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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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nithya Raghunath, MBBS, MD
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech

Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc

Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach • Feb 5, 2024

Iron Deficiency Hair Loss – Causes, Symptoms, & How To Treat It

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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).”

How Can You Treat Hair Loss Related To Iron Deficiency?

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 Tip

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of iron is 10 milligrams for men and 12 milligrams for women. But in case of an anemic condition, you may have to consume 150-200 mg daily. In this, iron present in meat, poultry, and seafood is more easily absorbed than plant sources.

3. 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).

Trivia

Minoxidil was originally discovered as a treatment for high blood pressure and is still used as an oral prescription for hypertension. It works by encouraging blood circulation to the scalp, thus increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen for hair growth.

The 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!