Hair Loss - Iron Deficiency?

Cleveland Clinic dermatologists believe that after 40 years of research iron deficiency has a closer link to hair loss that most people realise. Iron deficiency may be a key factor in restoring hair growth!

Leonid Benjamin Trost, MD states, "We believe that treatment for hair loss is enhanced when iron deficiency, with or without anemia anemia , is treated."

However, we feel that this is not so straight cut as they make out, after all, not every study shows a link between iron deficiency and hair loss. We don't feel there is enough evidence yet to make testing for iron deficiency a routine practise for hair loss sufferers.

A study researched called Bergfield has been screening for iron deficiency in hair loss (both men and women) for years and she finds that whatever the cause of hair loss, having too little iron in the blood can make it even worse.

The University of Pennsylvania Hair and Scalp Clinic has also studied the effects of iron supplementation in women with various forms of hair loss and in their experience they state that if you replenish your iron stores you are more likely to regrow hair, or at least stop the shedding. They also state that you don't have to be anemic either.

However, in our opinion we feel that it would be a mistake to rush out and start taking iron supplements unless you have iron deficiency and this course has been recommended by your GP. After all, iron supplements can lead to various dangerous conditions if you take too much.

As usual, when considering any supplement for any reason you should consult with your GP first.!

CHL, May 17, 2006