Relationship: Hair and iron

Evidence supporting the use of: Iron
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Iron is scientifically validated as an important nutrient for supporting the health of the hair and, by extension, the hair body system. Iron deficiency is a well-established cause of hair loss, particularly in the form of telogen effluvium, a condition where hair falls out after a stressful event or nutritional deficiency. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that individuals with low iron stores—especially premenopausal women—are more likely to experience diffuse hair thinning. Iron’s primary role is in the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to cells, including the cells of the hair follicle. Adequate oxygenation is crucial for normal hair growth and follicle cycling.

Several reviews and meta-analyses have found a correlation between low serum ferritin (a marker for iron stores) and chronic hair loss. Supplementation with iron has been shown to improve hair growth in those who are iron-deficient. However, evidence does not support iron supplementation for hair health in individuals who already have normal iron levels, and excess iron can have adverse effects. Thus, the use of iron to support the hair body system is justified by strong scientific evidence, but primarily when there is an underlying deficiency.

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Other ingredients that support Hair

amino acids
ashwagandha
bamboo
biotin
bovine gelatin
ceramides
collagen
copper
fish oil
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
horsetail
iron
kelp
L-cysteine
L-cystine
L-lysine
L-methionine
L-proline
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sage
saw palmetto
selenium
silicon
keratin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
Zinc
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lingzhi
sunflower
trace minerals
wheat germ
herbal blend (proprietary)
Algae
bladderwrack
argan nut oil
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animal protein
black seed
babchi
beef
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bovine protein
curry leaf
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Chinese fleeceflower
Cymbopogon martini
castile soap
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Drynaria
egg
Eclipta
emu oil
Egg protein
ferritin
fo-ti
fish
fatty acids
Growth factors
garden cress
henna
jojoba oil
lipids
Molasses
Miliacin
Marine protein
Maidenhair Fern
Nigella seed
Panthenol
Polygonum
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Quinoa Protein
Selenomethionine
Silk protein
Salmon Oil
Sapindus mukorossi
Sulfur
silica
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Other body systems supported by iron

Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Glandular System
Hair
Heart
Immune System
Liver
Muscles
Nails
Nerves
Reproductive System
Spleen

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Health Concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: Iron
For the body system: Hair

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients that support Hair

Other body systems supported by iron

Products containing iron

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: IronFor the body system: Hair

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients that support Hair

Other body systems supported by iron

Products containing iron

Evidence supporting the use of: Iron
For the body system: Hair