Iron Deficiency And Hair Loss

Iron Deficiency And Hair Loss

While genetics is the main cause of hair loss, it is far from the only one. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss in men and women. This hair loss is often nearly indistinguishable from traditional pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), however, it can be easily treated. 

 

Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. This hair loss typically resembles pattern balding and may become apparent at the hairline and crown of the head. While iron may or may not play a role in causing permanent hair loss, its effects on short-term hair loss are well-documented. Hair loss caused by iron deficiency is reversible and a change in diet is typically enough to cause healthy hair to regrow. If you are experiencing a higher amount of shedding than usual, consult a doctor to determine if you have adequate levels of iron.

 

How Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Iron plays a key role in regulating the body. Iron in your blood is required to make haemoglobin which is what carried oxygen around your body. Without adequate oxygen, otherwise healthy hair may begin to fall out. Without proper levels of oxygen and other nutrients, the cells that stimulate hair growth can begin to shut down. This can happen to cells throughout the body but is often most visibly noticeable in the hair on the scalp. If iron levels are too low, it is possible to develop anaemia, a disease that can have long-lasting and serious effects.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency often presents itself with the following symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale Skin
  • Chest Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Poor appetite

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms as well as hair loss, you should immediately consult a physician as you may be suffering from iron deficiency anaemia

 

How Can I Supplement My Iron?

If it turns out that your iron levels are lower than they should be, increasing your iron intake is quite simple. Over-the-counter iron supplements are available at any drugstore. Further, several readily available iron-rich foods. If you are interested in increasing your iron intake, consider incorporating some of these foods into your diet.

  • Red meat
    • Beef, especially beef liver, has some of the highest amounts of iron of any food. Lean ground beef is an excellent, health-conscious, source of iron.
  • Seafood
    • Fatty fish, oysters, clams, tuna, and more all contain large amounts of iron. Further, these also contain omega-4 fatty acids, another key component in hair health.
  • Dark, leafy greens
    • Plants such as spinach and kale are very high in iron and are easy to add to any dish.
  • Beans
    • All beans are high in iron, but chickpeas and black-eyed peas are the best choices for increasing your iron intake.

 

What Other Foods Can Help Hair Growth?

Many foods are available that have proven to promote hair growth. If you are noticing an increase in hair loss, try incorporating some of these into your diet.

  • Eggs

Eggs are an amazing source of many nutrients that are crucial for healthy hair. Eggs contain considerable amounts of protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids, all of which are linked to hair growth.

  • Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel are amazing sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Further, these fish are rich in protein and B vitamins.

  • Fruits & Vegetables

Leafy greens like kale and spinach are a good source of iron, vitamin A, and folic acid. Carrots and sweet potatoes provide another great source of vitamins. Fruits such as oranges, berries, and grapes are all loaded with vitamin C.

  • Low-Fat Dairy Products

Skim milk, cottage cheese, and yoghurt are good sources of calcium and whey protein. Both of which are linked to hair growth.

 

Permanent Solutions To Hair Loss

While increasing your iron intake may assist in hair regrowth in some, for most, it will not be enough to regrow already-lost hair. There are also a number of medications that can provide temporary hair growth. However, for patients whose hair loss is genetic and chronic, the only truly permanent solution is a hair transplant. A hair transplant uses a patient’s own healthy hair to fill in the spots left behind by hair loss.

 

Hair Transplants At The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic

At the Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic, we specialise in the most modern techniques for a hair transplant in Turkey such as Follicular Unit Extraction and Direct Hair Implantation. These are both truly permanent solutions to hair loss. Dr Aygin has 25 years of experience in the field of hair restoration and has helped over 15,000 patients with a hair regrowth rate of 98%

Contact us today to schedule your full, free consultation.

What is your hair loss like?

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