hair
logo

Link Between Hair Fall & Iron Deficiency

Image Credit: Getty

icon
hair loss

Is you hair falling?

Hair loss is one of the most common complaints in adults. Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on the cause. It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just the scalp or your whole body.

icon

Image Credit: Getty

icon
hair

Causes

There are several causes for hair loss and one important cause is a lack of some nutrients. One such nutrient is iron. 

icon

Image Credit: Getty

icon
stress

Iron deficiency

Insufficient iron in the body leads to lesser hemoglobin. Skin and hair may hence receive less oxygen from the blood causing them to become dry and damaged. In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss. 

Image Credit: Pexels

icon

Continued...

Iron is an essential mineral, which the body stores in the form of ferritin, a protein in the blood. Low ferritin levels lead to an iron deficiency and hence hair loss. 

Video Credit: Pexels

icon

hair

hair

Ferritin levels

Many a times, ferritin levels get overlooked if one also has an underlying condition that may cause hair loss. In such a case, ferritin levels should be tested. Usually hair loss related to iron deficiency is not permanent.

Image Credit: Pexels

icon
stress

More...

It's important to get enough iron from foods or supplements so that there is adequate ferritin in the body. Low ferritin levels can also be caused by significant blood loss, celiac disease and more.

Image Credit: Getty

icon
sad

Other symptoms

Having low ferritin levels interferes in the production of red blood cells. Some symptoms of low ferritin and iron deficiency include dizziness, fatigue, brittle nails, shortness of breath, headaches etc. 

Image Credit: Pexels

icon
spinach

Eat iron-rich foods

The best way to treat hair loss with ferritin is to increase your iron levels. It is important to eat iron rich foods like meats and whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Take supplements only when prescribed by a doctor.

Image Credit: Pexels

icon
salad

Do not miss vitamin C

To prevent future hair loss, one must eat a healthy, balanced diet and include iron-rich foods. Add foods high in vitamin C to your diet. These foods allow your body to absorb iron in a more efficient manner. 

Image Credit: Pexels

icon
logo

Video Credit: Pexels

For More Stories
like this check out:

doctor.ndtv.com

hair