Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss

19 August, 2019 | Hair Loss | Author : Shveta Virmani

Whether you’ve observed a few extra locks of hair on your pillow or clumps of hair falling out while shampooing, coping up with hair loss can be stressful and embarrassing.

In both men and women, hair loss can occur due to a wide range of reasons. Usually, the actual culprit of hair loss is DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which causes the hair follicles to miniaturize, resulting in hair thinning and baldness. However, according to the best hair transplant surgeons, iron deficiency also plays a major role in promoting hair loss, especially in women.

What is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t get an adequate amount of iron. Studies suggest that it is more common in women than men. In some cases, iron deficiency can occur due to digestive issues that restrict your body from absorbing the iron present in food.

Relation between Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss

Iron is an important mineral which is responsible for producing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an essential compound that transports oxygen to the cells, which is necessary for several body functions. When your body has low iron stores, it becomes difficult for the hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the cells. This can hamper the growth of hair, which can further lead to hair thinning and baldness.

Hair loss caused by iron deficiency is similar to androgenetic alopecia i.e. thinning of hair in the middle of the head or receding hairline. If you’re suffering from hair loss, it is important to visit the best hair transplant clinic to determine the actual cause of the problem.

Fortunately, hair loss caused due to iron deficiency can be reversed with the help of the below-mentioned preventive measures:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Fill your diet with iron-rich food items such as peas, spinach, legumes, broccoli, salmon, red meat, whole eggs, and dried fruits. Moreover, include foods that are rich in vitamin C into your diet plan as these foods can increase your body’s ability to absorb iron effectively. Melons, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C.

2. Iron Supplements

If your iron deficiency is an outcome of any disease that restricts your body from absorbing food properly, your doctor may recommend you to take iron supplements in order to restore the iron levels in your body. Besides, iron injections can also prove to be effective in raising iron levels.

Following an iron-rich dietary pattern is the first step towards dealing with hair loss. However, if you’re suffering from severe hair loss, undergoing a hair restoration surgery at the best hair transplant clinic can be an effective solution to your worries.