Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss

Relationship Between Iron Status and Hair Loss

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide and is associated with chronic diffuse telogen hair loss, particularly in women with low ferritin levels 2
Iron serves as a cofactor for ribonucleotide reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in DNA synthesis, making it crucial for tissues with high cellular turnover like hair follicles 2
Serum ferritin is the primary indicator of iron status used in hair loss studies, reflecting a patient's total iron storage 1
The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology recommends considering iron deficiency in the diagnosis of various types of hair loss, including alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia 1

Studies have found lower ferritin levels in patients with alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia, suggesting a possible link between iron deficiency and these conditions 1
The American College of Dermatology suggests that iron deficiency may be a contributing factor to hair loss in women, particularly those with chronic diffuse telogen hair loss 1

The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology suggests that testing for iron deficiency may be beneficial in certain cases of hair loss, particularly in women with low ferritin levels 1
Iron supplementation may result in better prognosis for iron deficiency-related hair loss, especially when started within 6 months of onset 1

Serum ferritin has high sensitivity but low specificity for iron overload, as it can be elevated in many inflammatory conditions, according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 4
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends considering both transferrin saturation and other potential causes of abnormal ferritin levels when evaluating iron status 4