Blog

Iron

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is one of the most common forms of anemia, occurring due to a lack of iron in the blood. Its symptoms include increased weakness, fatigue, irritability, dizziness, altered taste perception, and headaches.

In addition, problems arise in:

  1. Skin – resulting in pallor, dryness, and flaking;
  2. Nails – they become brittle, dull, with the emergence of ridges and indentations;
  3. Hair – leading to prolonged and frequent hair loss, making hair dull and disrupting its structure.

Diagnosing iron deficiency anemia is not challenging, but identifying its underlying causes becomes a task for professionals. To do this, one needs to undergo tests for levels of ferritin, iron, and hemoglobin in the blood. These levels may have various norms and temporary fluctuations due to specific conditions, hence seeking consultation with a doctor to establish the presence of IDA is important. There are numerous causes for IDA, with the most common being various forms of internal bleeding, impaired iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and others.

How is iron linked to hair loss? A decrease in the body's iron levels leads to diffuse hair loss, which can worsen over time. Without treatment and restoration of iron levels, hair loss may transition into a chronic phase. Recovering hair growth can take a prolonged period, even after iron levels have normalized. As long as the body doesn't reach a sufficient iron level and isn't confident in its iron reserves, hair loss will persist.

Moreover, hair loss related to iron deficiency can occur even when ferritin levels are within the normal range. This means that even if ferritin is at a normal level, the body may lack sufficient iron to support hair health. Thus, maintaining ferritin levels within the middle of the normal range is vital. This ensures that iron is distributed evenly among all necessary organs, including hair follicles.

Furthermore, iron plays a crucial role in the enzymatic processes taking place in hair follicles. It aids in retaining oxygen molecules by red blood cells and their subsequent transportation from the lungs to the tissues. Iron deficiency results in reduced hemoglobin synthesis and inadequate oxygen supply in the body, ultimately leading to hair loss.

Additionally, iron deficiency anemia can contribute to an increase in the number of free radicals in the blood, which negatively affect hair follicles and promote premature hair loss.

Among iron-rich foods, noteworthy examples include:

  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Liver
  • Pistachios
  • Dried mushrooms
  • Yeast
  • Seaweed
  • Legumes
  • Chicken fillet
  • Fish
  • Almonds
  • Mushrooms
  • Apples

To prevent problems associated with iron deficiency anemia and hair loss, it's advisable to consult a doctor when suspecting this condition. After analyzing the results, the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment and devise a dietary plan to optimize iron absorption. Hair growth restoration is unattainable without correcting iron levels in the body!