Intermittent Fasting Found to Slow Hair Regrowth in Mice and Humans

New research reveals fasting-induced oxidative stress in hair follicle stem cells, with potential mitigations through antioxidants.

A study showed intermittent fasting slows hair regeneration in mice by inducing apoptosis in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs).
The process is linked to oxidative stress caused by free fatty acids released during fasting, which HFSCs struggle to metabolize.
A small clinical trial in humans observed an 18% reduction in hair growth speed during a time-restricted fasting regimen.
Antioxidants like vitamin E were found to mitigate the negative effects of fasting on HFSCs, offering a potential solution.
Researchers plan further studies to explore fasting's effects on other stem cells and tissue regeneration processes.