Many researchers and clinicians now believe that the ferritin level should be above 50 in men and women. In patients experiencing hair loss, 80 is probably a more optimal value. Please note that individuals should exercise caution when taking iron supplements since excessive iron can be very harmful.
Women with iron deficiency status are at a risk of telogen hair loss. The important role of serum ferritin in hair loss is becoming more evident. In women without systemic inflammation or other underlying disorders, serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 ng/mL are strongly associated with telogen hair loss.
Optimal hair growth was observed when serum ferritin concentration is at 70 ng/ml and serum vitamin B12 levels were observed between 300 and 1,000 ng/l. Hemoglobin levels greater than 13.0 g/dl also show significant results in hair growth.
“Iron is really important for hair growth and hair health,” says dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD. “When we see patients who are experiencing hair loss, we often perform labs to screen for iron deficiency. It's not uncommon for us to find iron to be low in women.”
Iron for Hair Growth
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, women between the ages of 19 and 50 should get 18 mg of iron per day. Women older than 50 need just 8 mg per day.
Iron and Hair Health. If you are not getting enough iron through your diet, you may experience excessive hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium). You may also find that your hair will not grow past a certain length.
For those who have been diagnosed with an iron deficiency, taking iron supplements will over time stop hair loss due to your hair growth cycle resuming to normal. However, Iron supplements are not a magic cure to stop hair loss in general – they will not work for people suffering from hair loss from other causes.
How long do iron tablets take to stop hair loss? Iron supplements take time to work, often taking several months and sometimes even longer [3].
Your hair starts to regrow normally once your iron deficiency is treated. However, it will take a few months to notice the regrowth of hair that is lost due to lower iron levels," says Dr. Zeel.
Extreme fatigue. Weakness. Pale skin. Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Iron Deficiency Hair Loss
Hair loss caused by iron deficiency can look like traditional pattern baldness – a noticeable increase in the number of hairs left on a brush or on the shower floor. In fact, unless a patient is medically diagnosed with an iron deficiency, they may chalk it up to just another sign of aging.
The good news is that hair loss due to low ferritin is entirely reversible, and relatively easy to correct. Once the ferritin level has been ascertained by means of a blood test, the trichologist will be able to recommend the best level of supplementation for that individual, based on their personal history.
Results are given in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The normal range for ferritin in your blood serum is: 24 to 336 ng/mL for adult males. 24 to 307 ng/mL for adult females.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Some studies have shown that our hair follicles are closely intertwined with parts of the immune system that support healthy hair growth. As a result, a zinc deficiency is thought to be associated with hair loss. For this reason, zinc supplements have historically been recommended as a hair loss treatment.
The short answer is yes, you can grow your hair back if you increase your iron and hemoglobin levels. But again, baldness can be attributed to factors other than iron deficiency, so if you increase your iron intake and still see no progress you might want to visit a specialist to determine the cause of your hair loss.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
If you have a low level of ferritin, your doctor will likely recommend iron supplements to tackle both this and any effects it has had on your body, including hair loss. Your doctor might also recommend you adjust your diet to increase your intake through iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, and nuts.
Vitamin D deficiency has become a common problem these days. Many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to lack of exposure to sunlight or poor intake of foods rich in vitamin D. This can lead to hair loss and other health issues.
Vitamin C increases absorption of both heme and non-heme iron absorption. Four ounces (1/2 cup) of orange juice is enough to increase iron absorption. Other sources of vitamin C include citrus fruit, fresh bell peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, and fresh broccoli.
Left untreated, however, iron-deficiency anemia can make you feel tired and weak. You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.