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Mice subjected to an intermittent fasting regimen exhibited slower hair growth compared to those with unlimited food access. This study, published in Cell, suggests that this slowdown in regrowth is due to a dysfunction of the hair follicle stem cells.
Intermittent fasting, particularly the 16/8 method, involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. Observing mice fed under this regime, researchers found that hair regrowth took up to 96 days, compared to 30 days for continuously fed mice.
The problem seems to lie in the metabolism of the hair follicle stem cells, which are unable to adapt to using fat as an energy source during fasting. These cells, incapable of managing oxidative stress, undergo self-destruction, thereby slowing hair growth.
Scientists discovered that hair follicle stem cells, when activated, are vulnerable to fatty acids released by adipose tissue during fasting. These acids enter the cells and cause oxidative stress, leading to their programmed death.
However, solutions to counter this effect do exist. Researchers found that applying antioxidants, such as vitamin E, could protect stem cells and preserve hair growth even during extended fasting periods.
In humans, these findings were corroborated by a small clinical trial involving 49 adults. Participants practicing intermittent fasting experienced an 18% slower hair growth rate compared to the control group. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
To explain why this effect is more pronounced in mice than humans, researchers suggest that the human metabolism is slower, which may dampen the impact of fasting on hair growth.
Although intermittent fasting has numerous benefits, this study underscores the importance of considering its potential side effects. Research continues to better understand its impacts on cellular regeneration and, notably, on hair health.