Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

There are many reasons for hair loss, from stress and bad habits to hereditary diseases. However, there is one alleged reason for hair loss mainly associated with nutritional deficiency. Is it true that iron deficiency causes hair loss? Keep on reading and find it out in this article!

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency that leads to hair loss. According to experts of WHO, absolutely all menstruating women are at risk of iron deficiency. Iron is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen through the body. As a result of the iron deficiency, there is anemia and hypoxia of the entire body including hair follicles. 

The most common and banal cause of iron deficiency is the insufficient intake of iron from food. Most people prefer chicken and pork over all types of meat. However, these types of meat don’t contain heme iron. The main source of iron is only red meat, namely veal, and beef. There is a misconception that a sufficient amount of iron is contained in apples, pomegranate, or buckwheat. Alas, this is not true, of course, if you don’t eat a few kilograms of apples a day to fill the daily need for iron.

The next reason for iron deficiency is the increased waste of iron. Any chronic bleeding will lead to iron loss. This is especially true in the case of women with prolonged menstruation. Iron deficiency anemia has many symptoms and inconspicuous signs that are not strictly specific. If you face such symptoms as hair loss, thin nails, dry skin, fatigue, irritability, and drowsiness, consult a doctor.

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