Hair as an Index of Protein Malnutrition

    January 1978 in “ Advances in experimental medicine and biology ”
    Mendel Friedman, R. Orraca‐Tetteh
    TLDR Hair cystine levels may indicate protein malnutrition, but more research is needed.
    The study analyzed hair samples from seven sick Ghanaian children to assess protein malnutrition by measuring amino acid content, specifically cystine. Using a specific chemical procedure, the researchers found that the average cystine content in six children with kwashiorkor or marasmic kwashiorkor was about 20% lower than in one child with adequate protein nutrition. Despite these findings, the study highlighted the need for further research due to conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between hair cystine content and nutrition. No other significant differences in amino acid composition were observed.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 720 results

      community what are the best multivitamins for hairloss?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  53 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses which vitamins to take alongside 0.5mg finasteride for hair loss, with suggestions including a multivitamin, iron, zinc, B12, vitamin D, Nutrafol, collagen, vitamin C, saw palmetto, and magnesium. Nutrafol is noted for its benefits but also criticized for containing too much biotin.

      community Hair Remedies that Don't Work for Anybody Seeking Hair Regrowth

      in Treatment  8 upvotes 5 years ago
      Hair loss treatments discussed include minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841. Salon products and supplements generally don't work for hair regrowth unless there's a severe nutritional deficiency, while hormonal treatments like estrogen and spironolactone can be effective.

      community How much does diet affect hair loss?

      in Chat  45 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation suggests that changing diet and lifestyle has little to no effect on male pattern baldness (MPB), which is largely determined by genetics. Some individuals noted personal improvements in hair condition with healthier diets, but the consensus is that diet alone cannot prevent or reverse MPB.

      community Does Scalp tension = rise of DHT?

      in Research/Science  10 upvotes 6 months ago
      Scalp tension may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT levels, with potential solutions like scalp massages and Botox. Concerns about finasteride's side effects were discussed, and some users shared personal experiences with alternative treatments like scalp massaging and Botox.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results
      Hair Disorders

      research Hair Disorders

      November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology”
      Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.
      Metabolic Disorders And Hair Growth

      research Metabolic Disorders And Hair Growth

      15 citations , January 1971 in “British Journal of Dermatology”
      Hair can indicate early signs of metabolic disorders, with issues like protein deficiency stopping hair growth.
      Structural Abnormalities of the Hair Shaft

      research Structural Abnormalities of the Hair Shaft

      126 citations , January 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
      The document concludes that understanding hair structure is key to diagnosing hair abnormalities and recommends gentle hair care for management.