Iron Deficiency Hair Loss – Causes, Symptoms, & How To Treat It
Failing to meet the daily requirements of this mineral may adversely affect your hair health.
Dr. Nithya Raghunath is a leading dermatologist and cosmetologist practicing at Contura Clinic in Bengaluru, India. She has over 13 years of experience and specializes in various dermatological and cosmetic treatments, including lasers, hair loss treatments, facial rejuvenation, botox, fillers, acne scar treatment, etc.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Iron deficiency or anemia has been linked with hair loss. But is it true? Does Iron deficiency cause hair loss? Let’s try to find answers here. Anemia is a condition caused due to decreased hemoglobin levels in red blood cells (RBCs). Continue reading to know more about anemia and its link with hair loss.
In This Article
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia (one of the types of anemia) is caused due to decreased hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells (RBCs). This is the most common type of anemia and occurs when your body does not get enough iron to make hemoglobin (1).
Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to our entire body. Low hemoglobin levels mean reduced oxygen levels in the body.
Iron deficiency is more common among women. A poor diet, heavy menstruation, and pregnancy are a few major causes of iron deficiency in women.
The symptoms of iron deficiency are discussed in the next section.
Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency
The symptoms of iron deficiency could be mild, which is one reason many women fail to notice them. These include (2):
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Cravings for unusual items like ice or dirt
- Swelling or soreness of the tongue
- Tingling feeling in the legs
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
Could hair loss be one of the symptoms of iron deficiency? Let us understand.
Can Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?
Research linking iron deficiency and hair loss is limited. However, some studies do state that hair loss treatment could be enhanced when iron deficiency is treated (3).
Hair loss, whether caused by iron deficiency or otherwise, can be distressing. The following section discusses certain potential treatments for hair loss associated with iron deficiency. We suggest you talk to your doctor before taking any medications or supplements.
Lisa, a hair care enthusiast and a YouTuber, discusses how she was finding the cause of her hair loss for 20 years and found out that it was due to iron deficiency. She shares that she has been taking her iron supplements regularly for three months. She further states, “I think my hair has f. I was able to raise my ferritin to an acceptable level enough that my hair is growing back (i).”
1. Iron Supplements
Researchers have seen that iron might be a great component for hair growth. Iron deficiency or not, if you are experiencing hair loss, iron supplements might help in combating hair loss. However, consult a doctor before taking iron supplements and discuss briefly all the benefits and side effects of iron supplements (4).
2. Dietary Changes
A diet rich in iron may help combat hair loss associated with iron deficiency. Foods like red meat, fish, chicken, and green vegetables are rich in iron.
Quick Tip3. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a popular over-the-counter hair growth medication used by those experiencing male and female pattern hair loss. This medication helps encourage hair growth. However, it may take a long time to show promising results (5).
4. Vitamin C
Increase the intake of vitamin C for maximum iron absorption. Dietary iron absorption involves two types: heme iron, found in hemoglobin and myoglobin, is well-absorbed independently of meal composition. Nonheme iron, the primary dietary source, is significantly influenced by meal content. Vitamin C notably enhances nonheme iron absorption, counteracting inhibitors like tea and calcium/phosphate. Its impact is less pronounced in meat-rich meals. Iron absorption from plant-based meals correlates with vitamin C quantity. Soluble inorganic iron absorption parallels nonheme iron, with vitamin C having a limited effect on insoluble iron compounds like ferric oxide. Vitamin C may help iron absorption by creating a soluble chelate with ferric iron (6). Therefore, a person with iron deficiency-induced hair loss must incorporate vitamin C in their diet (7).
TriviaThe link between iron deficiency and hair loss has yet to be confirmed. This is because of various reasons, including heredity, which can cause hair loss. While some believe that a mineral deficiency can cause hair loss, the evidence is still inconclusive. Hair loss caused by iron deficiency should only be temporary. It’s always a good idea to see your doctor to talk about treatment choices and get on the road to better health as soon as possible. Your doctor can assist you in altering your diet to ensure that you obtain the proper amount of iron for your needs. On the other hand, iron deficiency can have major long-term health consequences. To restore your body’s iron levels, ensure you eat the right foods and take the right supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair grow back after correcting iron deficiency?
Possibly. Once your serum ferritin (iron) levels are back to the normal baseline values, chances are your hair may regrow. However, this can take a long time and it is advised to seek medical help.
What does iron deficiency hair loss look like?
Iron deficiency could worsen or lead to female pattern hair loss. Thus, iron deficiency hair loss could look like hair thinning on the top and crown of the head (7).
Will taking iron help my hair grow?
Possibly. If your hair loss is related to low ferritin levels, taking iron supplements may boost hair growth. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Key Takeaways
- Iron deficiency is more prevalent in women. This could be due to menstruation, pregnancy, and other factors.
- Although research is limited, a few studies suggest that taking iron supplements may help treat hair loss.
- Consuming a diet rich in iron may also help if you are experiencing hair loss. However, do not take iron supplements without consulting a doctor.
The video below shares a YouTuber’s journey with hair loss and iron deficiency. Now you can conquer hair loss hurdles as well and make your way to healthier, fuller hair. Click play now to check out how!
Personal Experience Source
(i) Hair Loss Solved (after 20 years of iron deficiency!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arb98MEqi4I
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