Hair loss can occur for various reasons including age, alopecia, hormone imbalance, stress, medical conditions, taking certain medications or nutrient deficiencies such as iron-deficiency anemia. Although in some cases hair loss can be treated with medications such as Rogaine, hair loss due to iron deficiency can be reversed with lifestyle or dietary changes.
Normal Hair Loss
Losing hair, or shedding, is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. According to the March of Dimes, at any one time, approximately 90 percent of hairs on the head are in a growing phase; the other 10 percent are in a resting phase, which is the phase prior to shedding. Normal hair loss is about 100 hairs per day, according to Medline Plus. The average life of a hair is approximately 4.5 years before it falls out.
Iron and Hair Loss
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, consuming low amounts of dietary iron leading to anemia can cause hair loss, as can consuming too little protein. Many foods that are high in iron also contain protein. Fortunately, hair loss due to iron-deficiency anemia can be reversed by consuming greater amounts of iron through foods or supplements.
Iron Requirements
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for iron varies depending on age and gender. Women who are pregnant or menstruating have increased iron requirements since iron is lost through blood and it is also necessary for healthy fetal development. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, men and women ages 51 or older require 8 mg of iron per day, while women ages 19 to 50 need 18 mg per day. Pregnant women require 27 mg of iron per day.
High-Iron Foods
Sources of dietary iron include both animal and plant foods; however, animal sources of iron are typically absorbed better in the body. Most meats, especially liver and red meat, are among the best foods sources of dietary iron. Oatmeal and cereals are typically fortified with significant amounts of iron. Many types of dried beans, soy, lentils and spinach are good plant food sources of iron.
Correcting Iron Deficiency
Iron-deficiency anemia is a medical condition that can cause extreme fatigue, hair loss, weakness, dizziness, feeling cold and difficulty concentrating. A health care provider should be consulted if experiencing symptoms of anemia.
Correcting iron deficiency typically includes taking an iron supplement to help increase iron levels stored in the body. Higher amounts of iron than the Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA may be prescribed until iron stores are back to a normal level and anemia is corrected.
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