Iron and Hair Loss: Is there any relation?
We’re not all “Popeye,” eating cans of spinach each day to stay strong.
But making sure we have a healthy amount of iron in our diet is important. It can help prevent anemia and boost resistance to infection.
And when it comes to our hair, iron plays a vital role.
Iron is really important for hair growth and hair health.
When we see patients who are experiencing hair loss, we often recommend to perform lab test for iron (Hb)deficiency. It’s not uncommon for us to find iron to be low in women.
Can an iron deficiency cause hair loss?
Yes. Iron helps your body produce hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. It carries oxygen to your body’s cells, helping them grow and repair. This includes your body’s cells that help with hair growth.
Many women are low in iron, and Hair shedding may be the first sign that patients notice.
Who’s at risk for iron-related hair loss?
• Women
Iron is especially vital for women of child-bearing age who have monthly periods and who may or may not get a lot of iron in their diet.
• People who follow a vegetarian/vegan diet
Those who are vegetarian or vegan may want to focus on including foods that are good sources of iron.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can eat beans, spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables as sources of Iron. However, plant-derived iron is not absorbed as completely.
Hence you must make sure your diet includes foods high in vitamin C, as they can help your body absorb iron completely.
People who exercise heavily
Heavy exercise like running or high-impact aerobic exercise can cause small tears in your joints or the lining of your stomach.
These small tears leak a little blood. Over time and with regular exercise, this can lead to loss of iron and eventually anemia.
Will hair loss from iron deficiency grow back?
Yes. Most hair loss due to an iron deficiency can be reversed.
If you’ve been experiencing hair loss and think it may be due to an iron deficiency, you can reach out to us or a doctor. A blood test can determine if you have low levels of iron.
Hence eating a healthy diet with adequate iron-rich foods or taking an iron supplement can correct the deficiency and lead to hair regrowth.
How to add more iron to your diet
Get more iron in your diet by adding supplements or changing your eating habits.
Supplements
Iron supplements commonly cause constipation, so slow-release supplements are preferred. It’s important to talk to your doctor first, before taking iron supplements, though.
Taking iron with vitamin C, as is found in citrus fruits or some combination supplements, increases the stomach’s absorption of iron.
Diet changes
Eating a well-balanced diet can help ensure you get the recommended amount of iron each day. Reach for iron-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, peas, tofu and iron-rich meats like beef and lamb.
You also want to incorporate foods that are high in vitamin C. Think oranges, strawberries and tomatoes.
“Vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron you consume in food or supplements,” says Dr. Piliang. “To get the most bang for your buck, eat vitamin C-rich foods with your iron-rich foods or supplement.”
Overall, if you notice more hair in your shower drain, it may be time to reach out to us.
If you have an iron deficiency, our doctors at Skinsense will discuss the best path forward and offer ways to help stop your hair loss.
To reach out to WhatsApp or Call on +91 92205 75707
Visit: www.skinsense.co.in
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