Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss: The Jury Is Still Out

In the 2006 document by Elise A. Olsen, MD, the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss is examined, but a definitive link is not established. The paper reviews studies with varying definitions of iron deficiency and different serum ferritin cutoff levels, which demonstrates the lack of standard diagnostic criteria. It also notes the importance of well-matched control groups and the consideration of variables that could affect iron status. The conclusion calls for more research, including larger and well-controlled studies, uniform diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic trials with objective measures of hair growth, to conclusively determine the connection between iron deficiency and hair loss. The need for funding to further investigate this potential relationship is emphasized.