Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss: What the Research Shows

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and low ferritin (stored iron) comes up often in hair loss. The research is mixed. A large meta-analysis found lower ferritin in women with non-scarring hair loss, while a controlled clinic study found iron deficiency was no more common in them than in women without hair loss.

Here's what each found, and why a blood test, not guessing, is the sensible next step.

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Key Takeaways

• A meta-analysis of 36 studies and 10,029 women found women with non-scarring alopecia had lower ferritin than women without it, on average by 18.51 ng/dL.
• A controlled study of 381 women with hair loss and 76 without found iron deficiency was common in women but not more common in those with female pattern hair loss or chronic telogen effluvium.
• A review from dermatologists found insufficient evidence to recommend universal iron screening, or iron supplements without anemia, for people with hair loss. It said the decision rests on clinical judgment.
• Iron supplements should be guided by a doctor and a blood test.

What Is The Link?

Iron is needed throughout the body, and ferritin is a blood marker of iron stores. Researchers have asked whether low stores contribute to some types of hair loss, mostly in women.

Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

The evidence points both ways, so we can't say it does in every case. It may be one factor for some people.

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What To Do

• Ask your doctor to test. Ferritin and hemoglobin are the usual starting points, and a doctor can look for why levels are low.
• Don't self-supplement iron. A review says the cause of iron deficiency must be identified, and a doctor can do that.
• Look at the whole picture. Hair shedding has many causes.

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What The Research Shows

Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies with 10,029 participants compared women with and without non-scarring alopecia. The prevalence of ferritin at 10 to 15 ng/dL or below was 21%, and women with non-scarring alopecia had lower ferritin (mean difference -18.51 ng/dL). The authors noted that earlier evidence of an association was not clear-cut, and concluded that women with hair loss can benefit from higher ferritin levels (Treister-Goltzman et al., 2022).

A Controlled Study

In a controlled study at the Duke hair disorders clinic, 381 women with female pattern hair loss or chronic telogen effluvium were compared with 76 women with no hair loss. Iron deficiency (ferritin of 15 μg/L or lower) occurred in 12.4% of premenopausal women with female pattern hair loss, 12.1% of those with chronic telogen effluvium and 29.8% of controls. The study found no statistically significant increase in iron deficiency in women with hair loss, and noted that the effect of correcting iron deficiency on hair loss is unknown (Olsen et al., 2010).

Testing And Supplements

A review of the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency noted that several studies have linked iron deficiency to alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium and diffuse hair loss, while others do not. It found insufficient evidence to recommend universal screening for iron deficiency in people with hair loss, or iron supplements for those with iron deficiency but no anemia, and said the decision should be based on clinical judgment. It also said the cause of iron deficiency must be identified (Trost et al., 2006).

Selenium is another mineral studied in hair loss; see selenium and hair.

See also: L-Lysine for Hair: What the Research Shows · Zinc and Hair Loss: What the Research Shows

To see how this fits with the other nutrients hair needs, read our guide to the best vitamins for hair growth.

For an overview of every type of hair loss and how to tell them apart, see our guide to types of alopecia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does low iron cause hair loss?

Studies disagree. A meta-analysis found lower ferritin in women with hair loss, and a controlled study did not find more iron deficiency.

Should I take iron for hair loss?

Ask your doctor. A review found insufficient evidence to recommend supplements without anemia.

What test shows iron stores?

Serum ferritin, which a doctor can order along with hemoglobin.

References

1. Treister-Goltzman Y, Yarza S, Peleg R. Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Skin Appendage Disord. 2022. PubMed
2. Olsen EA, Reed KB, Cacchio PB, et al. Iron deficiency in female pattern hair loss, chronic telogen effluvium, and control groups. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010. PubMed
3. Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006. PubMed