When you live with food allergies, it’s normal to wonder whether any new symptoms are related to something you ate. Since food allergies can cause unusual symptoms, it’s easy to think that anything you’re feeling might be related to them. One symptom people ask about is hair loss.

One member of MyFoodAllergyTeam expressed concern, saying, “I don’t know if I need to worry — my hair is falling out.” Another asked, “Has anyone else experienced hair shedding or breakage?”

If you’re experiencing hair loss and wondering if it’s related to your food allergies, here’s what you need to know.

Food Allergies and Hair Loss

There’s no research directly connecting food allergies to hair loss. This doesn’t mean there’s no connection. It just makes it hard to determine if food allergies or food allergens directly cause hair loss.

However, food allergies may still be connected to hair loss in a couple of ways. First, food allergies can be linked to malnutrition. One of the best ways to diagnose food allergies is an elimination diet, where you cut out most foods, then add them back slowly to see what you react to. However, when these diets are not done properly, you can end up not getting enough of certain nutrients. Similarly, having multiple food allergies can make it challenging to get enough of the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

Being low in certain nutrients can lead to hair loss. Key nutrients include iron, niacin, amino acids such as lysine, and protein in general. If you’re experiencing hair loss and have a limited diet due to food allergies, it’s a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian. They can help ensure you're getting the nutrients you need to have strong, healthy hair.

Allergic reactions from food can also cause skin rashes. If you develop a rash on your scalp, it could get very itchy. Scratching a rash can damage your hair follicles, which can result in hair loss. While this is somewhat unlikely, it is possible to lose hair in this way.

Celiac Disease and Hair Loss

Celiac disease isn’t a food allergy but a food-related autoimmune disease. If you have celiac disease and eat foods containing gluten, your immune system will fight that food. This leads to intestinal problems and damage.

Celiac disease can lead to hair loss mainly through malnutrition. It’s also linked to another autoimmune disease called alopecia areata. This disease causes you to lose your hair quickly. While researchers know these two diseases are often connected, they don’t fully understand why. One small study even shows that hair loss can be the only symptom related to celiac disease a person experiences. In fact, some doctors now recommend getting tested for celiac disease if you experience unexpected hair loss.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

If you’re experiencing hair loss, it may be related to something other than your food allergies. Hair loss can be caused by several things, including:

• Some medications and supplements
• Changes in your hormone levels
• Extreme stress
• Certain hair treatments or hairstyles
• Radiation therapy to the head
• A family history of hair loss

If you’re experiencing any unexpected symptoms that you can’t explain, whether hair loss or any other new symptoms, talk to a health care provider to get medical advice. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best possible treatment and promote new hair growth soon.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Have you experienced hair loss as a result of food allergies? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.