Iron deficiency and diffuse nonscarring scalp alopecia in women: More pieces to the puzzle
December 2010
in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
TLDR The conclusion suggests a possible link between iron levels and hair health in women, recommending further research on iron supplementation for hair loss.
The document from December 2010 reviews the literature on the potential link between iron deficiency and nonscarring scalp alopecia in women, suggesting that iron deficiency might affect hair cycle progression by impacting iron-dependent genes in the hair follicle bulge region. The authors discuss their approach to diagnosing and treating women with low iron stores and hair loss, including blood tests and iron supplementation to maintain ferritin levels above 50 µg/L. They acknowledge the limitations of existing research, such as small sample sizes and the need for randomized controlled trials, and call for further investigation. The studies reviewed had sample sizes ranging from 12 to 5110 subjects, but only three directly evaluated the effect of iron supplementation on hair loss. The paper concludes that there is evidence to suggest a connection between iron stores and hair maintenance, and recommends more research into treating iron-deficient women with hair loss.
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Cited in this study
research No Association between Serum Ferritin Levels >10 μg/l and Hair Loss Activity in Women
Higher iron levels in the blood are not linked to increased hair loss in women.
research The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss
Iron deficiency may be related to hair loss, but there's not enough evidence to recommend iron screening or supplements for all hair loss patients.
research Decreased Serum Ferritin is Associated With Alopecia in Women
Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.
research There is no clear association between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss
Low iron levels are not directly linked to chronic hair loss and iron supplements may not help.
research Nutritional factors and hair loss
Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.
research Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation
Some hair loss can be treated, especially in women due to nutrition, but some types remain untreatable.
research Does tissue iron status have a role in female alopecia?
Iron deficiency is not a significant cause of hair loss in women.
research Biochemical and trichological characterization of diffuse alopecia in women
Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.
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research Iron deficiency and diffuse nonscarring scalp alopecia in women: More pieces to the puzzle
The conclusion suggests a possible link between iron levels and hair health in women, recommending further research on iron supplementation for hair loss.