Summary
- Low iron causes hair loss due to slowing down hair follicles and reducing keratin production.
- Hair thickening is expected when ferritin levels surpass 100 ng/ml.
- Iron supplementation can help reverse hair loss and restore healthy hair.
Does low iron cause hair loss?
Yes — hair thinning or loss is a very common symptom of low iron. If your hair is thinning and you lose way too much with every shower or brush, low iron may be to blame. Keep reading to learn more about why this symptom occurs and how you can fix it.
"hair thinning or loss is a very common symptom of low iron"
How does the body make hair?
To understand why low iron causes hair loss, consider how the body makes new hair. Hair follicles are structures at the surface of the skin that generate hair. Cells surrounding hair follicles are specialized to make keratin, which is the protein that makes up hair. When these cells produce enough keratin, the keratin is pushed up through the hair follicle to lengthen existing hair or sprout a new strand.
Why does low iron slow down cells that produce new hair?
Oxygen is needed to generate the energy used by these keratin-producing cells. This oxygen is carried to the cells by a protein called hemoglobin, which contains iron. As a result, when someone is low iron, their cells for producing hair become oxygen-deprived. This lack of production leads to hair thinning and ultimately hair loss.
How does low iron reduce synthesis of keratin and biotin?
In addition to helping transport oxygen, iron plays a large role supporting various chemical reactions in the body. Among these reactions are the synthesis of keratin and biotin (a vitamin that also supports keratin synthesis). Thus, being low iron reduces the body’s ability to synthesize keratin and biotin, further impeding the growth and maintenance of healthy hair.
What ferritin levels are needed to regrow hair?
Ferritin is an iron-binding protein and ferritin levels are the best indicator of iron status. Many people experience hair loss with ferritin below 50 ng/ml. For optimal hair regrowth, ferritin should be raised and maintained over 100 ng/ml.
"being low iron reduces the body’s ability to synthesize keratin and biotin, further impeding the growth and maintenance of healthy hair"
How can iron supplements help to restore luscious hair?
Iron supplements can help restore a healthy head of hair, without risking the side effects of hair regrowth products and treatments. However, iron supplements risk their own side effects, so it's important to start slowly and find an iron solution that you can easily tolerate. There are many types of iron, all of which have different absorption and side effect profiles depending on who takes them.
How does iron compare to Minoxidil for hair growth?
Minoxidil is a hair-loss treatment that is FDA approved for certain male and female hair loss conditions. It is also available as an over-the-counter solution. Minoxidil is proven effective, but hair shedding occurs when stopping Minoxidil treatment -- in other words, once you start, you may need it forever. It also risks side effects such as irritation on the areas where it is applied. In contrast, iron can be stored in the body and then used to support hair growth even after you stop taking it.
"hair shedding occurs when stopping Minoxidil treatment -- in other words, once you start, you may need it forever"
Is Iron Lift the right solution for your hair?
Iron Lift is a unique high-iron drink powder that can be a cure-all solution for your hair problems. Our customers report healthier hair when using Iron Lift. They benefit because Iron Lift delivers highly absorbed iron, along with biotin and other vitamins/minerals that support healthy hair. A single bag of Iron Lift may stop hair loss, and a consistent regimen may get you on the path to healthy hair in no time.
Sources
- Skin, Hair, and Nails (Nemours Health)
- Cysteine Prevents the Reduction in Keratin Synthesis Induced by Iron Deficiency (Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)
- A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss (Skin Appendage Disorders)
- Iron-Sulfur Center of Biotin Synthase (Biochemistry)
- Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review (Drug Design, Development and Therapy)
