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Dr. Karen Owen Written by Erin D. Updated on 14 Jan 2024
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Does creatine cause hair loss?

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Dr. Karen Owen

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Erin D. Updated on 14 Jan 2024
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Many athletes supplement creatine in order to achieve the best possible muscle building goals. Nevertheless, some dietary supplements can have side effects. The myth that creatine causes hair loss also persists. Read here whether and what side effects creatine can really have.

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What are the causes of hair loss?

There are many causes of hair loss. Over 80 percent of all men and over 25 percent of women suffer from hair loss. However, the majority of these people are affected by hereditary hair loss. In addition to genetics, a balanced diet, proper care and various external factors also play a role when it comes to hair growth.

 

Coloring can be the reason for hair loss, as the hair roots are no longer fully supplied with nutrients. Heat is also a decisive factor, as hair is sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to excessive heat. You should also avoid using chemical additives in care products, as these can damage the hair. Hair loss can also be caused by stress, high levels of psychological strain and an unhealthy lifestyle.

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What is creatine and how does it work?

The amino acid creatine is produced by the body itself in the kidneys, liver and pancreas, and is also absorbed through food. Creatine plays a particularly important role in the energy metabolism of skeletal muscles and in brain and nerve function. Short-term muscle work in particular requires a lot of energy, which the body obtains from numerous creatine molecules.

Creatine facilitates the body’s own adenosine triphosphate production, which serves as an energy supplier for the body. Creatine as a dietary supplement is therefore popular with sporty people, as it can lead to faster muscle growth and an increase in maximum strength. However, it should be noted that the effect of creatine cannot be scientifically confirmed due to insufficient studies.

In addition to the body’s own production of creatine, humans absorb additional creatine through food. The amino acid is found in red meat, game meat and various types of fish in particular. If the daily requirement is not covered by food, the body can produce the missing amount itself. This means that even people on a vegetarian or vegan diet do not suffer from a deficiency.

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Does creatine cause hair loss?

So far, only one study has been able to establish a link between creatine intake and hair growth. It was found that creatine increases the release of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in men. An increased DHT level leads to the breakdown of testosterone and inflammation of the hair follicles.

New hair can no longer be formed – the hair can fall out. However, several subsequent studies refute the results of this study. Due to the insufficient number of studies and methodological shortcomings, no definitive statement can be made. Nevertheless, the majority of studies suggest that creatine does not promote hair loss.

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What are the side effects of creatine supplements?

However, taking creatine as a dietary supplement can have other side effects. People who supplement creatine often put on weight as the muscle absorbs more water due to the additional creatine stored. However, the intake of creatine via additional supplements is generally considered safe for healthy people, as the excess amount is excreted via the urine.

If an excessive amount of creatine is taken at once, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may still occur. If you suffer from kidney disease or other kidney disorders such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is not advisable to take a creatine supplement. A consultation with a doctor is recommended before taking any supplements.

Creatine supplements can also have positive effects. It is said to increase performance, promote blood flow to the brain and prevent depression.

Does weight training cause hair loss?

Weight training in moderation does not lead to hair loss. On the contrary, sporting activities have a positive effect on wellbeing and the body’s systems. A hectic everyday life and stress, on the other hand, can affect health and therefore also hair growth.

Regular exercise or weight training releases endorphins and serotonins, which balance out stress hormones. If weight training is not performed compulsively, under pressure or stress, the sport only has positive effects on hair growth and health.

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In the current hair transplant cost study, we found out that there are not only large price differences between the individual providers, but also considerable differences in quality. You should therefore obtain comprehensive information in order to reduce the risks. Our experts will be happy to help you with this and inform you about the results of the study.

Hair transplantation for hair loss

A hair transplant is particularly suitable for people with genetic hair loss and a desire for a full head of hair. During a professional hair transplant, hair is transplanted into the affected areas of the scalp.

Nowadays, hair transplants are used in a sophisticated way and achieve a natural-looking result using the latest technology. There are various methods of hair transplantation. However, the most commonly practiced procedures are FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).

Both treatments have the removal, storage and insertion of the hair follicles in common. The difference lies in the extraction and removal technique of the hair follicles. If little hair needs to be transplanted, the FUE method makes sense. With the FUT method, on the other hand, the donor area does not need to be shaved. The advantage of all hair transplants is a lasting result without side effects.

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Conclusion

As excess creatine is excreted by the body through the urine, no side effects are known when taken in moderation and the current study situation cannot confirm the link between creatine and hair loss, the intake of creatine as a dietary supplement cannot be held responsible for hair loss. However, genetic make-up, predisposition and an unhealthy lifestyle can have a considerable influence on hair growth.

Frequently asked questions

Will creatine cause hair loss?

Can protein powder cause hair loss?

What do bodybuilders take to combat hair loss?

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