 % ) for cross-sectional studies, and 1.69 (95 % CI: 1.33–2.14, k = 2, I2 , = 0 % ) for case–control studies.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that alcohol consumption may have a lower than anticipated impact on AGA. To provide more definitive insights, large, meticulously planned cohort studies will be required for future research to include extensive, carefully planned, standard diagnostic criteria.
