Iron, Vitamin D, and Hair Loss: The Connection

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.