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.