Iron deficiency and hair loss are related. Iron is one of the nutrients required by our bodies to circulate oxygen from head to toe, and when it is deficient, we face various problems, including hair loss. According to WHO, some parts of Southeast Asia and Africa suffer from iron deficiency. A large portion of women here suffer from anaemia.
Globally, almost 16.42% of the population suffers from iron deficiency. WHO also states that children below five years are prone to iron deficiency. Pregnant women, postpartum women, and adolescent girls who menstruate are other iron-deficient groups.
Iron deficiency is often connected with poverty. In countries where people do not get enough nutrition through proper diet, cases of iron deficiency are found to be severe. Sometimes, it can be a result of menstruation (heavy) and due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
People with chronic inflammatory conditions, kidney disease, bowel disorders, and congestive cardiac failure can also develop iron deficiency. It is important to replenish our blood after a significant amount of blood loss due to various reasons. Otherwise, anaemia occurs, which leads to fatigue and other medical conditions.
How Does Iron Affect Hair Health?
For those who do not know about the connection between iron and hair health, we are providing all the pertinent information in this blog. Severe iron deficiency can lead to anaemia. Such a condition ultimately results in hair loss. The type of hair loss associated with anaemia is known as "androgenetic alopecia" or "pattern hair loss". Iron is a vital component in an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase, which aids in cell growth.
Iron deficiency disrupts cell growth in the affected individuals, thus initiating issues associated with hair loss and baldness. Also, iron deficiency causes less oxygen flow in our bodies, causing fatigue and an unhealthy scalp. When there is no proper blood flow to the scalp, the roots of the hair become weak, and the hair tends to become dry, frizzy, and brittle.
Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough iron to make red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms related to iron deficiency:
- Pale skin, the whites of the eyes can be light bluish
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Rapid heartbeat and pounding in the ears
- Breathing shortness and tightness of the chest, especially with some activity
- Frequent Headaches
- Either a smooth or sore tongue
- Brittle hair and nails
- Cold hands and feet
- Irritability
- Dizziness
Some symptoms discussed above appear earlier, while others develop over some time. It can be detected through blood tests; when the doctor advises a complete blood count FBC test for iron deficiency.
The Mechanisms by which Iron Deficiency can Lead to Hair Loss
Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Iron deficiency in the body will lead more and more hair follicles to enter the telogen phase at the same time. This leads to hair shedding. Moreover, iron is a vital component in haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells carrying oxygen to the body cells.
When the iron level is low, the body decides its priority of organs for oxygen supply, thus hampering the hair follicles. It triggers telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss causing widespread thinning. Thus, the link between iron deficiency and hair loss is direct, wherein the follicle cells cannot multiply any longer.
How can Biotin Shampoos and Conditioners Help?
Biotin is a vitamin known as vitamin B7. It helps build strong hair. Biotin can help to maintain good hair health. It even helps retain the shine. Biotin Shampoos, Biotin keratin conditioners, and Biotin hair serums, if used effectively and properly, can provide a lot of help in maintaining and regrowing hair. Iron deficiency causes hair loss. This medical condition must be addressed before starting to use biotin shampoo and conditioner.
Once you start medication to treat iron deficiency, you can work on using biotin shampoo and conditioner at regular intervals to improve your hair health. Biotin helps in keratin generation and absorption in the hair follicles, thus stimulating hair growth and health. BXT biotin shampoos, conditioners, and serums have good reviews regarding the results they have produced with proper and timely use.
