Does Low Iron Cause Hair Loss?
Hair follicles can be sensitive to many changes in our body, including low iron levels.
Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency in our body, associated with developmental delay, diminished intellectual functioning, and decreased infection resistance.
It also affects hair by reducing the efficacy of cell growth.
A survey published in the National Library of Medicine says that around 21% of people with non-scarring Alopecia had low iron levels.
This guide will assist you in understanding the connection between hair loss and lack of iron in your body.
Iron deficiency and hair loss
Our body needs enough nutrition to function correctly, including iron.
Iron deficiency can cause sudden changes in our body, affecting it in many different ways.
Research shows that there is insufficient evidence that iron deficiency causes hair loss.
However, some studies have found that people with hair loss problems lack iron in their bodies.
Iron is really important for hair growth and hair health. When we see patients who are experiencing hair loss, we often perform labs to screen for iron deficiency. It’s not uncommon for us to find iron to be low in women.”
says dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD
Low iron levels can cause a drastic dip in oxygen and hemoglobin levels in our blood.
Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen to the body’s cells to help them grow and repair. This includes cells that also help in hair growth.
Low hemoglobin and oxygen levels can cause damage to these cells, reducing hair growth.
Does low Iron cause hair loss?: Who’s at risk
Although anyone can experience hair loss from iron deficiency, certain individuals are likelier to experience it.
People following a vegetarian/vegan diet
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, it is essential that you focus on including foods rich in iron.
Foods such as beans and leafy greens are great sources of iron.
However, our bodies can not completely absorb iron from a plant-based diet.
Ensure to include foods rich in vitamin C to help absorb iron completely.
Menstruating women
Women are more likely to have an iron deficiency because they lose blood during menstruation.
Pregnancy and childbirth can also result in iron deficiency.
As a result, iron supplements and foods with added iron become critical to ensuring that women get enough iron.
Red meat is the best way to maintain healthy iron levels if you eat meat.
Heavy exercise
Regular exercise can help you manage overall health and even reduce the risk of many diseases.
But heavy exercises like high-impact aerobics can cause small-scale tears in your joints.
These tears can leak blood and, over time, can lead to iron loss.
Hair regrowth
Hair fall from iron deficiency does not scar hair follicles.
After scar tissue formation, hair can not grow back.
This is hopeful for hair regrowth because hair is not severely damaged. With a healthy diet, you may be able to regrow your hair.
You can incorporate foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries, to help your body absorb iron.
In addition to an iron-rich diet, products like minoxidil can also help hair grow back.
However, consult your dermatologist for the best advice for your hair care.
Takeaway
In conclusion, there is not enough evidence to support that iron deficiency causes hair loss.
However, several studies say that people with hair loss are more likely to have low iron levels.
Thus, keeping your iron levels in check is essential to maintain your hair health.
Keep a healthy and nutritious diet rich in iron and also vitamin C.
Even though iron deficiency causes hair loss, it will not damage your hair follicles permanently.
Consult your dermatologist for the best treatment plans, and your hair will grow back in several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hair grow back after iron deficiency?
Yes. Hair loss from iron deficiency is non-scarring. Meaning that damage to hair follicles is not permanent. Proper treatment plans and an iron-rich diet can help with hair regrowth.
Can low iron cause hair thinning?
Yes. Iron deficiency can reduce the hemoglobin and oxygen levels in our bodies. Hemoglobin helps carry oxygen to body cells to help them grow and repair. Because of low hemoglobin levels, hair cells do not get enough oxygen which may result in the reduction of hair growth.
How do you stop hair loss from iron deficiency?
You can start by including iron-rich food in your daily diet. Foods such as beans and leafy greens are great sources of iron. Moreover, foods rich in vitamin C can help your body absorb iron completely.
What level of iron causes hair loss?
Ferritin in our body is a blood protein that contains iron. Ferritin blood tests determine the levels of iron in your body. If your ferritin levels are below or equal to 30ng/mL without any underlying diseases, your hair loss is most likely caused by an iron deficiency.
How quickly does iron stop hair loss?
Proper treatment will aid in regrowth if your hair loss results from iron deficiency. However, your hair will take at least 6 months to regain its original volume.
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