What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com: Iron Deficiency Anemia
- "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research"; The Role of Vitamin C in Iron Absorption; L Hallberg, et. al.; Suppl. 1989
- "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research"; The Role of Vitamin C in Iron Absorption; L Hallberg, et. al.; Suppl. 1989
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How to Make Hair Grow When You Have Low Iron
Low iron, also known as iron deficiency anemia, is common, according to the MayoClinic.com 2. The most common symptoms are fatigue, weakness and pale skin. However, the MayoClinic.com notes that the condition can also cause hair loss. Women of childbearing age are most commonly affected due to iron loss during menstruation and pregnancy. Small children and those with iron-poor diets are also at risk. Although the deficiency can cause hair loss, you can prevent further loss and encourage new growth.
Consult your physician. Make absolutely certain that you have an iron deficiency and that your hair loss is not due to other factors. Your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement or other treatments to improve your iron counts.
List of Foods & Drinks High in Iron
Learn More
Eat foods rich in iron. Leafy greens, whole grains and dried fruit are all rich in iron. Red meat, beans and eggs are also good sources of iron.
Get your vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to hair growth and, according to a study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, helps the body absorb iron better 3.
Iron & Anxiety
Learn More
Ask your doctor about birth control. Some forms of birth control prevent women from having periods every month and may reduce the amount of iron loss.
Stimulate your scalp. Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and seven drops of rosemary essential oil into a 16-oz squeeze bottle of grapeseed oil. Squeeze a quarter-sized portion into your hand and massage the oil into your scalp once a day.
Get plenty of rest. Your body--including your hair follicles--repairs itself while you sleep. Get at least eight hours rest each night.
Related Articles
References
- “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy”;Valerie Ann Worwood;1991
- MayoClinic.com: Iron Deficiency Anemia
- "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research"; The Role of Vitamin C in Iron Absorption; L Hallberg, et. al.; Suppl. 1989
- Camaschella C. Iron deficiency: new insights into diagnosis and treatment. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2015;2015:8-13. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2015.1.8
- Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I. Iron Status of Vegetarian Adults: A Review of Literature. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016;12(6):486–498. doi:10.1177/1559827616682933
- DRI: Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press; 2001.
- Alaunyte I, Stojceska V, Plunkett A. Iron and the female athlete: a review of dietary treatment methods for improving iron status and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:38. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0099-2
- Mirza FG, Abdul-kadir R, Breymann C, Fraser IS, Taher A. Impact and management of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in women's health. Expert Rev Hematol. 2018;11(9):727-736. doi:10.1080/17474086.2018.1502081
- Hegazy AA, Zaher MM, Abd El-Hafez MA, Morsy AA, Saleh RA. Relation between anemia and blood levels of lead, copper, zinc and iron among children. BMC Res Notes. 2010;3:133. Published 2010 May 12. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-3-133
- Qin Y, Melse-Boonstra A, Pan X, et al. Anemia in relation to body mass index and waist circumference among Chinese women. Nutr J. 2013;12:10. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-10
- Cleveland Clinic. Leukemia. Updated October 31, 2016.
- Merck Manual Professional Version. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Updated July 2018.
- Johns Hopkins Hospital. Iron-Deficiency Anemia.
- Abu-Ouf NM, Jan MM. The impact of maternal iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on child's health. Saudi Med J. 2015;36(2):146–149. doi:10.15537/smj.2015.2.10289
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hemochromatosis. Updated March 2014.
Writer Bio
Julia Michelle has been writing professionally since January 2009. Her specialties include massage therapy, computer tech support, land and aquatic personal training, aquatic group fitness and Reiki. She has an Associate in Applied Science from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in integrative medical massage therapy.