Can you eat hair?
Quick Answer
No
Eating hair is not recommended as it can lead to serious health issues. Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein that the human body cannot digest. Consuming hair can lead to the formation of a hairball, or trichobezoar, in the digestive tract, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other complications.
What Is It?
Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis, or skin. It is primarily made of keratin, a protein that the human body cannot digest.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating hair carries several risks, primarily due to the body’s inability to digest it.
- Formation of a trichobezoar: This is a hairball that can form in the stomach or intestines, leading to blockages.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction: This can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
- Malnutrition: In severe cases, a large trichobezoar can prevent the absorption of nutrients from food, leading to malnutrition.