Don’t Let This Happen To You! Hair Loss and Iron Deficiency: The Symptom and Treatment

Iron Deficiency Anemia: The Cause Iron deficiency anemia is a disorder wherein the blood lacks sufficient red blood cells.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissue in the body.  Your blood then gives your body energy and a healthy glow.  Many people who are iron deficient look pale and sickly.  This blood disorder is due to lack of iron in the diet.  Hemoglobin is made of iron.  Without iron, hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, cannot enable the cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.  Studies show that women consistently are more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia, especially pubescent girls and pregnant women.  The reason pubescent girls tend to be susceptible to iron deficiency anemia is because when they menstruate, they lose blood and the iron needs to be replaced.  A study conducted by Dr. Michael Sharon, author of Nutrients A-Z noted that during a woman’s menstrual cycle, she can easily lose 10-15mg of iron.  His study also revealed that women in pregnancy tend to lose 600-1000 mg.  That’s a lot of iron.

Hair Loss in Women: An Embarrassing Symptom of Iron Deficiency
One sign of iron deficiency in women is hair loss especially in premenopausal women.  Prior to a recent study, many people assumed that hormone replacement therapy was the cause of hair loss in women.  Hair loss in women included thinning out of hair over the years pre-menopausal.  Researchers have concluded that poor diet, one which lacks sufficient iron, is the real culprit.  
 
Treatment for Hair Loss Due to Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is easy to correct. There are two methods to correcting iron deficiency oral pill and/or diet.  The best course of action of course would be an overhaul of one’s diet.  A diet rich in iron would include, liver, lean protein including beef, pork and lamb, seafood, beans, whole grains, collard greens and all other leafy greens, and poultry.

Anemia in a Child: Iron Deficiency the Main Cause
The cause of iron deficiency anemia in a child is the same as the cause in adults lack of iron. However, the iron deficiency in a child or infant can have far more serious consequences than in an adult.  Iron deficiency anemia in a child can result in the loss of motor skills, behavioral and emotional problems.  In children, these issues may be permanent depending on how far the blood disorder has progressed.  Foods that are fortified with iron such as oatmeal, pasta, nuts, and dried fruit are all foods children should eat.  For infants, buy iron rich baby foods and iron fortified baby formulas such as Enfamil or Similac.  They’re great options.  
In sum, it is best to prevent iron deficiency by having an adequate diet filled with plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular, iron fortified foods.  In addition, schedule regular check ups with your family care physician and have important blood work done on a regular basis.  Exercise is an activity that should be incorporated in your daily routine.  Following these guidelines will ensure you won’t suffer from iron deficiency.