Hair Loss Due to an Iron Deficiency

Many people who are losing their hair often associate the issue with either alopecia or outside pollutants such as damaging chemicals. However, it is just as likely that the hair loss is caused by a low intake of important nutrients and vitamins.

What is iron deficiency?

Anaemia, or iron deficiency is the result of a low number of red blood cells which contain the iron rich metalloprotein haemoglobin. In the majority of cases, this deficiency is caused by a diet that lacks sufficient amounts of iron, however, both illness and pregnancy have also been known to produce the same symptoms.

How is iron deficiency and hair loss linked?

In recent decades, research has linked anaemia to the loss of hair. Experts have found that ferritin, or stored iron, at healthy levels is a key part of hair growth, and a lack thereof can easily lead to hairs being shed before they reach full maturity.

How would I know that I am iron deficient?

While iron deficiency and hair loss together are often seen as the tipping point that forces those with the condition to visit their doctor, there are numerous other symptoms that should be monitored, these include:

– A constant feeling of exhaustion.
– Your skin becomes pale.
– You suffer from restless leg syndrome.
– Constant headaches.
– Heart palpitations and a shortness of breath.
– High levels of anxiety.

How can I fix my iron deficiency and hair loss symptoms?

1) Visit your GP and ask for a blood test, with a specific focus on the following elements:

– Serum iron
– TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)
– Transferrin saturation
– Ferretin

If the results do confirm a lack of iron in your system, then both you and your doctor can begin to discuss remedies.

2) Increase your intake of vitamin C – higher levels help the body to absorb iron more effectively.

3) In nearly all cases, a change in diet is the first port of call. After discussing the issue with your doctor, try to incorporate foods that are rich in iron into your daily life, these include:

– Red meats.
– Organ meats including liver and kidney.
– Various nuts including almonds and walnuts.
– Fruits and vegetables such as lentils, spinach, prunes and beetroot.

4) If a change in diet fails to have the desired effect, it is likely that your doctor will recommend the use of iron supplements. These supplements – specifically those that contain Biotin, zinc or marine extracts – are known to be very helpful to patients who are dealing with the symptoms often associated with anaemia.

If you are worried that you are experiencing hair loss as a result of iron deficiency, it is always advisable to visit your GP or dermatologist to discuss the options that are available to you. However, we will always be available to provide additional support and offer a number of different therapies to help you recover from anaemia-based hair loss, so please book a consultation with the Hair Growth Studio if you’d like advice from a different perspective.