Keeping a thick head of hair into your twilight years could be more difficult if you're short.

Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany have linked hair loss in the human genome to height, skin colour and bone density.

We were able to identify 63 alterations in the human genome that increase the risk of premature hair loss," said Dr Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach, the leader of the study.

"Some of these alterations were also found in connection with other characteristics and illnesses, such as reduced body size."

The data comes from analysing 11,000 men with premature balding and 12,000 that hadn't experienced any hair loss.

The genetic findings also confirm the link between hair loss and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The link with heart disease is much more complicated. Genes that reduce the risk were found along with genes that increase the risk.

"We have also found links to light skin colour and increased bone density," explains Prof. Markus Nthen, Director of the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Bonn.

"These could indicate that men with hair loss are better able to use sunlight to synthesise vitamin D. They could also explain why white men in particular lose their hair prematurely."

However, specifically which molecular mechanisms create the link between premature hair loss and other illnesses is only partly understood.

The team says it will be looking into more detail about it in the future. But they did state that losing your hair doesn't mean a fast-track to cancer.

"Men with premature hair loss do not need to be concerned," reassured Prof. Nthen.

"The risks of illness are only increased slightly. It is, however, exciting to see that hair loss is by no means an isolated characteristic, but instead displays various relationships with other characteristics."

poll loading

YES NO

Go here to see the original:

Short men are more likely to go BALD claim genetic scientists after exhaustive study - Mirror.co.uk