Summary
- Many problems faced by men may relate to low iron.
- Low iron can contribute to hair loss and male pattern baldness.
- Low iron can impair sexual drive and performance.
- Low iron can prevent muscle growth.
- Iron Lift can help men achieve optimal iron levels.
Why is Low Iron Overlooked in Men?
There are many negative consequences of low iron in men. Yet because iron deficiency is more common in women, the impact of iron on men’s health is often overlooked. Here, we’ll discuss some common problems that affect men and can be helped by better iron levels.
"because iron deficiency is more common in women, the impact of iron on men’s health is often overlooked"
Can Low Iron Cause Male Pattern Baldness?
Iron deficiency has been shown to contribute to hair loss. In one study, 23% of patients with male pattern hair loss had low iron levels, while 0% of control patients with healthy hair had low iron. This correlation between low iron and hair loss occurs because the body delivers less oxygen to hair follicles and synthesizes less keratin (the main component of hair).
How Does Iron Compare to Finasteride?
Finasteride is FDA approved for treating hair loss in men. However, finasteride was shown to increase the risk for erectile dysfunction, including persistent erectile dysfunction. It's also been associated with side effects like male breast enlargement. Moreover, hair loss occurs when stopping finatseride. In contrast, the body stores iron, meaning that you can continue supporting healthy hair even after stopping an iron supplement.
"23% of patients with male pattern hair loss had low iron levels, while 0% of control patients with healthy hair had low iron"
Is Your Erectile Dysfunction Caused By Low Iron?
Iron deficiency has also been shown to contribute to erectile dysfunction. In one study, 27% of patients with erectile dysfunction had anemia, a prevalence that is ~10x higher than in the total male population. Low iron can cause erectile dysfunction because the body delivers less oxygen to the penis, preventing it from getting hard.
"27% of patients with erectile dysfunction had anemia, a prevalence that is ~10x higher than in the total male population."
Does Low Iron Reduce Your Sex Drive?
In addition to causing ED, iron deficiency has been shown to lower sperm quality. Males with iron-deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia have been shown in numerous studies to have reduced sperm count, lower sperm quality, and infertility. All of these factors can reduce sex drive and cause low libido in men.
Why Does Low Iron Prevent Muscle Growth?
Iron deficiency is known to reduce muscle mass and tone. A study including thousands of men found that having low ferritin was significantly correlated with having low muscle mass. Low iron can reduce muscle mass because iron is required to activate and strengthen muscles.
Which Men are at Risk for Low Iron?
Risk factors for iron deficiency in men include being vegetarian (or otherwise eating very little meat), being a long-distance runner, having gastrointestinal disorders, having chronic diseases, being on certain medications, being a bariatric patient, and having frequent blood loss. In addition, certain people are genetically disposed to being low iron or having poor iron absorption.
Can Extra Iron Help?
Especially if you have low iron levels, any of the above issues may be solved by adding a good source of iron to your daily regimen. This could include liver or red meat. Other options, which can help in higher quantities, include nuts, lentils, tofu, and leafy greens.
"if you have low iron levels, any of the above issues may be solved by adding a good source of iron"
Should Men Take Iron Supplements?
While iron levels can be raised by diet, an iron supplement is the most reliable way to boost iron levels. If poor iron levels are contributing to hair loss, intimacy issues, or poor muscle tone, then an iron supplement may be the right solution. Most iron supplements are in pill form, which typically provide a high dose of iron and a high risk of side effects, including digestive issues. Iron Lift is a unique drink powder that delivers highly-absorbed iron along with protein and other nutrients for promoting hair and vitality. It also is designed to avoid side effects.
Sources
- Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss (Journal of Korean Medical Science)
- Laboratory evaluations of erectile dysfunction: an evidence based approach (Journal of Urology)
- Iron and copper in male reproduction: a double-edged sword (Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics)
- Semen quality impairment is associated with sexual dysfunction according to its severity (Human Reproduction)
- Iron deficiency is related to lower muscle mass in community-dwelling individuals (Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle)
- Persistent erectile dysfunction in men exposed to the 5α-reductase inhibitors, finasteride, or dutasteride (PeerJ)
