When your body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce hemoglobin in blood. Hemoglobin is needed to carry nutrients and oxygen to every cell in the body. This includes hair follicles.
Although hair loss is not a typical sign of deficiency of iron, according to doctors, iron deficiency or anemia can cause hair loss.
So, if you are losing a lot of hair and can’t seem to know the reason, consult a doctor and get your iron levels checked.
The doctor may also check your ferritin levels, which indicate iron reserves in your body. Sometimes, you may have enough iron in blood, but due to low levels of ferritin, your body is unable to utilize iron from the reserves properly.
The Journal of Korean Medical Science published a study that states hair loss caused by iron deficiency is similar to male (and female) pattern baldness.
The good news
The good news is that hair loss caused by anemia is temporary. As soon as you address your anemia, your follicles start getting nourishment and oxygenated blood, activating their function.
What research says about iron deficiency and hair loss
As per a research, iron deficiency can cause hair loss, but it does not damage or scar follicles. This means you can easily trigger hair regrowth once you ‘pump’ your body with enough iron.
Researchers have found that follicles can be sensitive towards low iron levels. So, they may either go dormant, or slow down hair production. Replenishing your body with adequate iron can make follicles active again.
But you mustn’t start taking iron supplements on your own. Please consult a doctor first. Depending on the severity of deficiency, your doctor will fix the dosage.
Some people find their digestive system is more sensitive towards iron supplements. They may experience indigestion or stomach issues. So, you need to observe side effects of iron supplements and report to the doctor.
One particular supplement creating a rage in the market is KeraViatin Hair & Scalp Health Supplement. It contains vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, and micro-nutrients to strengthen scalp and enhance overall health of hair.
Sometimes, hair loss could be due to multiple nutritional deficiencies. You may be lacking in iron and zinc or certain amino acids of Vitamin B group. In this case, the KeraViatin can be a good choice.
Foods rich in iron
- Fruits: strawberries, watermelon, figs, dates, dried peaches and apricots, raisins, pomegranate.
- Vegetables: sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, peas, potatoes, beet greens, spring beans, and dandelion greens.
- Beans: kidney beans, lentils, molasses, dried peas, tomato products, and tofu.
- Cereals: whole grains, enriched rice, corn, oatmeal, rye breads, enriched pasta, and wheat products.
- Seafoods: clams, oysters, tuna, shrimp, and scallops.
- Meats: chicken, eggs, turkey, pork, and lamb.
Tips to deal with hair loss due to iron deficiency
- Handle hair like a baby because they are weak at this time.
- Use fortified, sulfate-free shampoos meant to strengthen hair and nourish scalp.
- Avoid tight hairstyles that may break hair or further weaken roots.
- You can use Keranique’s hair regrowth treatment that contains minoxidil.
Scott Vance
Her contributions on several hair care forums and blogs attract a huge number of readers because they find her solutions effective and simple. Scott has started sharing her expertise on Hairlossly also now.
