Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a vegetable oil derived from the soybean plant. It is predominantly used in cooking and ranks as the second most widely consumed oil globally. In recent years, it has also found applications in biodiesel production.
However, soybean oil is a subject of controversy. Despite its composition being not substantially different from other vegetable oils, there are many articles that warn about potential adverse effects. Some claims, for instance, suggest it could have negative effects on brain structure.
Is it effective against hair loss?
As of now, we have limited information regarding the potential effectiveness of soybean oil in combating hair loss.
In general, vegetable oils have very similar compositions, and soybean oil is no exception. Given the wealth of information available about each of its components, we can speculate about the potential benefits soybean oil might offer for our hair.
Here is the composition of soybean oil:
- Linoleic acid: 55%
- Oleic acid: 18%
- Linolenic acid: 13%
- Palmitic acid: 10%
- Stearic acid: 4%
- Other: Vitamin E
According to my research, soybean oil could potentially influence hair loss in the following ways:
Antioxidant properties
Oxidative stress is one of the contributing factors to hair loss. It occurs when there is an excess of free radicals in the body compared to the available antioxidants. These free radicals can be generated in abundance due to various factors like stress, poor dietary habits, or exposure to pollution.
Oxidative stress can lead to significant health issues, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases, and certain types of cancer (source).
Some studies suggest that the consumption of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, may help reduce the risk of certain diseases (source).
Soybean oil is rich in vitamin E, giving it powerful antioxidant properties.
In a 2010 study conducted by Lim Ai Beoy and colleagues, it was found that vitamin E supplementation could potentially decrease hair loss.
Specifically, the group taking 100 mg of vitamin E daily, in the form of tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols, saw a significant increase in hair density.
In this study, the vitamin E group’s hair density went from 284.8 to 383.1 over the course of 8 months, representing a remarkable 34.5% increase. In contrast, the placebo group did not experience any changes.
Researchers concluded that this promotion of hair growth was associated with the antioxidant properties of vitamin E.
Numerous other studies and articles also highlight these antioxidant properties (source) (source) (source).
Anti-Androgen properties
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a naturally occurring androgen hormone in our bodies, synthesized from testosterone in various tissues through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5aR).
DHT plays a significant role in androgenetic alopecia, contributing to the inflammatory processes on the scalps of individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss. This inflammation leads to the gradual thinning of hair, a condition known as miniaturization. Therefore, reducing DHT formation is believed to be a potential strategy to mitigate hair loss.
Soybean oil analysis reveals that it contains 55% linoleic acid and 18% oleic acid. Both of these fatty acids have the ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, thus reducing the production of DHT (source)
In a 1992 study conducted by T. Liang and S. Liao, oleic, linoleic, elaidic, linolelaidic, and gamma-linolenic acids were found to exhibit anti-DHT properties by inhibiting 5aR
(source)
As a result, it can be inferred that both consuming soybean oil and applying it topically may help reduce DHT formation.
In a separate study in 2013 by Ching-Huang Lai and colleagues, it was observed that the consumption of soy-based beverages could reduce androgenetic hair loss.
Moreover, besides the fatty acids in soy, researchers concluded that equol, a molecule produced during the digestion of soy proteins, could play a role in preventing the development of prostate cancer and male pattern baldness.
Anti-inflammatory properties – A study on alopecia in mice
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss characterized by localized, circular bald patches. Its various subtypes can lead to complete hair loss or loss of body hair. This condition is linked to an autoimmune problem where hair follicles undergo persistent and significant inflammation.
In a 2003 study conducted by J. McElwee and colleagues, soybean extract was found to reduce alopecia areata in mice.
During the study, mice were fed different amounts of soybean oil – 1%, 5%, and 20%. At the end of the research, the results showed that the mice developed a degree of resistance to alopecia areata induced by skin grafting.
It’s reasonable to speculate that soy or soybean oil may function as an anti-inflammatory agent. For instance, it contains oleic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (source).
Linoleic acid may boost hair growth
Soybean oil is composed of approximately 55% linoleic acid.
According to a 2021 study conducted by Hwa Sun Ryu and colleagues, linoleic acid appears to activate the Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway.
This Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway is directly linked to the hair growth cycle, and its activation extends the anagen phase, promoting hair growth. Additionally, it enhances the proliferation and survival of follicular cells.
Based on this study, it can be inferred that oils containing linoleic acid may hold potential as effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
Closing thoughts and verdict
Although no studies have been conducted on human alopecia, I believe that the application of soybean oil could potentially be beneficial in addressing hair loss. This is primarily due to its anti-DHT, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it contains a substantial amount of linoleic acid, which is known to stimulate hair growth.
If you are interested in trying soybean oil, I could suggest using it as a carrier oil to enhance its effectiveness by combining it with certain essential oils.
However, it’s important to note that there are oils supported by scientific studies with proven results. I would recommend considering those alternatives, which can be found in the Big Data.
Precautions & side effects
Potential for allergic reactions in some individuals: It’s important to exercise caution with soybean oil or soybeans, as a significant number of people have allergies to them. In some cases, these allergies have a delayed onset, and the symptoms can be subtle, manifesting as chronic inflammation (redness, itching, acne, etc.).
This inflammation can also be a contributing factor to hair loss, which is why you might encounter numerous reports of individuals experiencing hair loss due to soy consumption. These often involve individuals who are allergic to soy.
In this regard, I recommend reading the section on delayed allergies in the Total Immersion program.