Iron and vitamin D deficiencies are among the most common causes of hair loss in women - and they're often 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
- Affects hair cycle regulation
Target Ferritin Levels
- Labs say 12+ is normal
- For hair: aim for 70+ ng/mL
- Some dermatologists recommend 100+ for active hair loss
Vitamin D and Hair
Hair follicles contain vitamin D receptors, and this vitamin plays a role in hair cycling.
The Research
- Vitamin D deficiency common in hair loss patients
- May affect hair cycle and follicle health
- Supplementation may help some types of hair loss
Target Levels
- Minimum: 30 ng/mL
- Optimal: 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? Journal of Korean Medical Science, 28(5), 694-697.
- Thompson, J. M., et al. (2017). The role of iron in the pathogenesis of female pattern hair loss. British Journal of Dermatology, 177(6), 1044-1050.
