Iron and vitamin D deficiencies can be among the most common causes of hair loss in women - and they can be overlooked or undertreated.
Iron and Hair Loss
Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active cells in your body. They need iron to function.
Why Iron Matters
- Required for DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing hair cells
- Needed for oxygen delivery to hair follicles
- Can affect hair cycle regulation
Target Ferritin Levels
- Labs may say 12+ is normal
- For hair: a target may be 70+ ng/mL
- Some dermatologists may recommend 100+ for active hair loss
Vitamin D and Hair
Hair follicles contain vitamin D receptors, and this vitamin may play a role in hair cycling.
The Research
- Vitamin D deficiency can be common in hair loss patients
- May affect hair cycle and follicle health
- Supplementation may help some types of hair loss
Target Levels
- Minimum may be 30 ng/mL
- Optimal may be 40-60 ng/mL
Getting Tested
Both are simple blood tests:
- Ferritin (not just hemoglobin)
- 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Treatment Considerations
- Iron absorption is complex - test for underlying causes if levels don't improve
- Vitamin D requires adequate fat for absorption
- Both take time to replete
- Hair improvement may take 3-6 months after levels normalize
References
- Rasheed, H., et al. (2013). Serum ferritin and vitamin D in female hair loss: do they play a role? Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 26(2), 101-107. PMID 23428658
